<prompt> Human: Hey everyone, so I dont know much about personal finance or retirement fundsinvestments but I will be starting a new job under the city next month. They have pension style retirementinvesting. However, what I know about pensions is that you have to work for a certain amount of time before you can actually get that money correct me if I am wrong. I havent started the job yet, but I imagine the pay wont get too much higher so unless I end up loving the job, I will probably start applying for new positions within less than five years. In this case, would it be better to start a roth IRA? Any benefits to choosing one or the other if I do end up enjoying the job and stick with it? BTW, I just turned 25, single, and no kids. Thanks  <response>: They have pension style retirementinvesting. However, what I know about pensions is that you have to work for a certain amount of time before you can actually get that money correct me if I am wrong.Really depends on the type of plan it is. The type of pension plan for municipalstate service in my state is a hybrid plan: half defined benefit i.e. the disbursements youre paid at retirement are based on the of years worked in public service and half defined contribution plan you contribute to your plan out of your paycheck, and your employer matches up to a certain percent. Everywhere does it different, though. In this case, would it be better to start a roth IRA? Any benefits to choosing one or the other if I do end up enjoying the job and stick with it?Better, again, would depend on the plan being offered by your employer. From there, it depends on your tax bracket now, too, as to which would be more beneficial. If a defined contribution plan, Im assuming your employer will likely match any money you put in, in which case the employer-offered plan would be better hands down. If a defined benefit plan, you could potentially cash out after termination of employment or keep it and withdrawal upon retirement. 