Retirement Planning: Resources to prepare you for dream retirement
Resources to help you prepare for your dream retirement Whether retirement is a long way off or just around the corner, our...
Plan Your Great Retirement Escape
Planning for your retirement shouldn’t feel like a chore. Whether you’re looking to start small with our special Launchpad Savings Account or you’re ready to dive into an IRA, we’ve got options to fit your goals. Let’s work together to get your retirement dreams within reach.
Launchpad Savings Account
The hardest part of saving is getting started—so we made it easy! This account helps you build your retirement fund one small step at a time if you aren’t ready to invest in a retirement account or don’t have a 401(k) at work.
- Open your account with as little as $5 and watch it grow.
- Earn high dividend rates and save automatically with direct deposit.
- Once you hit $1,000, we’ll help you transition into an IRA*.
Open my savings account
Have questions? Ready to open a Launchpad savings account?
Drop us your info below and we’ll be in touch. Need to talk sooner? Just give us a call at 800-373-7600, ext. 0.
*You have 90 days to move the funds into a Dupaco IRA or Dupaco Financial Services IRA. The withdrawal penalty is waived if the funds are transferred to an IRA. If the funds are not moved into one of these accounts within 90 days of reaching the $1,000 balance, the account will be closed and the funds will be deposited, less a $5 fee, into your share savings account.
Traditional IRA
A Traditional IRA is a classic way to supplement your retirement plan. With competitive rates, no maintenance fees and federally insured savings, what’s not to love? It’s a good idea to check with your tax advisor to see if this is right for you.
- Your contributions may be tax-deductible, helping you save more now.
- Your earnings could grow tax-deferred until you make withdrawals in retirement.
- Choose from fixed-rate, variable-rate or brokerage account options.
Roth IRA
A Roth IRA offers a different set of perks. Between competitive rates, no maintenance fees and federally insured savings, it can also be a great way to put your money to work. Your tax advisor can help you decide if this is the right move for you.
- Your contributions are made with after-tax dollars so you can plan ahead.
- Qualified withdrawals in retirement could be tax-free.
- Choose from fixed-rate, variable-rate or brokerage account options.
Simplified Employee Pension
If you're self-employed, or own or work for a small business, a SEP IRA can be a smart alternative to a 401(k). Just be sure to check with your employer or tax advisor for eligibility and requirements.
- Allows eligible owners to contribute to their own and their employees’ futures.
- Typically allows for larger contributions than a standard Traditional or Roth IRA.
- Choose from fixed-rate, variable-rate or brokerage account options.
RATES
Launchpad Savings Rates
Launchpad Savings Rates
| Account Type | Dividend Rate | Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | Min. Balance | Max. Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Launchpad Savings
|
3.21%
|
3.25%
|
$5
|
$1,000
|
Rates are effective as of 01/06/2026 and are subject to change without notice.
1Launchpad Savings Rate: Dividends and annual percentage yields (APY) accurate as of the last dividend declaration date. The dividend rate and annual percentage yield may change after account opening. Fees could reduce earnings on the account.
Limitations: If there is no deposit to this account in any 90-day period, account will be closed and the funds will be deposited, less the $5, into member's share savings. Once the balance reaches $1,000 you have 90 days to move the funds into a Dupaco Financial Services IRA. If the funds are not moved into one of these accounts within 90 days of reaching the $1,000 balance, the account will be closed and the funds will be deposited, less the $5 fee, into member's share savings. A $5 penalty applies for each withdrawal from this account. The penalty is waived if the funds are transferred to an IRA. This is not a retirement account and there are no tax benefits on this account.
Have questions? Ready to open a Launchpad savings account?
Drop us your info below and we’ll be in touch. Need to talk sooner? Just give us a call at 800-373-7600, ext. 0.
RATES
IRA Account Rates
Special IRAs
| Term | Dividend Rate | Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | Min. to Earn |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Roth: 10 Month Fixed Jumbo Special
|
3.86%
|
3.90%1
|
$100,000
|
|
Traditional: 10 Month Fixed Jumbo Special
|
3.86%
|
3.90%1
|
$100,000
|
|
Roth: 10 Month Fixed Special
|
3.76%
|
3.80%2
|
$1,000
|
|
Traditional: 10 Month Fixed Special
|
3.76%
|
3.80%2
|
$1,000
|
|
Roth: 25 Month Fixed Jumbo Special
|
3.67%
|
3.70%1
|
$100,000
|
|
Traditional: 25 Month Fixed Jumbo Special
|
3.67%
|
3.70%1
|
$100,000
|
|
Roth: 25 Month Fixed Special
|
3.57%
|
3.60%2
|
$1,000
|
|
Traditional: 25 Month Fixed Special
|
3.57%
|
3.60%2
|
$1,000
|
Rates are effective as of 03/03/2026 and are subject to change without notice.
