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Retirement

Navigate Retirement with Confidence

Retirement strategies can be complex. Our financial professionals are here to guide you through the process, providing you with the information you need to help make informed decisions about your future.

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9 Facts About Retirement
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Frequently Asked Questions about Retirement 


Q: How do I know if I’m ready to retire?

Retirement readiness depends on several factors, including your savings, expected income, lifestyle goals, and tax strategy. We help you evaluate all of these to determine if you’re financially prepared—and what steps to take if you’re not.


Q: What is the difference between a traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)?

A traditional 401(k) allows you to contribute pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income today. Withdrawals in retirement are taxed as ordinary income. A Roth 401(k) uses after-tax contributions, meaning qualified withdrawals in retirement are completely tax-free. If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, a Roth option may be advantageous.

 
Q: What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), and when must I start taking it?

An RMD is the minimum amount the IRS requires you to withdraw annually from traditional IRAs and 401(k) accounts. Under current law (SECURE Act 2.0), RMDs must begin at age 73. Failure to take your RMD results in a significant tax penalty — up to 25% of the amount not withdrawn. Roth IRAs do not have RMDs during the owner's lifetime.

 
Q: Should I roll over my old 401(k) when I change jobs or retire?

Rolling over a 401(k) into an IRA or your new employer's plan is generally advisable. It consolidates your accounts, often provides more investment options, and helps you avoid mandatory 20% withholding that applies to direct distributions. Always request a direct rollover (trustee-to-trustee transfer) to avoid unintended taxes or penalties.

 

Before deciding whether to retain assets in a 401(k) or roll over to an IRA, an investor should consider various factors including, but not limited to, investment options, fees and expenses, services, withdrawal penalties, protection from creditors and legal judgments, required minimum distributions and possession of employer stock. Please view the Investor Alerts section of the FINRA website for additional information.  Some IRA’s have contribution limitations and tax consequences for early withdrawals. For complete details, consult your tax advisor or attorney. Distributions from traditional IRA’s and employer sponsored retirement plans are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken prior to reaching age 59 ½, may be subject to an additional 10% IRS tax penalty. Converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. A Roth IRA offers tax free withdrawals on taxable contributions. To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal or earnings, a Roth IRA must be in place for at least five tax years, and the distribution must take place after age 59 ½ or due to death, disability, or a first time home purchase (up to a $10,000 lifetime maximum). Depending on state law, Roth IRA distributions may be subject to state taxes.