With little more than one week left before the tax-filing deadline, it’s time to fund that all-important Roth IRA if you haven’t done so already. Let’s briefly look at why a Roth IRA is so essential in saving for your retirement. Then we’ll discuss a few great stocks for a growth investor’s Roth.
Wave goodbye to Uncle Sam
Hands down, the best way to save for retirement is a Roth IRA. You contribute after-tax dollars to a Roth account. In exchange, you can withdraw earnings both tax and penalty free, as long as you’ve owned the Roth IRA for at least five years and have reached age 59½.
If you’ve not made your contribution for 2012, you have until the April 15 tax-filing deadline. So get going already! But, before contributing, be sure to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with Roth IRA rules and eligibility requirements.
Stock ideas for the growth investor
For investors yearning for growth, there are great stocks trading at good buys in today’s market. I’ve narrowed it down to three companies, which all boast competitive positions and enticing growth prospects.
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) currently generates the overwhelming majority of its revenues from search advertising. But, in order to remain relevant beyond its core search platform, the California-based company is actively diversifying its business. Its YouTube acquisition, Android mobile software, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) Ad Exchange, Google+ social network, and Chrome browser services are evidence of this. Continued acquisitions will likely propel growth for Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG).
Panera Bread Co (NASDAQ:PNRA)
Panera Bread Co (NASDAQ:PNRA) has built its rock-solid corporate reputation on its fresh products, relatively healthy menu offerings, and compassion for its customers and community. Its inviting restaurants continue to entice its more affluent customer base. And, unlike competitor Darden Restaurants, which has been focusing on pricing promotions, Panera Bread Co (NASDAQ:PNRA) has been able to command higher prices in conjunction with enhancing its menu.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has successfully managed a decade of dazzling growth, and gone about it in a fiscally sensible way. But even though Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is considered a leading innovator, it faces increasing competition from Samsung. And Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) may pose an eventual threat with its newly announced Facebook Home, a suite of services that are integrated into Google’s Android phones. But look for the second half of this year to likely be filled with new iProducts. Great news for investors, the stock currently trades at an incredibly cheap forward price-to-earnings ratio of nine, which is half that of the overall stock market!
Take action today
Don’t let the upcoming Roth IRA contribution deadline slip past you. Consider these three attractive growth stocks for your contribution dollars today. Take the time to fund a retirement account, and secure your financial future. Years from now, you’ll be so glad you did.
The article 3 Growth Stocks for Your Roth IRA originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Nicole Seghetti.
Fool contributor Nicole Seghetti owns shares of Apple. Follow her on Twitter @NicoleSeghetti. The Motley Fool recommends Apple, Facebook, Google, and Panera Bread. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Darden Restaurants, Facebook, Google, and Panera Bread.
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