<prompt> Human: So I just want to investstore away some money for the future.Ive been contributing 5.5k to a Roth IRA every year. But now Im looking at Vanguards ETFs, Index Funds and Mutual Funds. I know ETFs arent known as retirement savings options, and IRAs are a traditional retirement savings option. But are they similar? Im just storing away money and hoping it gains some interest? Like instead of putting money the standard 5.5k into my Roth IRA, should I choose to put that 5.5k into some Vanguard ETFs, Mutual Funds, Index Funds? Are they similar in tax terms too?  <response>: IRA vs. ETFsIndex FundsMutual FundsThis isnt comparing apples and oranges, but rather comparing apples and apple buckets. An IRA is a tax advantaged account in which different investments can be bought. Also, Index FundsMutual FundsAn index fund is a type of mutual fund. Read the wiki - 