The IRS decides when you're required to start taking money out of your retirement accounts and most people aren't ready for what comes next.

In this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan?, Phillip Smith breaks down Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), what they are, how they're calculated, and why they trigger a chain reaction most retirees don't see coming.

Whether you're approaching RMD age or already taking distributions, this episode covers the tax implications, Medicare premium surcharges (IRMAA), Roth conversion strategies, inherited IRA rules, and how to coordinate RMDs with Social Security and pension income so you're planning ahead, not scrambling to catch up.

Chapters:

00:00 The retirement surprise nobody asks for

01:26 What RMDs actually are (and why they exist)

01:55 The tax deferral deal you made with the IRS

02:56 How RMDs are calculated

04:36 Why delaying RMD age doesn't reduce taxes

07:07 RMD rules by account type: IRAs vs. 401(k)s

08:09 Why multiple accounts create compounding complexity

09:35 RMDs stacked on Social Security and pensions

11:32 How RMDs can trigger more Social Security taxation

13:15 IRMAA and Medicare premium surcharges explained

14:12 Inherited IRA rules and the 10 year rule

15:33 Roth conversions and managing RMD pressure

18:30 3 action steps to take now

19:55 Why good RMD planning is boring in the best way

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Perfect Retirement Plan, and remember: it's not about having the smartest financial advisor, the most money saved, or the highest probability of retirement success. The perfect retirement plan, for you – is the one you act on.

Phillip Smith, CRPC AIF | Financial Planner
Tidepool Wealth Strategies
450 Country Club Road, Suite 350 | Eugene, OR | 97401

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Additional Disclosures:
The opinions contained in this material are those of the author, and not a recommendation or solicitation to buy or sell investment products. This information is from sources believed to be reliable, but Cetera Wealth Services, LLC cannot guarantee or represent that it is accurate or complete.
All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.