<prompt> Human: It seems like Roth IRAs are so incredibly limited by the 5500 annual contribution that their growth is almost inconsequential if you dont start very early. Am I right or am I missing something? My wife started around age 40 and should retire at 56. Thats 16 years and around 88k of contributions before any earnings. I mean thats nothing to sneeze at, but in reality as far as how long that will carry you into retirement... it will be a very short time.  <response>: Not to sound rude, but thats why youre not meant to wait until age 40 to start contributing to one.It also sounds like maybe shes not ready to retire at age 56. 