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Required Minimum Distributions

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Reaping the Multiple Benefits of the IRA, Charitable Giving Combo

February 16, 2018

Many people believe the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will reduce charitable giving, because it reduces the tax incentives for giving […]

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6 Misunderstood IRA Rules and Strategies

IRAs aren’t the simple vehicles they seemed when they were new. What’s more, Baby Boomers have reached the stages of life when the rules are more complicated and full of pitfalls. Here’s a guide to the top questions my readers are asking about IRAs, and mistakes many are making. Required minimum distribution mistake #1.  Most […]

Waiving the Penalty for RMD Mistakes

June 22, 2017

The IRS likes to catch people who made mistakes with the required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement plans. It’s no wonder. The penalty is a steep 50% of any amount that was supposed to be distributed but wasn’t. Owners of traditional IRAs and other qualified retirement accounts must begin minimum annual distributions after age […]

Avoiding RMD Mistakes with Retirement Accounts

February 27, 2017

Most people know that after reaching age 70½, they have to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their IRAs. But that rule is only the tip of the iceberg. Not knowing all the RMD rules is a source of many mistakes, resulting in extra taxes and penalties. Required minimum distributions also must be taken from […]

Making the Most of 401(k) Plans

February 27, 2017

Rollovers from 401(k) accounts are the main reason IRAs are among the most valuable assets many retirees own. When people leave a job, for either a new job or retirement, they often roll over the 401(k) balance to an IRA. To maximize the value of your IRAs in retirement, you need to maximize 401(k) account […]

The Importance of Age 69 1/2 in Retirement Planning

April 13, 2015

Most people in retirement planning learn that age 70 1/2 is important. Here’ an article arguing that the year before is more of a benchmark. You have to start planning for the following years’ RMD, and it also means you’re approaching other key IRA milestones. Age 69 1/2 is a big deal, a major year […]

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Key IRA Decisions for 2005

It’s another year, and many IRA owners have to focus on required minimum distributions (RMDs). The right strategy for these and other aspects of an IRA can make the account last longer. RMDs are mandatory after an owner is age 70 1/2. The rules apply to all qualified retirement plans, though we’ll focus on IRAs […]

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Should You Empty Your IRA Early?

Every general rule has its exceptions. IRAs are no different. The general rule for IRAs is to leave investments in them as long as possible. Your wealth will increase if income and gains are allowed to compound tax deferred as long as possible. We demonstrated that in the September 2003 discussion of which retirement accounts […]

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