Yes, I think it's a good idea to contribute to the Roth. I was only able to do it for 2 years also. I'm approaching the 5 year mark, when I can take withdraw without penalty--


I just wanted to clarify the poster's comment on top. The 5 yr rule only applies to conversions--not contributions. So if you contribute to a Roth, you can take that principal amount at any time without any penalty or tax. It is only when you convert it for ex. from a traditional IRA to a ROTH, that it must stay in there for 5 years until one could withdraw the funds without penalty or taxes.