Insights & Financial News | Oak Road Journal

Insights

Number 5 on a yellow plate representing the Roth IRA 5-year rule

Do You Have to Keep Money in a Roth IRA for 5 Years?

Think your Roth IRA locks your money up for 5 years? It doesn't — at least not all of it. Here's what the 5-year rule actually controls.

Is a Roth IRA Good for Retirement?

Is a Roth IRA good for retirement? The tax benefits are real — but most people miss the one factor that determines whether they pay off.

Stressed woman rubbing her temples at a laptop while a colleague hands her paperwork, illustrating the confusion around Roth IRA rules and downsides

What Is the Downside of a Roth IRA?

What is the downside of a Roth IRA? The rules that trip up even savvy savers, from income limits to early withdrawal penalties, explained by a fiduciary advisor — before you contribute another dollar.

Person standing at a fork in the road with 'CHOICE' painted on the pavement and arrows pointing left and right, representing the decision between a 401(k) and a Roth IRA

Is It Better to Have a 401(k) or a Roth IRA?

401(k) or Roth IRA? You might be asking the wrong question. Here's the one that actually saves you money.

Stressed professional overwhelmed by sticky notes and paperwork at desk, representing the confusion of managing too many individual retirement accounts

How Many Individual Retirement Accounts Can You Have?

You can legally open unlimited IRAs — but should you? Here's how many individual retirement accounts actually make sense for your retirement plan.

Wooden retirement sign pointing toward a beach, symbolizing the choice between a 401(k) and an IRA

Is a 401(k) the Same as an Individual Retirement Account?

Is a 401(k) the same as an IRA? Not quite — and the difference could cost you. See which one actually fits your situation.

Icon illustrating an IRA withdrawal, showing a cash withdrawal symbol next to the word 'Withdrawal' on a dark teal background

How Much Can I Withdraw From My IRA While on Social Security?

There's no limit on IRA withdrawals while on Social Security — but one mistake could make 85% of your benefit taxable. Here's how to avoid it.

Blue paper torn open to reveal the word 'disadvantage,' illustrating the hidden disadvantages of an IRA

What Are the Disadvantages of an IRA?

Taxable distributions, a 10% early withdrawal penalty, and rising Medicare premiums can catch retirees off guard. A fiduciary firm in Lee's Summit, MO breaks down the trade-offs before you contribute another dollar.

Hand placing a $100 bill into a glass savings jar labeled 'Saving,' representing the choice between a CD and an IRA for growing savings

What's Better, a CD or an IRA?

Comparing a CD and an IRA head-to-head? They're not actually competitors. See how these two tools work together, plus real pros and cons of each.