When it comes to saving for retirement, most people think you need to have earned income to contribute to an IRA — and traditionally, that’s true. But thanks to the Spousal IRA rule, there’s a powerful exception that opens the door for non-working spouses (like stay-at-home moms, dads, or caregivers) to still build their own retirement savings.

Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand — and more importantly, easy to act on.

What Is a Spousal IRA and How Does It Work?

First things first: a Spousal IRA isn’t a separate or special account that needs to be opened and deemed “spousal”. In other words, you don’t need to open a “Spousal IRA” account. The spousal IRA is less of an account and more of a ruling.

The term “Spousal IRA” actually refers to a tax rule that allows a non-working spouse to contribute to an individual Traditional or Roth IRA, as long as certain criteria are met.

Here’s the key requirement:
👉 You must be married and file a joint tax return.

That’s it! If your household meets this condition and the working spouse earns enough to cover the contribution, the non-working spouse can open or continue contributing to their own IRA — even if they personally had no income for the year.

Fun Fact: IRAs are always individually owned — even in a marriage. That means this account is in your name, giving you financial independence and security for your future.

A Real-Life Example of How the Spousal IRA Works

Let’s say I earn $150,000 at my job, and my husband stays home with our kids. With the Spousal IRA rule, I can contribute up to the annual limit into my Roth IRA, AND he can do the exact same thing — even though he didn’t technically earn income this year (and I say technically because let’s be honest, any parent managing the chaos at home is absolutely earning it!).

We’re effectively doubling our household’s retirement contributions by using this strategy.

This is a huge opportunity for families to stay on track with retirement goals, even if one of you is not in the workforce right now.

Spousal IRA Contribution Limits

The Spousal IRA ruling follows the same annual contribution limits as any other IRA. Please keep in mind that the annual contribution limits to IRAs may change in any given year, please refer to the IRS website to get the latest information on contribution limits.

Income Limits for Roth IRA Contributions

If you’re planning to contribute to a Roth IRA using the Spousal IRA rule, there are a few income-related guidelines to keep in mind. To qualify, your combined household income must fall within the IRS-mandated limits for Roth contributions, which change annually. Please refer to the IRS website to get the latest information.

Who Should Take Advantage of the Spousal IRA?

If you’re a stay-at-home parent, homemaker, or simply taking a career pause, this is 100% a strategy to prioritize. Just because you’re not earning income right now doesn’t mean you should miss out on building your own retirement savings.

Let’s be real: the decision to stay home is deeply personal and full of purpose — but yes, it often comes with a financial trade-off. A Spousal IRA helps bridge that gap. You’re not only investing in your family day-to-day, you’re also investing in your own financial future.

You deserve to retire confidently and have wealth building for you in your name, just like your working spouse. This is how you make it happen.