The Slott Report

RMDs from Inherited IRAs

You inherited an IRA or Roth IRA in 2014. Do you have to take a required minimum distribution (RMD) this year? We examine the answers for non-spouse beneficiaries, spousal beneficiaries and more.

myRAs Are Now Available to More Savers

If you are just starting to save for your retirement or have a family member who is wondering what steps to take for a secure retirement, the recent announcement from the Treasury Department expanding the myRA program is important news. Here's how you can utilize them.

Illiquid IRA Assets and Satisfying Your RMD

An advisor called about a client who has a bond in his IRA that is in default. He has not taken his required minimum distribution (RMD) from that IRA account for the last three years because the bond is illiquid at this point in time. He does have other IRAs. What should he do?

UPDATE: What the New Budget Means for Your Social Security and Medicare Benefits

Retirement planning for millions of Americans just changed dramatically. Last night, President Obama signed into law the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which has a significant impact on both Medicare Part B participants and those trying to employ savvy planning tactics to get the most of their Social Security benefits. Here’s what you absolutely need to know.

“Obvious” Social Security Decision May Not Be Best One

Social Security is a necessary component of many current and pre-retirees' revenue streams. However, the personal decisions one must make about when to claim the benefit come with tricky formulas and not-so-obvious choices. This example details how the "clear" choice may not always be the right one.

Whose Trust Should Be Your IRA Beneficiary?

Consider a typical scenario. There is a married couple, Peggy and Tom, and both have their own revocable trust. They also each have their own retirement accounts. It is frequently recommended that individuals name a trust as the beneficiary of their retirement accounts. We will assume that it is necessary for Peggy and Tom to do this. Whose trust should they name as the beneficiary?

When Must You Take Your First Required Minimum Distribution?

If you have an IRA, you probably are aware that when you reach retirement, there are rules requiring annual distributions. You may have questions as to when these distributions must begin. The rules can be confusing! Here is what you need to know about when you must start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your IRA.