How to Master RMDs and QCDs for Smarter Retirement Planning - Andy Ives IRA Expert

Brad Pistole and IRA expert Andy Ives discuss a critical yet often overlooked aspect of retirement planning—how required minimum distributions (RMDs) from tax-deferred accounts can significantly reduce retirement income. Using a real-life example, they illustrate how a couple with $3.1 million in savings faces unavoidable taxable withdrawals, pushing them into IRMAA surcharges indefinitely. The conversation emphasizes the growing importance of Roth conversions and strategic tax planning to avoid excessive taxation and financial strain in retirement. With tax laws evolving and account balances increasing, this issue is set to impact more retirees in the coming years.