Ira

How Much Tax You Pay on an Inherited IRA: 4 Rules That Matter

Two beneficiaries can inherit similar balances and end up with very different tax bills.

Bill Proposes Unlimited Roth IRA Rollovers From Unused 529 Plans

A Senate bill would allow savers to transfer all unused 529 college savings to a Roth IRA, giving them greater flexibility — and their children a head start on retirement savings.

How the Ultra-Rich Can Protect Mega-IRA Assets

Accumulating tens of millions in a mega-retirement account is impressive, but preserving that wealth across generations requires moving beyond standard IRAs.

16 Roth IRA and Roth Conversion Mistakes That Cost You in Taxes

A Roth conversion can raise your Medicare premiums two years later. Every mistake on this list comes with a solution. The post 16 Roth IRA and Roth Conversion Mistakes That Cost You in Taxes appeared ...

Advisors rethink Roth IRA conversions after the OBBBA

The 2025 tax law changed the factors involved in the decision to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth.

Maximize tax-free Social Security income with this IRA withdrawal strategy

As clients consider when to claim Social Security, an advisor proposed a strategy to maximize tax-free retirement income using certain benefits and senior deductions.

Average IRA Balances In 2026 And How To Measure Progress

How does your IRA compare? Discover the average and median Traditional and Roth IRA balances by age in 2026, 2026 contribution limits, and key catch-up strategies.

Your Big IRA Could Become a Big Tax Problem for You, Your Spouse and Your Heirs

If you start optimizing your taxes now, you can head off the inevitable tax consequences waiting for you when RMDs kick in — and when your family inherits.

The Hidden Costs Inside a 'Zero-Fee' IRA

Six ways "free" retirement accounts can cost you without showing it — and how to keep more of your money.

The 'Mega IRA' Cap Is Back: What High Earners Should Watch in 2026

New rules could force high-income savers to withdraw "excess" retirement funds. Here is why the bill matters — even if it doesn't pass immediately.

From Stepped-Up Basis to IRA Rules: How Your Inheritance Actually Gets Taxed

Most inheritances won’t trigger a federal income tax bill. But what you inherit and what happens afterward mean other tax rules could come into play.

Why a Down Market is the Best Time for a Roth IRA Conversion

Plunging stock prices may keep investors up at night. But there's a silver lining to a down market: it's a prime time to save taxes on a Roth IRA conversion.

Can I Open a Roth IRA for My Child? What Parents Should Know

A custodial Roth IRA lets parents help a child with earned income start building long-term wealth. By starting early, children gain decades of potential tax-free growth while learning the value of sav...

Should A Living Trust Be Beneficiary Of Your IRA?

It usually is not a good idea to name a trust as an IRA beneficiary, because heirs often are penalized with higher taxes. There are a few exceptions to the general rule.

I Have a Sizable Roth IRA. Do I Still Need a 529 for My Grandkids' College?

Before you touch your retirement fund, consider how taxes and financial aid rules change the math. In this week's Wealth Wise column, we break down the right choice.

Taking an IRA distribution this year - is my logic sound?

We are still working - planning to retire very early next year. I'm at FRA; my husband will be in a couple of months. We are not yet taking SS or Medicare. With our income, we will certainly hit the I...

When a checkbook IRA is a good idea — and when it's not

Although there are advisors who suggest steering clear, there are times when clients might benefit from using a checkbook IRA to invest in alternative assets.

Average IRA Balance by Age in 2026: How Do You Compare?

See average IRA balances by age for 2026, based on IRS tax data covering 71 million account holders, plus what the averages leave out. The post Average IRA Balance by Age in 2026: How Do You Compare? ...

Beyond SSI/SSDI: How To Get The “Chronically Ill” Lifetime IRA Stretch

How families can preserve valuable inherited IRA stretch treatment for a child or grandchild who needs support but doesn’t qualify for SSI or SSDI.

