Financial expert Suze Orman is urging Americans not to wait when it comes to opening a Roth IRA. The reason comes down to the "five-year rule," a little-understood rule that determines when your Roth IRA money can truly be withdrawn tax-free. Why Roth IRAs Are So ValuableA Roth IRA is funded with after-tax dollars, meaning you don't get a tax break when you contribute. The Five-Year Rule for ContributionsOrman explained that the five-year rule does not apply to your original contributions. The timing becomes especially important if you open a Roth IRA later in life.