Stressing about future rate increases? A Roth IRA helps safeguard against them because you make after-tax contributions now and tax-free withdrawals after age 59 1/2.
In 2011, a couple earning under $169,000 can each sock $5,000 into a Roth (those 50-plus can add $1,000 more).
Earn too much? Put $10,000 into a traditional IRA, then convert to a Roth (you'll owe income tax on the amount converted).
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