You don't need to wait- the earlier you start, the more your money will grow. Your statement about contributing as much as you earn is correct, but don't go by your adjusted gross income- because that can include money that is from investments, not wages or self-employment. Go by what is on your W2- under Social Security wages-it will be more accurate. And, you can contribute to 2018 if you haven't done your 2018 taxes yet- you have until April 15th, 2019 to contribute to 2018's IRA. Check out Vanguard funds. Very low fees, some funds with very low entry points- and you can do automatic funding on a schedule you set up- right from your checking account. I had both my kids do Roth Ira's as soon as they started working, although I helped them in the beginning.
