FirstStepsInvesting

Decoder · Accounts

Traditional IRA

A retirement account you open yourself, like a Roth IRA, but with the tax break at the other end: contributions may lower this year's taxes, and withdrawals in retirement are taxed as income. Same 2026 limit: $7,500 under 50, $8,600 at 50+. Whether the contribution is deductible depends on your income and whether a workplace plan covers you — printed IRS tables settle it, not opinions.

For your first $100: Roth or Traditional is a 'which end gets the tax break' question. For a first $100, either door beats no door — the decoder cards for both sit side by side so you can compare.

401(k), in plain words403(b), in plain wordsEmployer match, in plain words

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See this word inside your order