Contributing to your IRA

To get tax-advantaged growth from your IRA contributions, remember to do 3 things: contribute what you can, invest your contribution, and set up automatic investments.

Get started early

Starting early makes a difference, because your money has more time to grow. Don't be intimidated by the amount—contribute what you can every year to make an impact!

Starting early makes a difference. Jane saves $7,000 each year from age 25 to age 35, earning 7% per year on her investments. Her balance at age 65 is $787,756. Chris saves $7,000 each year from age 35 to age 65, also earning 7% per year on his investments. His balance at age 65 is $707,511. Even though Jane only contributed for 10 years, her savings grew more because she started earlier.

The hypothetical illustration assumes a 7% nominal annual growth rate on investments. The constant $7,000 contribution is made at the beginning of each year starting at ages 25 and 35 respectively. The total balances for the two hypothetical portfolios are then compared as the assumed retirement age of 65. All accumulated retirement savings amounts are shown in future (nominal) dollars. The illustration does not take into account any taxes or fees. Your own account may earn more or less than this example and income taxes will be due when you withdraw from your account. Investing in this manner does not ensure a profit or guarantee against a loss in declining markets. Investments that have potential for a 7% annual rate of return also come with risk of loss.

You can contribute online using your computer or mobile device until your state's tax deadline that calendar year. Be sure to confirm that you're contributing for the correct year.

Know your limits

When you have earned income, you can contribute it to an IRA up to the maximum annual limit of $6,500 in 2023, and $7,000 in 2024. If you're 50 or older, you're allowed to contribute an additional $1,000. If you have more than one IRA, the total contribution to all your IRAs can't exceed the annual limit.

As long as you are still working, there is no age limit to be able to contribute to a Traditional IRA. With Roth IRAs, you can contribute at any age as long as your earned income falls within the allowable income limits. If you are unsure of how much you can contribute, use our calculator.

Make it a habit

Once you've calculated and made your contribution, don't forget to invest it. Contributions must be invested to maximize your savings. You can learn more about setting up a contribution schedule using Automatic InvestmentsLog In Required. Automatic investments allow you to select an amount, the date, and the frequency of investments. You're able to update this as your financial situation changes.

Next steps

Make a contributionLog In Required

If you have a Fidelity IRA, you can contribute now.

Choose your investments

Contributing is only the first step, learn more about investing your money.

Set up automatic investmentsLog In Required

Make it a habit, so you never forget to contribute.

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