assetbest 
I know Roth IRAs can seem dull to talk about, but they’re one of the best ways to build real wealth. Here’s the short version.
A Roth IRA is a tax-advantaged account where you contribute money after taxes, invest it, and then let it grow tax-free. Withdrawals in retirement are also tax-free, so you only paid taxes once—when you put the money in.
A quick example
– Put $5,000 into a Roth IRA each year from age 25 to 65.
– Split the money among three funds:
– 40% Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTWMX)
– 40% Vanguard FTSE All World ex-US Index Fund (VFWIX)
– 20% Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX)
– Assume an average 7% return over 40 years.
– Withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
How to get started
– Open an account with a discount broker like Vanguard, Fidelity, Schwab, or E*TRADE—online or by phone.
– Fund the account from your bank, set up deposits from your paycheck, or mail a check.
– Pick the funds and specify how much to allocate to each. Ask the broker to apply that allocation to current and future contributions.
– Start with whatever you can afford. Set up automatic monthly transfers and raise the amount as your income grows.
– Use an online retirement calculator to see how even small, steady contributions can add up over time.
What retirement accounts are you using, and what asset allocation do you prefer?
