<prompt> Human: So I would love to kickstart the 2014 new year with a solid financial bang by maxing out my Roth IRA as soon as I can. As I understand my contribution limit is 5500. From what I have read the contribution must be made from funds earned that year, so would I have to wait until I have 5500 in income or can I max it out January 1st and just make sure that my total income for the year is more than that. I have money that I earned in 2013 sitting in liquid savings that is waiting to be invested.  <response>: You can max it out January 1st. Also, know that you can make retroactive contributions for 2013 up to April 15th, 2014 