Roth IRAs - worthless?

[Perryinva]

Also, as I mentioned in a previous thread, IF you are married before retirement, and expect to be in about the same tax bracket in retirement, by contributing to a Roth then, you are also hedging for the possibility of either you or your spouses death, and the survivor paying taxes at the much higher single rate on tIRA distributions. Just a twist on the lower tax bracket now (married) vs higher bracket later (single). Same income, different brackets.

[kokonutty]

Another factor worth considering is for a younger person who might still be investing 25% or so of their portfolio in riskier, higher return sectors to designate the Roth for that type of investment while keeping a standard IRA and/or 401k for the bulk of their retirement savings.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by kokonutty

... riskier, higher return sectors to designate the Roth for that type of investment while keeping a standard IRA and/or 401k for the bulk of their retirement savings.

This is what I have done, Position highest gains in ROTH. I have set aside a ROTH for Real Estate properties bought for gains (20% + gains, some are 100%+, a couple properties have been 300% gain (freeway property I rezoned to commercial)) ROTH is nice for this, as I can withdraw my contributions when needed elsewhere and leave the gains parked in the ROTH.

I have Traditional IRA's that hold my Real Estate that is rented out. (income portion of portfolio ~10% net returns)

Counterpoint... Always good to listen to others!
The Kiplinger Washington Editors

"My point is, foregoing a tax deduction today for a promise in the future is probably not a good idea unless you are in a 10-15% bracket, in which case you're not giving up much.
Read more at http://www.kiplinger.com/article/investing/T047-C032-S014-roth-a-wolf-in-sheep-s-clothing.html#z1AVgxuQr4hYF0m6.99"

Agreed... after 'tax planning' / standard manipulations / deductions / accelerated depreciation... my current rates are usually much less than 10%, so I am in agreement with Joe. His comment of a potential VAT send chills up my plan. I am GLAD I am no longer accumulating 'STUFF'. As does the reality of what (Affordable?)CA is gonna do to long term taxation. I would say "The Party is Over" and we need to look to our European predecessors and how they are making out! I am always surprised to see so many (millions annually) on Medi-vacations to Asia since quite a few supposedly have National Healthcare solutions. They have been coming to Asia (and elsewhere) for 40+ yrs for dental / vision / medical procedures.