We received numerous e-mails last week asking the same Roth IRA question.  "Can I withdraw money from my Roth account?".   It's a common question-the IRA is a great long term savings account that does allow you to make distributions.  

The Roth IRA allows you to take out  your contributions at any time.   Your earnings or growth on the account will be taxed and penalized if you take monies out before 591/2.   Your IRA custodian or trustee generally tracks the amount that you contribute each year.   So, if you don't have an emergency fund your Roth IRA could be a very valuable account!