Tag: Catch Up Contributions

10 IRA Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 23)

10 IRA Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 23)

Are you making the most of your IRAs to secure a bigger, bolder retirement? 

In this installment of The Retirement Engineer, Jim Kruzan CFP®, CRPC® dives into the world of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), uncovering the most common pitfalls that could derail your retirement savings. 

From the evolution of IRAs to innovative strategies for maximizing your retirement nest egg, this episode is packed with real-life stories and insights. Whether you’re an early career professional or nearing retirement, follow along to explore the crucial IRA choices and mistakes to avoid, to get you on the right track. 

The 10 mistakes Jim discusses are: 

  • Misunderstanding IRA Types and Contribution Strategies
  • Procrastination and Last-Minute Contributions
  • Neglecting Spousal Contributions
  • Not Maximizing Catch-up Contributions
  • Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Mismanagement
  • Early Withdrawal Penalties and Exceptions
  • Mismanaging Nondeductible Contributions and Backdoor Roth IRAs
  • Ignoring Later-Life Contributions
  • Rollover Pitfalls
  • Failing to Update Beneficiaries and Ignoring Inheritance Rules

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: 

Milestone Moments: Navigating 7 Key Ages in Retirement Planning (Ep. 17)

Milestone Moments: Navigating 7 Key Ages in Retirement Planning (Ep. 17)

Between 50 and 72, there are significant birthdays that can impact your retirement finances.

These age-based milestones can help you grow your retirement nest egg, avoid financial penalties, withdraw your retirement funds early, and more!

In this episode, Jim Kruzan, CFP®, CRPC®, highlights seven legislative birthdays that every retiree or soon-to-be retiree should circle on their calendars. By the episode’s end, you’ll realize why planning your retirement cash flows is crucial before these milestones creep up on you!

Jim discusses:

  • Benefits of turning 50, including catch-up contributions and early retirement for qualified public safety workers.
  • How to make penalty-free withdrawals at 55 and 59.5 (from eligible plans)
  • The difference between taking Social Security at 62, 70, and anywhere in between 
  • Medicare’s 7-month enrollment window to avoid penalties
  • The impact of Secure Act 2.0 on the required minimum distribution age
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with Jim Kruzan: