Episode 1317
In this episode, we break down the complex world of the Individual Retirement Account (IRA), a tax-advantaged trust designed to hold investment assets for retirement in the United States. We explore the critical differences between Traditional IRAs, which offer tax-deductible contributions, and Roth IRAs, which provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Listeners will learn the rules of the road, including contribution limits—which rose to $7,000 for tax year 2024—and the strict "prohibited transaction" regulations that prevent owners from personally benefiting from their IRA assets before distribution.
Beyond the basics, we dive into:
• Investment Flexibility: How self-directed IRAs allow for alternative investments like real estate and precious metals, unlike standard accounts restricted to stocks and bonds.
• Withdrawal Strategies: The penalties for accessing funds before age 59½, exceptions for "hardship withdrawals" like first-time home purchases, and the Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) mandated for non-Roth accounts.
• Protection and Inheritance: How federal law protects IRAs during bankruptcy and the distinct rules for inheriting an account depending on whether you are a spouse or a non-spouse beneficiary.
• The Wealth Gap: A look at the stark statistics of retirement savings, contrasting the median household balance of $14,500 with the rise of "Mega-IRAs," such as Peter Thiel’s $5 billion Roth account.
Published on 21 hours ago
If you like Podbriefly.com, please consider donating to support the ongoing development.
Donate