IRAs

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. And it’s often the start of a major financial shift. Ready to learn how to open a Roth IRA for yourself? This guide provides clear,...

Last Tuesday, my 74-year-old client, Martha, called me in a panic. She’d just discovered her $850,000 IRA required a $34,551 withdrawal by December 31, 2025, or she’d face a 25% penalty of $8,638 (reducible to 10% if corrected). Martha represents the roughly 70% of retirees who, according to a 2024...

Imagine inheriting a substantial IRA from a loved one, only to face unexpected tax bills that erode your newfound wealth. In 2025, 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...

Did you know that not taking your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) can lead to a hefty 25% penalty? Many individuals underestimate the significance of RMDs, thinking they can postpone withdrawals from their tax-deferred retirement accounts. However, it's essential to understand and calculate RMDs for effective retirement planning. Picture a...

After nearly 30 years of helping clients navigate retirement, I've seen Roth IRA conversions create tremendous tax-free wealth. But even if you don't convert, you can learn about ways to max out your Roth IRA contributions here. I've also seen simple mistakes cost families thousands in unexpected taxes. The...

"Michael, I think I messed up. I need to know about a Roth IRA Recharacterization ASAP" It's a call I get every year. In March 2025, a diligent saver, let's call her "Megan", contacted me in a panic. She had contributed the maximum $7,000 to her Roth IRA in January,...