1Fixed Jumbo Special Rate: Minimum amount required to open any Fixed IRA Jumbo Special certificate is $100,000. The dividend rate and annual percentage yield (APY) may change. Dividends begin to accrue on the business day you deposit non-cash items (for example, checks). Dividends will be compounded semi-annually and will be credited to the account semi-annually. Dividends on your account will be credited by adding the dividends to the principle. The annual percentage yield assumes dividends will remain on deposit until maturity. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings.
2Fixed Special Rate: Minimum amount required to open any Fixed IRA special certificate is $1,000. The dividend rate and annual percentage yield (APY) may change. Dividends begin to accrue on the business day you deposit non-cash items (for example, checks). Dividends will be compounded semi-annually and will be credited to the account semi-annually. Dividends on your account will be credited by adding the dividends to the principle. The annual percentage yield assumes dividends will remain on deposit until maturity. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings1
Regular IRAs
| Term | Dividend Rate | Annual Percentage Yield (APY) | Min. to Earn |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Traditional: 60 Months
|
1.79%
|
1.80%3
|
$1,000
|
|
Roth: 60 Months
|
1.79%
|
1.80%3
|
$1,000
|
|
Traditional: 36 Months
|
2.09%
|
2.10%3
|
$1,000
|
|
Roth: 36 Months
|
2.09%
|
2.10%3
|
$1,000
|
|
Traditional: 18 Months
|
2.68%
|
2.70%3
|
$1,000
|
|
Roth: 18 Months
|
2.68%
|
2.70%3
|
$1,000
|
Rates are effective as of 03/03/2026 and are subject to change without notice.
3Fixed IRA Rates: Dividends and annual percentage yields (APY) accurate as of the last dividend declaration date. A penalty may be incurred for early withdrawals. Fees may reduce earnings.
Variable IRAs
| Balance | Dividend Rate | Annual Percentage Yield (APY)1 | Min. to Earn |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Traditional: $15,000+
|
0.60%
|
0.60%
|
$15,000
|
|
Roth: $15,000+
|
0.60%
|
0.60%
|
$15,000
|
|
Traditional: $5,000-$14,999.99
|
0.50%
|
0.50%
|
$5,000
|
|
Roth: $5,000-$14,999.99
|
0.50%
|
0.50%
|
$5,000
|
|
Traditional: $0.01 - $4,999.99
|
0.45%
|
0.45%
|
$0.01
|
|
Roth: $0.01 - $4,999.99
|
0.45%
|
0.45%
|
$0.01
|
Rates are effective as of 07/01/2025 and are subject to change without notice.
1Variable IRA Rates: Dividends and annual percentage yields accurate as of the last dividend declaration date. The dividend rate and annual percentage yield may change after account opening. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. A penalty will be imposed for early withdrawal.
Why You Should Start Saving for Retirement Soon
Save Money
When you put your money in a savings account or invest it, you earn a little bit of extra money called interest or dividends.
Earn Money
When you keep saving, you earn more money not only for the amount you first put in but also for the extra money you earned over time. It’s like getting a bonus on top of your savings!
Watch It Grow
This keeps happening over and over, and your money grows bigger and bigger. It’s like a snowball effect, resulting in exponential growth over time.
TRADITIONAL VS. ROTH
Choose the Best IRA For You
Traditional and Roth IRAs are both great retirement savings options. Each has unique tax benefits. Traditional IRAs offer tax-deductible contributions, while Roth IRAs offer tax-free withdrawals. The best choice depends on your financial situation, so it’s a good idea to check with your tax advisor. Here’s how these accounts compare at Dupaco.
*Check with your employer or tax advisor for eligibility and requirements.
Open my IRA
Ready to open your IRA? Have questions? Let's talk!
| Traditional | Roth | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax treatment | Tax-deductible contributions*, tax-deferred earnings and savers tax credit*; distributions are taxable | Tax-deferred earnings, tax-free earnings*, savers tax credit* and qualified distributions aren't taxed |
| Eligibility | Must have earned income | Must have earned income within allowable limits |
| Dupaco investment options | IRA term-share certificate, IRA share account or IRA brokerage account with a financial advisor | IRA term-share certificate, IRA share account or IRA brokerage account with a financial advisor |
| Minimum to open Dupaco IRA Plan | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Contribution limits | 2025 tax year: $7,000 ($8,000 if 50 or older) or your earned income–whichever is less 2026 tax year: $7,500 ($8,600 if 50 or older) or your earned income–whichever is less |
2025 tax year: $7,000 ($8,000 if 50 or older) or your earned income–whichever is less 2026 tax year: $7,500 ($8,600 if 50 or older) or your earned income–whichever is less |
| Contribution deadline | Federal tax filing deadline for the previous year | Federal tax filing deadline for the previous year |
| Required minimum distributions | Required minimum distributions beginning at age 73 | Not required |
| Penalties | IRS early distribution penalty and/or Dupaco early withdrawal and transfer fees may apply | IRS early distribution penalty and/or Dupaco early withdrawal and transfer fees may apply |
| IRS exceptions to penalties | Over age 59½, death, IRS levy, first-time home purchase, certain medical expenses and more. See full list here, and consult your tax advisor. | Over age 59½, death, IRS levy, first-time home purchase, certain medical expenses and more. See full list here, and consult your tax advisor. |
| *If eligible | ||
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Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is it better to put money in a Roth or Traditional IRA?
