Campbell's is in the soup

[WritOfCertiorari]

Even as a fan of mutual funds (well, ETFs, actually, but same deal), if someone is dedicated enough to do research on stocks, and actually knows what they are doing, its actually very possible to outperform the market, especially after fees. Some brokers are even offering commission-free stock trading. Remember that a mutual fund likely is just tracking the S&P... that's hardly an impossible goal to beat.

I don't know enough about the details of Campbell's balance sheet or future outlook, but I would implore you not to buy a stock just for a dividend. It can be one of the first things to be reduced in tough times.

[WritOfCertiorari]

IRAs are more like $5500 a year. The $15000 is for 401(k)s.

Also, the Roth v. Traditional decision is more about what your current income is, and how you plan to live in retirement. Just remember you can roll a traditional into a Roth if the need arises.