A frequent question I get asked is where to find the Roth IRA with the best interest rates. I applaud anyone seeking to improve his investment returns. Unfortunately, this is a question without a specific answer because a Roth IRA by itself isnt a fixed rate investment; it is an investment account that can contain multiple types of investments with varying rates of return and amounts of risk.

A Roth IRA is an investment vehicle, not an investment

An IRA is an investment account, not an actual investment.

The first thing we need to do is understand what an IRA is and is not. According to the IRS, an IRA is an Individual Retirement Arrangement or an Individual Retirement Account, depending on how the term is used. The key word here is Individual. The person who owns the IRA determines how the assets are invested.

Roth IRAs  are a trust or custodial account designed for special tax benefits. But a Roth IRA by itself is not an investment it is an account designed to hold investments. The Roth IRA itself is just a piece of paper designating you as the account owner and beneficiary. The trustee or custodian maintains the document and record keeping on your behalf, and works to ensure you maintain certain requirements. From there it is up to you to determine how to allocate your assets as part of your long term retirement plans. If this is not a strong point for you, then consider working with a professional financial advisor to assist you.

Where do you get the best Roth IRAs?

As we mentioned, a Roth IRA is just a vessel for your retirement investments. You can open a Roth IRA with a trustee or custodian at a bank, a federally insured credit union, a savings and loan association, or an entity approved by the IRS to act as trustee or custodian.

How to open an Roth IRA. Starting a Roth IRA is an easy process. Once you ensure you meet eligibility criteria, you will need to select a custodian, fill out some paperwork, select which funds you wish to invest in, and fund your IRA.

Best places to open a Roth IRA. The best place to open an IRA depends on your investment needs. A professional financial planner may be able to open a Roth IRA in your name. You can also open a Roth IRA with many banks and credit unions, as well as a variety of mutual fund houses and brokerage firms. You should make your decision based on your investment needs and style.

If you need assistance with your investments, then a professional advisor or broker may be the best option for you. If you are a hands on investor, then you may wish to take a look at the best Roth IRA brokerages. some of which include TradeKing. E*Trade. and TD Ameritrade .

Where are the best Roth IRA rates?

Because Roth IRAs are individual accounts and you can invest in virtually anything, you will need to search out the best investment that meets your needs and risk tolerance. If you are looking for a guaranteed interest rate, then consider a Certificate of Deposit (CD) or government bonds. If you are willing to assume more risk and potential reward, then you may be better investing in equities, REITs, or other investments. Roth IRAs can hold almost any type of investment, therefore the rate you receive is subject to the type of investments you use in your Roth IRA.