The best choice really depends on your financial situation, so it’s a good idea to check with your tax advisor. We can help too! But the main difference is how they’re taxed. With a Traditional IRA, you might get a tax break now but pay taxes when you withdraw in retirement. A Roth IRA is the opposite—you contribute after-tax dollars, and your qualified withdrawals and earnings are tax-free.
-
How much can I contribute to my IRA each year?
For the 2026 tax year, you can contribute up to $7,500 ($8,600 if you’re age 50 or older) or your earned income—whichever is less. Just keep in mind that your total contributions to all IRAs (both Traditional and Roth) can’t exceed these limits.
-
How much can my IRA grow over the years?
It depends on a few factors, like how much you contribute, your investment choices and how long your money has to grow. The earlier you start saving, the more your money benefits from compound growth, which is basically earning interest on your interest. You can compare the potential savings over time with our free Roth vs. Traditional IRA calculator!
-
What are the rules for withdrawing from an IRA?
Traditional IRAs allow penalty-free withdrawals after age 59½, while Roth IRAs allow tax-free withdrawals after five years and age 59½. If you withdraw money from your IRA before that, you might face a 10% early withdrawal penalty on top of taxes and fees. There are some exceptions (like first-time home purchases or certain medical expenses). But in most cases, it’s best to let your money grow until retirement.
-
Can I roll over an old 401(k) into an IRA?
Yes! Rolling over an old 401(k) into an IRA can be a smart way to keep your retirement savings in one place and give yourself more control over your investments. Learn more about what to consider here.
-
Is it better to leave money in a 401(k) or an IRA?
It depends on your situation. If you’re still working at the company that offers your 401(k), it might be a good idea to stick with it—especially if they match your contributions. That’s essentially free money! But if it’s money from a previous employer’s 401(k), rolling it over to an IRA might give you more control, a wider range of investment options and potentially lower fees. You could also explore investing in both an IRA and a 401(k) to save even more for your future. Ultimately, it’s about what best aligns with your current financial needs and long-term goals. Learn more about what to consider here.
-
What do I need to provide to open an IRA, transfer an IRA or rollover a 401(k) to an IRA at Dupaco?
For any Dupaco IRA, you’ll first need to join the credit union as the primary owner and open your retirement account with at least $1,000. You’ll also want to confirm eligibility with your tax advisor. Here’s what else you’ll want to have handy:
- Open an IRA: You can fund your IRA at one of our branches or over the phone (800-373-7600, ext. 218) with money you have on deposit at Dupaco. You can sign the paperwork in-person or electronically.
- Direct IRA transfer: Your IRA funds are moved directly from one financial institution to another without passing through your hands. We’ll need your current financial institution’s name, address, account number, IRA type, approximate value and beneficiary information (name, date of birth and Social Security number). We’ll give you paperwork to sign in-person or electronically. (Just know that not all financial institutions accept electronic signatures.) We’ll send the request to the financial institution for you! Please allow a few weeks for the financial institution to process the request.
- Indirect IRA transfer: Your IRA funds are taken out of one IRA plan, given directly to you and redeposited into an IRA plan within 60 days of receiving the funds. You’ll need to request a distribution from your current financial institution and deposit those funds into a Dupaco IRA within 60 calendar days of receiving them. If you withheld taxes on the original distribution, those funds must be “made up” and redeposited into your new IRA. Otherwise, it will be subject to the IRA early withdrawal penalty. This transaction type can only be completed once every 365 calendar days.
- Direct 401(k) rollover to IRA: Funds are distributed from your 401(k) plan administrator and deposited directly into your IRA. Once you open a Dupaco IRA, ask your current 401(k) provider to process a direct transfer to your Dupaco IRA. Just give them your new Dupaco account number and our address (PO Box 179, Dubuque, IA 52004).
- Indirect 401(k) rollover to IRA: Funds are distributed from your 401(k) plan directly to you and then redeposited into your IRA. Once you open a Dupaco IRA, you’ll need to request a distribution from your current financial institution. Be sure to follow their specific guidelines for processing the check. Federal guidelines apply to withholdings on these distributions. For details, check with your 401(k) plan administrator. Once you receive the funds, you’ll have 60 days to visit one of our branches to deposit the money and complete the process.