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PaperclipPerfector  2d ago (text post)   1654 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for April 6, 2025

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

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Last year, and so far this year, I avoided putting anything into an IRA, expecting a stock market decline sooner or later. I still have a week to make contributions for 2024. Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether now would be a good time to buy, or whether I should just forgo any IRA contributions for 2024? (I did put money aside in my now decimated 401k.)

Throw it in a money market fund or certificate of deposit for now, to max out your ira.

What, no, always max out the IRA. You don't need to buy stock with it. I have most of my '24 contribution in a money market fund for the same reason. It's just a tax free savings account.

Thanks to you and @TowardsPanna for the advice. I’ve never invested in anything but stocks and mutual funds with my IRA, and I didn’t think to look into other options. I also make much less than most people here and so can’t usually max out both my IRA and my employer-matched 401k. But then, I live in a low cost of living area and likely spend vastly less than most of you.

Oh yeah, definitely max out the 401k match first. My IRA contribution was actually a big chunk of my (wage) income last year, thanks to some tax and cap gains shenanigans.

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