Im a 19 year old college student with 2000 in savings for retirement FASFA will not give me as much financial aid should I put it in an IRA anyway will I make more in interest?

Answer 1

An IRA is established for tax savings as your money grows. Most IRA money is invested in Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and Money Markets. You are probably referring to a Roth IRA. If you plan on not touching the money for a long time by all means put it in the Roth IRA but if you feel you may need it as many college students will do not as there is a penalty for withdrawing funds early. Saving for retirement is important but you are very young and college should be a priority. As far as FAFSA goes a 2000 dollar account will have very little effect on your financial aid. In short if only put in the IRA if you know you are definately not going to touch it. Invest it in several mutual funds with a diverse selection. Example: Large Cap, Mid Cap, Small Cap, International, Fixed Income with mabey 500 dollars in 4 of those listed above. But if you may need it leave it in an account you can access easily without a penalty.