In the February 2010 issue of Today’s Chicago Woman, there is a brief article on Roth IRA’s.  In 2010 everyone is eligible to convert a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA.  This wasn’t the case before.  The primary advantage with a Roth IRA is that income tax is paid up front on the amount deposited and therefore when the money is withdrawn, it is tax free – even on appreciation, dividends and interest earned.  THAT’S BIG!  Also in 2010 (and only in 2010) one can pay the taxes either in 2010 or in two equal installments in 2011 and 2012.  THAT’S HUGE!  Read more about Roth IRAs and the questions one should ask when considering the conversion at http://www.tcwmag.com/issues/february-2010.  The article “Roth’s for Everyone” by Kay Kamin is on page 35.