Contributing to an IRA is an excellent way to secure a comfortable retirement. Unlike most investments, depending on the type of IRA you choose, contributions may be tax deductible and will grow either tax-deferred or tax-free.

There is a limit to the amount which can be deposited annually, which cannot exceed your earned income for the year.

To contribute to a traditional IRA, you must be under age of 70½ at the end of the tax year, and you or your spouse, if you file a joint return, must have taxable income, such as wages, salaries, commissions, tips, bonuses, or net income from self-employment. In addition, taxable alimony and separate maintenance payments received by an individual are treated as compensation for IRA purposes.