Recently retired contemplating rolling my 401k into rollover IRA/Roth IRA

I am thinking of rolling my 401K which has a mix of mostly Roth and the company match in pre-tax into my existing Rollover IRA and Roth IRA. It seems like it will be simpler to manage and I will be ab...

Pension plus Part Time Income. Extra money into brokerage or IRA?

I retired from full time work with a pension that pays most of my expenses, including healthcare. I also have some part time work. If I have extra money at the end of the year from this work, should I...

How Auto-IRA Programs and the Saver’s Match Could Be Retirement Game Changers

At both the federal and state levels, efforts are underway to give workers a retirement savings boost.

How Roth Conversions Can Help Your Family Avoid an IRA Tax Trap After You're Gone

Your spouse and children could be bumped into higher tax brackets if you leave them a substantial sum in an IRA. Partial Roth conversions now can help.

Americans Need Help Saving for Retirement: Will the New IRA Program (and a $1,000 Contribution) Be Enough?

A new IRA marketplace will have the goal of encouraging more Americans to save for retirement, as well as offering a $1,000 contribution to those who enroll.

7 Times to Dip Into Your Roth IRA if You Have a Pension (and When to Leave It Alone)

The established wisdom is never to touch your Roth IRA, but if it contains a large sum and you have a pension, too, here's when you should tap into it first.

Is Your 401(k) Rollover Truly Protected in an IRA? Take Our Quiz

Take our 10-question quiz see if your hard-earned nest egg is truly protected from hidden liabilities, or if you are exposed to unexpected risks.

The $9 Trillion Shift: Why Your Retirement is Less Safe in an IRA and How to Protect It

IRAs now hold a $9 trillion surplus over 401(k)s, largely due to rollovers. Learn how to secure your retirement savings against legal risks and hidden fees.

Tending to Your Estate Plan This Spring? Don't Forget to Give Your IRA Some Love

IRAs form an important part of your estate plan. Give yours some attention so they work in harmony and ensure your wishes will be carried out as you intend.

Roth IRA contributions question

I left my job in 2025 but contributed to my Roth IRA because I was still working in that year. This year, I started working as a W-2 contractor for my former company through a contracting company. I t...

How to Open a Custodial Roth IRA: A Guide for Grandparents

Time is a young investor’s greatest asset. Discover how small contributions today can evolve into a tax-free fortune by the time they retire.

Roth IRA Conversion? Yes or No?

I just turned 65 so I will not have to start taking RMDs until I'm 75. Since IRMAA is based on income from 2 years prior, that means I won't get hit with IRMAA until I'm 77 (2 years after my RMDs star...

7 Assets to Leave Out of Your Roth IRA, From a Financial Planner

Instead of treating your Roth IRA as "the best account" for everything, consider keeping these seven assets in accounts with better tax benefits or flexibility.

Is Your IRA Rollover Stuck in Neutral? This Simple Mistake Can Cost You a Lot of Money

Rollover IRAs can end up stuck in cash, while abandoned 401(k)s can be parked in a cash-like Safe Harbor IRA. Here's how to put your money back to work.

How Alternative Assets Are Reshaping the IRA: The Rise of Self-Directed Retirement Investing

Investors are exploring self-directed IRAs where they can hold traditional and alternative investments in one account.

Safe or Seizable?: The IRA & Bankruptcy Protection Quiz

Depending on the type of IRA you own and/or how you inherited it, your "safe" money might actually be on the table for creditors.

Is a Roth IRA or 401k worth it at this point?

I’m likely to retire in the next 2 years at or near full retirement age. I first opened a Roth IRA with a small amount ($1,000) in 2023 to start the 5-year clock, so I was really late to the party. I’...

Are All Roth IRA's the same, never had one figure it may be time.

Looking to start a Roth IRA by April 1 so I can get a start on the 5 year rule, I have 401K plans but will need some roth if I have any chance of ever getting under the 400% magi in 4 years, where sho...