[JSH]

There are two basic difference between a traditional and Roth IRA.
1. With a traditional you pay no taxes on the money today and instead pay taxes when you take money out. With a Roth you pay taxes today and no taxes when you take the money out. Mathematically they are the same and you will pay the same taxes as long as your tax rate stays the same. The vast majority of people will see no benefit to a Roth IRA - on fact they will pay more in taxes as the vast majority of people are not in a higher tax bracket in retirement than when they are working.
2. With a Roth you can take out your contributions out (but not earnings) penalty free before the age of 59 1/2 as long as the account has been open for 5 years.


I churn cards and started a thread on it that got very little interest. Right now my wife and I are wrapping up a week long trip to Scotland paid for by churning two cards.