What are the key differences between a Roth IRA and a traditional investment account?

The key differences between a Roth IRA and a traditional investment account are how they are taxed and when you pay taxes. In a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax money, meaning you pay taxes on the money before you invest it, and then your withdrawals in retirement are tax-free. In a traditional investment account, you contribute pre-tax money, meaning you don't pay taxes on the money before you invest it, but you pay taxes on your withdrawals in retirement.