Retirement Accounts

Retirement!

My grandparents were always so busy raising their kids that they forgot about their retirement. Today, they are facing the consequences because they have no retirement money and I wish I could help them. This situation has opened my eyes and I am considering opening a retirement account and perhaps invest some of that money. I have tried doing research and have visited several banks but I am stilled trying to figure all this out. I have asked several friends and family members but nobody that I know has a retirement account.

Some of my friends tell me I should wait a few more years claiming that I am to young. Other family members also tell me that I should not open an account until I am done with college. But I do want to open and account and start saving. I might not be a rich person but can make the effort to start saving. I know that I am interested in a Roth IRA or a traditional IRA. These types of accounts are basically individual retirement savings accounts both have pluses and minuses to them; but I cannot decide, which one to open. This is a site I have visited to learn more about the accounts http://www.ira.com/faq1.htm. At this site I have been able to find basic information that has actually helped me understand the accounts. Visit the website to learn more about this accounts or if you know about the accounts does the site reflect what you know about them? What suggestions do you have for me? Is it to early to have an IRA account? What about investing in mutual funds?