Required Minimum Distributions and Inherited IRAs Prior to 2020: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Question: My spouse and I have a combined six-figure required minimum distribution (RMD) from my two IRAs and her smaller IRA. Our CPA suggested that for 2026 we only withdraw 50% of her smaller RMD, and that I...
Why Retirement Planning Should Start Earlier Than Most People Think
When people hear the words “retirement planning,” many immediately picture someone in their 60s preparing to leave the workforce. The reality is very different. The most successful retirement strategies often begin decades before retirement is even on the horizon....
The Once-Per-Year Rollover Rule: Multiple Deposits vs. Multiple Distributions
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education The once-per-year IRA rollover rule sounds easy. However, there are many ways to go wrong. One common confusion with this rule occurs when there are multiple distributions or multiple deposits. These two...
The Simultaneous QCD/RMD Transaction
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) and required minimum distributions (RMDs) are two separate and distinct transactions. Here are some of the basics of each: QCDs are only available to IRA owners and beneficiaries age...
Backdoor Roth IRAs and Inherited IRAs: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst QUESTION: When someone under age 59½ uses the “backdoor” method of making Roth IRA contributions, does the 10% penalty apply to subsequent withdrawals if the IRA contribution was non-deductible? Thank you, John ANSWER: John,...
Grandparents Should Be Very Careful Before Opening Trump Accounts
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Contributions to Trump Accounts, the new tax-deferred savings vehicle for children, can’t be made until July 4, 2026. However, the opportunity to open a Trump Account, either through filing Form 4547 or using a dedicated IRS...
Why Financial Confidence Starts With a Plan
For many people, financial confidence is not about having millions of dollars or a perfect investment strategy. It is about feeling secure, prepared, and in control of what lies ahead. Life is unpredictable. Expenses appear unexpectedly, markets fluctuate, health...
5 Steps to Spring-Clean Your IRA
By Sarah Brenner, JD Director of Retirement Education Spring is here! Now is the time when many people spring-clean their homes. It is an opportunity to get organized, get rid of clutter, and simplify. This year, consider taking the same approach with your retirement...
Weekly Market Commentary
Global markets had mixed results last week as headlines about the US-Iran conflict continued to affect trade. Conflicting reports of the US and Iran meeting to negotiate a ceasefire came and went without the two sides meeting. The Strait of Hormuz continued to be...
Protecting Your Wealth Through Every Stage of Life
When people think about financial planning, they often focus only on retirement accounts or investment strategies. While these are important pieces of the puzzle, true financial security comes from creating a complete plan that protects your wealth through every stage...
The Net Unrealized Appreciation (NUA) Strategy and Roth IRA Contribution Eligibility: Today’s Slott Report Mailbag
By Ian Berger, JD IRA Analyst Question: Hello, I’ve run into someone who is retired, age 77, and therefore taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from his Caterpillar 401(k) plan. He has approximately $5M in Caterpillar stock within the plan. It seems...
6 Required Questions to Determine an IRA Beneficiary Payout Structure
By Andy Ives, CFP®, AIF® IRA Analyst 1. When did the decedent die? The SECURE Act impacts beneficiaries of decedents who died in 2020 or later. Anyone who passed away prior to 2020 falls under the old rules. Prior to the SECURE Act, all living, breathing...
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