Bank IRA versus Investment IRA

When you open an individual retirement account, more commonly known as an IRA, you need to choose a custodian to hold the account and its underlying assets. Two choices you have for custodians include banks and brokerage firms. It may seem like it doesn’t matter which custodian you choose but in fact, choosing the wrong custodian could mean the difference between having an IRA that lasts throughout your retirement and one that’s depleted before you’re ready.

The Restrictions of a Bank IRA
If your bank doesn’t offer extended brokerage services then you may not be able to invest your IRA contributions in stocks, exchange traded funds, or other market instruments. Instead, you may be limited to bank CDs, money market funds and savings accounts.

While it might seem safer to get a bank IRA and put your contributions into fixed investments, this may actually be a far riskier move than you’d expect. If you rely on a variety of fixed products in your IRA rather than a truly diversified mix of assets then you are likely to have a very low return that doesn’t keep up with inflation or taxes, much less grow to enough that you can support yourself through retirement. (See our other VLOG called “Inflation’s Devastating Effect on Returns”)

A general rule of thumb to help retirees preserve their savings while still using it for postretirement income is to take 4 percent withdrawals per year. With a truly diversified and well-managed IRA, this will often mean leaving your principal completely untouched and simply living off of the growth of your assets. But in a bank IRA where CDs rarely earn more than 1.5 percent and money markets don’t generally exceed 1 percent, even using the conservative 4 percent rule means you’ll be withdrawing from principal each year, leaving you less money to grow and forcing you to quickly deplete your savings.

Retirement planning is a complex task requiring in-depth information about your goals, objectives, risk tolerance, and time frame. It’s a personalized process that requires a tailored approach to account design. At Kramer Wealth Managers, we’re here to help get you on the right path to help you feel comfortable about securing your retirement for the rest of your life. Contact us today to make an appointment.

*Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss. This material is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized individualized investment planning advice.

Adrianna Rocha

Client Relations Specialist

240-379-6929 V
240-439-6889 VP
512-379-6909 FAX
info@kramerwealth.com

Adrianna Rocha joined Kramer Wealth Managers in 2021.

Adrianna is responsible for client experiences and service. As part of the customer service team, she strives to help and provide top-notch service to our clients. As part of her role, she communicates with clients through videophone, schedules client meetings, prepares and processes forms, and gathers information for our advisors.

Adrianna Rocha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Gallaudet University in 2017. Before she joined our team, she worked in the customer service industry for nearly a decade. She excels in human-to-human relations and takes pride in not only her own accomplishments, but her clients’ as well. Adrianna enjoys chatting about her slight obsession with dogs, houseplants, essential oils, and food: especially Mexican food! She is also a proud fur-mama to her beautiful Aussie-mixed pup, Ziva.

Adrianna is not registered with Osaic Wealth.

Adrianna Rocha

Client Relations Specialist

240-379-6929 V
240-439-6889 VP
512-379-6909 FAX
info@kramerwealth.com

Since joining Kramer Wealth Managers in 2021, Adrianna Rocha has been a client service dynamo, ensuring every client interaction is seamless and delightful. She’s the go-to guru for all things client experience, handling everything from videophone chats to scheduling meetings and processing forms with a smile. Her goal? To make sure every client feels valued and well-cared-for.

Adrianna graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Gallaudet University in 2017 and brings nearly a decade of customer service experience to our team. She thrives on personal connections, celebrating both her achievements and those of our clients. When she’s not busy at work, you might find her indulging in her passions—dogs, houseplants, essential oils, and the tantalizing flavors of Mexican cuisine. Proud fur-mama to her adorable Aussie mix, Ziva. Adrianna brings a touch of warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does.

Q: What’s your favorite part of working with clients?

A:  I enjoy client service because it allows me to help people and make a positive impact. Using my listening skills to understand client needs and solve problems is satisfying. I love turning negative experiences positive and the daily variety of challenges.

Adrianna is not registered with Osaic Wealth.

Jack Morley

Client Relations Specialist

240-379-6929 V
240-439-6889 VP
240-379-6909 FAX
info@kramerwealth.com

Jack Morley has been a vital part of the Kramer Wealth Managers team since 2010, starting with various projects and officially joining full-time in 2013. As our go-to Account Service Specialist, Jack is the friendly face and reliable voice who ensures a smooth client experience. He’s the linchpin in client communications, handling account maintenance and bridging connections between clients and our advisory team.

A 1998 graduate of Gallaudet University with a BA in Psychology, Jack brings a wealth of customer service experience from retail and human services. His handyman skills are a bonus, making him the resident problem-solver and DIY enthusiast. Outside the office, Jack enjoys long walks with his dog Bailey.

Married for 25 years to his wonderful wife, Monica, Jack is also the devoted dad to two dynamic daughters who keep him on his toes. When he’s not walking Bailey—he’s likely tinkering on a new project or spending quality time with his family.

Q: What’s your favorite part of working with clients?

A:  I enjoy assisting clients in maintaining their accounts and ensuring there is a smooth transition in between changes being made within their accounts.

Jack is not registered with Osaic Wealth.