IRAs

Let’s rip the Band-Aid off right away: No, Roth IRA contributions are NOT pre-tax, and they are absolutely NOT tax-deductible. There it is. Plain and simple. If you take away nothing else, burn that into your brain. Why? Because this is where a shocking number of people stumble. Often leading to incorrect...

Ever had that sinking feeling around Tax Day? It's way more common than you think. One of my clients, “Deadline-Danielle,” a sharp project manager, called me in a flat panic last April. “Michael,” she said, “I meant to max out my Roth for last year, but my bonus pushed...

Did you know that while millions are eligible, a surprising number of Americans are missing out on the powerful tax-free growth a Roth IRA offers. Likely leaving significant retirement income on the table?  I vividly remember when Senator William Roth spearheaded the legislation that introduced the Roth IRA back in the late...

Want to make the most of your Roth IRA contributions in 2025? You're in the right place, and it's a smarter move than many realize. As a financial planner for nearly 30 years, I’ve seen how understanding annual retirement account limits can mean the difference between a future flush with tax-free cash and one...

Is starting the biggest hurdle keeping you from a secure retirement? Forget generic advice. Let's get specific. I've helped thousands just like you take their first Roth IRA step in 2026. And it's often the start of a major financial shift. Ready to learn how to open a Roth...

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are mandatory annual withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts that the IRS requires starting at age 73. The withdrawal amount is calculated by dividing your prior year-end account balance by an IRS life expectancy factor from the Uniform Lifetime Table. Missing your RMD deadline triggers a...

Imagine inheriting a substantial IRA from a loved one, only to face unexpected tax bills that erode your newfound wealth. In 2026, navigating the maze of Inherited IRA Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules is more critical than ever. With recent changes under the SECURE Act and IRS updates, making a...

Does your spouse stay home to raise the kids or manage the household? Did they take a career break for school, or do they work part-time with a low income? If so, you're likely facing one of the most common retirement planning anxieties I saw in my 30-year career:  How...

Imagine you've spent decades carefully saving for retirement. Your nest egg is ready. But then, a not-so-welcome surprise arrives: your first Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). The IRS is knocking, and you’re asking the right question: "Is my RMD considered earned income?" The direct answer is no. But as a financial...

Are you staring down the barrel of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and wondering if you can just lump them all together? As someone who spent over 25 years as a financial planner helping folks understand retirement rules, this is one of the most common questions I’ve encountered. Once you...