IRAs

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 short answer is no: a Required Minimum Distribution...

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 2026, a diligent saver, let's call her "Megan", contacted me in a panic. She had contributed the maximum $7,500 to her Roth IRA in January,...

After nearly 30 years as a financial planner, I’ve seen one mistake cost investors more than any market crash: choosing the wrong investment account. Picking the right Roth IRA provider isn't just about flashy ads or sign-up bonuses; it's about avoiding the silent wealth killers. High fees and limited options that...

Have you ever asked yourself, "Can I have a Roth IRA and a 401(k)?" If so, you're asking the right question, but it's only half the story. After nearly 3 decades as a financial planner, I've found the real question isn't if you can have both, but in what order you should fund...

Multiple Roth IRAs in 2026: Technically unlimited, strategically questionable for 95% of investors. Contribution limits aggregate across ALL accounts—$7,500 total regardless of how many you open. Here's why consolidation beats complexity.