At 73, you’ve reached a significant milestone, which is a result of a lifetime of hard work, planning, and perseverance. Congratulations! However, this particular birthday also comes with an essential financial responsibility: calculating and taking your Required Minimum Distributions (RMD).
For decades, you have diligently saved in tax-deferred retirement accounts, such as traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s. Over time, your money compounded beautifully without being taxed. In a nutshell, RMDs are the IRS’s way of saying, “It’s time to pay the piper.” They’re mandatory withdrawals intended to make sure the government eventually pays taxes on the money that has grown tax-free. Although the fundamental concept of RMDs may seem straightforward, the rules, calculations, and strategic implications can be quite complex.
