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IRAs & Investments in Corpus Christi, Texas

What Is an IRA?

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a savings tool made for retirement. It helps you set aside money for the future while gaining tax benefits. Depending on the type of IRA you choose, you may reduce your taxable income now or enjoy tax-free withdrawals later. At Melissa Lara Financial, we help you understand your options and make the right choice for your future.

Traditional IRA vs. Roth IRA: What’s the Difference?

Both Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs help you save for retirement, but they work in different ways.

Traditional IRA:

  • Contributions may be tax-deductible.
  • You pay taxes when you withdraw the money.
  • Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73.

Roth IRA:

  • Contributions are made with after-tax dollars.
  • Withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.
  • No RMDs during your lifetime.
Not sure which IRA is right for you? We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons based on your income, age, and retirement goals.

How Much Can You Contribute to an IRA?

The IRS sets annual contribution limits for IRAs. For 2025:
  • Individuals under 50 can contribute up to $7,000.
  • Those 50 and older can contribute up to $8,000 (thanks to a $1,000 catch-up allowance).
We’ll help you maximize your contributions while staying compliant with IRS rules.

When Can You Withdraw Money From an IRA?

You can begin withdrawing from your IRA at age 59½ without a penalty. But taking money out before then could trigger a 10% early withdrawal penalty, unless you qualify for an exception (such as for first-time home purchases or medical expenses). Traditional IRAs require RMDs at age 73, while Roth IRAs do not.

We’ll guide you through your options so you can avoid penalties and keep your money working for you.

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Let’s talk about your goals. We offer free consultations for all financial, insurance, and tax services in Corpus Christi.

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What Investments Can an IRA Hold?

IRAs aren’t just savings accounts—they’re powerful investment vehicles. You can use your IRA to invest in:
  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Mutual funds
  • Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
At Melissa Lara Financial, we help you select a mix that fits your risk level and retirement timeline.

How Do IRAs Fit Into Your Retirement Plan?

Your IRA is a key piece of your overall retirement strategy. It works alongside other accounts like:
  • 401(k)s
  • Pensions
  • Social Security
Whether you’re starting fresh or already have accounts in place, we’ll build a coordinated plan tailored to your needs.

What Investment Strategies Do You Offer?

We know every client is different. That’s why we offer a range of investment strategies, including:
  • Conservative portfolios for those near retirement
  • Balanced portfolios for steady growth
  • Growth-focused portfolios for younger investors

Your plan is built around your goals, life stage, and comfort level.

Why Corpus Christi Trusts Melissa Lara Financial

We serve our clients with integrity, knowledge, and heart. We’re proud to call Corpus Christi home.

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How Do You Help Manage Investment Risk?

Smart investing means protecting what you’ve worked hard to save. We focus on:
  • Diversification: Spreading your money across different asset types
  • Risk tolerance: Matching your plan to your comfort with market changes
  • Rebalancing: Making sure your portfolio stays aligned with your goals over time

Your peace of mind is our top priority.

IRA vs. Brokerage Account: What’s the Difference?

An IRA is designed for retirement and comes with tax advantages—but also more rules.

A regular brokerage account:
  • Has no contribution limits or early withdrawal penalties
  • Offers no special tax breaks

We’ll help you choose the right account—or use both—to balance flexibility and long-term benefits.

Can You Roll Over a 401(k) Into an IRA?

Yes, and we can help. If you’ve changed jobs or are retiring, rolling your 401(k) into an IRA may give you:
  • More investment options
  • Lower fees
  • Simpler account management

We’ll make the rollover process smooth and ensure your retirement funds stay protected.

Start Planning Today with Melissa Lara Financial

Located right here in Corpus Christi , we’re committed to helping individuals and families across the Coastal Bend build brighter financial futures. Whether you’re just starting or looking to fine-tune your investments, Melissa Lara Financial is here to guide you every step of the way.