Deposits into your IRA do not have to be made at the same time. (For example: In the year 2010, a 35 year old woman could deposit $416.67 into her IRA each month. At the end of the year, it would add up to the maximum $5,000.)
Due to the tax advantages of investing through an IRA, it is normally best to try and make the maximum annual contribution. The use-it-or-lose-it nature of contributions makes this all the more important (e.g., If you deposit $3,000 in 2009, you can't deposit $7,000 in 2010 [the $5,000 + the $2,000 you didn't deposit the prior year]. You cannot contribute more than the total allowable amount during any fiscal year.)
For more information, read our Guide to Retirement Account Contribution Limits. You can also visit our special, 101 Things Every New Investor Should Know About Stocks.
| YEAR | AGE 49 & BELOW | AGE 50 & ABOVE |
| 2002-2004 | $3,000 | $3,500 |
| 2005 | $4,000 | $4,500 |
| 2006-2007 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| 2008 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| 2009 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| 2010 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| 2010 | Indexed to Inflation | Indexed to Inflation |
