How to Invest IRA Money

When you open an individual retirement account (IRA), you will have to decide how to invest the money. Unlike with an employer sponsored retirement plan, you'll have unlimited choices as to where to put your money. Don't be overwhelmed. Most people are best off putting their IRA investments in an index fund that tracks the S&P 500. When you invest in S&P 500 index funds, you'll be guaranteed to get an average market return, which is much higher than a return you can get with bonds or even most other mutual funds.