topcat wrote:
I was just wondering if you are working full time yet for income presumably then won't your RMDs kill you when you reach 70 1/2? I'm trying to do planning myself so I like to hear what other people to do for tax avoidance and maximizing income.
Perhaps as someone in the business, I can give you an intelligent answer.
If you have a large balance in traditional IRAs, then the RMDs when you reach 70.5 could easily put you into a higher tax bracket. I advise folks to start relatively small withdrawals at 59.5 and shift those funds to another type of account. (If you are still working, then a Roth IRA may make the most sense.). Yes, you will have to pay taxes on the withdrawal, but you will have a smaller bite and you will spread it out over several years. By waiting until 59.5 you avoid any IRS penalty.
The result is that when you reach 70.5, your RMDs will be smaller thus reducing the tax hit. At an age where you are likely to be in a lower tax bracket, your chances of remaining there are increased.
Good luck.