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4 Major Ways to Reduce Your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

4 Major Ways to Reduce Your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)

Did you know you can end up paying thousands more in taxes every year because of how and when you take money out of your IRA? This surprises a lot of retirees, and it usually comes down to required minimum distribution, or RMDs. RMDs are mandatory withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts such as traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. 

Under current law, RMDs begin:

  • At age 73, if you were born between 1951 and 1959
  • At age 75, if you were born in 1960 or later

If you are already taking RMDs, you may be familiar with how they work. The amount you must withdraw each year is based on your account balance as of December 31 of the prior year and is calculated using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, which factors in life expectancy. Below are three strategies, plus one major exception, that can help manage or reduce required minimum distributions.

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The 6 RMD Mistakes Wealthy Retirees Can’t Afford to Make

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

common required minimum distribution mistakes

Did you know that missing just one required minimum distribution (RMD) could cost you up to 25% in penalties from the IRS? But did you also know that if you catch the mistake within two years, you could get the penalty down to 10%. Learn about how penalties work, the most common required minimum distribution mistakes, and the steps you can take to stay on the IRS’s good side.

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Why a Pension Changes the Way You Should Plan for Retirement

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

Why a Pension Changes the Way You Should Plan for Retirement

Are you planning to retire with a pension and want to make the most of it? Unlike 401(k)s or IRAs, pensions tout income for life. Knowing how to optimize your retirement benefits is crucial. Retirement planning goes beyond monthly checks.

Pension retirements are rare these days. How will you ensure stability, flexibility, and financial freedom? We’ll cover what most people don’t know about retiring with a pension.

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6 Mistakes Your Financial Advisor is Making

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

Mistakes Your Financial Advisor is Making

Ever wonder if your financial advisor is missing something important? Most people assume their financial adviser has everything under control. Sometimes, that’s true. But even the most well-meaning advisers can overlook important details. Not because they’re bad at their job, but because philosophies and best practices change. Not every adviser adapts to them.

These blind spots can snowball into setbacks like higher taxes in retirement, unnecessary risk, or missed opportunities you didn’t even know existed. Here’s a look at the most common mistakes financial advisors make and how to spot them before they derail your financial future. 

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The Money Saving Secret of Donor Advised Funds Explained

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

Have you ever wondered what a donor-advised fund is and how you could use it to maximize your charitable giving and tax benefits? There are a few different ways to give to charity. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) or charitable gift funds are one of the most flexible and efficient tools for philanthropy and financial planning. In this post, we’ll break down exactly how DAFs work, how they compare to private foundations, what assets are best to contribute, and the smart strategies you can use to make the most of your giving. 

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Setting Financial Goals for the New Year: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

Start 2025 strong with our guide to setting financial goals for the New Year and learn practical wealth management tips.

The start of a new year often feels like a clean slate—a perfect opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and set meaningful goals. While personal resolutions like exercising more or learning a new skill may top your list, prioritizing financial goals can have a transformative impact on your long-term well-being. By setting financial goals in the new year, you can create a roadmap to not only work toward financial security but also build the life you envision. Let’s explore how to approach this critical process with purpose and clarity.

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Financial Planning Across Generations for Legacy and Continuity

Written by Jeff Diamond on .

Discover how financial planning across generations can build a lasting legacy through aligning family values, preserving wealth, and supporting continuity.

When it comes to financial planning, a long-term perspective can be particularly meaningful. Financial planning across generations is about more than managing assets; it’s about creating a lasting legacy and ensuring continuity for loved ones. Families today increasingly recognize the importance of planning strategies that bridge generational gaps and foster financial resilience, allowing wealth, values, and goals to be passed on in ways that support continuity. Here’s how multigenerational planning can help families achieve these goals and what it entails.

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How Risk Management Helps Protect Your Financial Future

Written by Jeff Diamond on .

Explore how financial risk management helps protect your financial future from market fluctuations, inflation, and unexpected events.

In the world of personal finance, much of the focus tends to be on growth—whether it’s growing your savings, investments, or business. However, an equally important conversation is how to help protect that growth. After all, what’s the value in building wealth if it’s vulnerable to risks that could potentially erode it? This is where financial risk management comes into play. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, planning for a child’s education, or working toward financial stability, managing risk can play a crucial role in your long-term financial strategy.

In this article, we’ll explore how risk management strategies can help guard your wealth against unexpected events, market fluctuations, and other potential challenges. Think of it as adding a layer of protection to the financial house you’ve spent time building. While growth is often the goal, conservation strategies are also an essential aspect of planning for your financial future.

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Starting a Family: Budgeting for New Parents and Future Education Costs

Written by Jeff Diamond on .

Explore our essential tips on budgeting for education to help strengthen your child's financial future from the beginning.

Starting a family can be a beautiful and significant phase in life marked by immense joy, but it also comes with profound new responsibilities. Among the most crucial responsibilities for new parents is financial planning, since adjusting to life with a little one involves not just changes to daily routines, but also in how you manage your finances. To set your growing family up for success, it’s important to begin organizing your everyday expenses and budgeting for education costs early on. If you’re a new parent or planning to start a family soon, below are some practical guidelines to help manage your finances effectively as you navigate the exciting yet challenging journey of parenthood.

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Estate Planning for Business Owners: Fostering a Legacy Beyond Retirement

Written by Zachary Morris, CFP® on .

Explore estate planning for business owners in our latest feature and learn how to better protect your assets and future.

Navigating the journey of entrepreneurship involves much more than just growing a business—it’s also about providing for its continuity and impact well into the future. Estate planning for business owners is not merely a strategy for personal wealth management, but a crucial step in cementing a lasting legacy that transcends their own tenure. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for guidance on building a legacy that may last, read on to explore how thorough planning can better safeguard your business’s future, give you a better chance at protecting your family’s financial security, and help you maintain the integrity of your life’s work beyond retirement.

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