Explore the resources below to find the solution that fits your future.

Traditional and Roth IRAs

Compare Traditional and Roth IRAs to choose the retirement savings option that best fits your income, tax strategy, and timeline.

  • Roth IRA: Potential tax-free earnings and tax-free qualified withdrawals
  • Traditional IRA: Potential tax-deductible contributions and tax-deferred growth
  • You may qualify for a tax credit up to $1,000
  • Traditional IRAs may require minimum distributions later; Roth IRAs generally do not

Traditional IRAs

Helps you save for retirement with tax-deferred earnings and may offer a tax deduction depending on your situation.

  • Tax-deferred growth on your savings
  • Possible tax deduction for eligible contributions
  • Potential tax credit up to $1,000 (if eligible)
  • Eligible assets from many employer plans can be rolled into a Traditional IRA

Roth IRAs

Helps you save for retirement with the potential for future tax-free income, making it a strong option for long-term flexibility.

  • Potential tax-free distributions when requirements are met
  • No required minimum distributions during the owner’s lifetime
  • Potential tax credit up to $1,000 (if eligible)
  • Contributions are after-tax, with the potential for tax-free qualified withdrawals

Inherited IRAs

If you’ve inherited an IRA, your distribution options depend on factors like when the original owner died and your relationship to them. This guide helps you understand your next steps.

  • Explains beneficiary rules for deaths before vs. after Jan. 1, 2020
  • Breaks down common options like lump sum, 10-year rule, and life expectancy payments
  • Highlights how the SECURE Act changed many nonspouse beneficiary timelines
  • Notes that plan documents may be more restrictive than general rules

Transfers, Rollovers, and Conversions

Moving retirement money doesn’t have to mean losing tax benefits. Learn the differences between transfers, rollovers, and conversions so you can move funds with confidence.

  • Covers portability options: IRA↔IRA, IRA↔plan, and plan↔plan
  • Explains when a move can stay tax-deferred vs. when it may be taxable
  • Clarifies key rules like 60-day timing for indirect rollovers
  • Outlines what a Roth conversion is and why it can trigger taxes

IRA and Retirement Plan Distributions

Thinking about taking money from your IRA or retirement plan? This brochure explains withdrawal rules, potential taxes and penalties, and how timing can affect your retirement income.

  • Helps you plan withdrawals to manage the tax impact
  • Explains when distributions may be penalty-free (and common exceptions)
  • Breaks down how Roth IRA distributions are generally ordered (contributions → conversions → earnings)
  • Reviews required minimum distribution (RMD) rules for retirement plans and Traditional IRAs

Coverdell ESAs

A Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) is an easy way to save for a child’s education, with tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses.

  • Funds can be used for qualified education expenses with tax-free withdrawals
  • Anyone can contribute (subject to MAGI limits)
  • Contributions can be made until the child turns 18 (with limited exceptions)
  • Can cover a wide range of expenses (tuition, books, supplies, some room/board)

 

Questions?

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Whether you're opening a new IRA, rolling over funds, or have questions about contributions and withdrawals, we're here to help.

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With a one-time membership fee of $1 and a $5 initial deposit, you can open a UCSCU savings account—and become a member for life even if you change jobs, retire or move out of the area.

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