How to Prioritize Retirement Accounts & Help Reduce Lifetime Taxes


Good morning, Simply Retirement Community!

Welcome to the weekly newsletter that reminds us that retirement is not the end of the road; it is the start of a new journey.


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Big changes to Social Security and Medicare happen each year—and 2026 is no exception. Join us for a free, 30-minute webinar where we’ll walk through what’s new with Social Security in 2026, including COLA updates, taxes on benefits, Medicare premiums, and key claiming considerations. I’ll also stay on for live Q&A following the presentation.

💬 From Episode 91

“Understanding how much you can contribute and where to contribute—especially when taxes are involved—can completely change how confident you feel about retirement.”

ERIC BLAKE

2026 Retirement Contributions Explained: How to Prioritize Accounts & Help Reduce Lifetime Taxes

Most people know they should be saving for retirement, but fewer understand how contribution rules, taxes, and prioritization actually work together.

Small decisions, like where you save first or how you respond to changing tax brackets, can shape long-term outcomes far more than people realize.

In this episode, I walk through the 2026 retirement contribution limits and explain how to prioritize different retirement accounts when you cannot fund everything at once. I break down common misconceptions around employer matches, Roth versus pre-tax contributions, and the belief that taxes are always lower in retirement. We also explain how spousal IRA rules can keep savings moving even during caregiving or time away from work.

Tune in to learn:

  • How to prioritize retirement contributions when you have limited cash flow
  • Why an employer match matters, but does not tell the whole story
  • How tax brackets influence Roth versus traditional decisions
  • Why retirement planning should focus on progress, not perfection
  • How spousal IRA rules apply during caregiving or career pauses
  • And more!

You can catch every episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast on the website - or on your favorite podcast app.


Related Links & Resources


The Retirement Toolbox

👉 ​​What Accounts Should I Consider If I Want To Save More?

When you have a surplus of cash on hand and want to save for the future, start by identifying the different account types to consider. This checklist provides a structured outline to guide your decisions regarding available and appropriate saving strategies. It covers accounts across the following categories:

  • Foundational Savings
  • Healthcare Savings
  • Retirement Savings
  • Employer-Provided Benefits
  • Business Owner Savings
  • Accounts To Help Future Generations
  • Tax-Deferred Insurance Options
  • Other Account Considerations

Have more questions about retirement planning? Just hit reply to this email. I read and respond to every message. 😃

Keeping Retirement Simple,

Eric Blake, CFP®

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201 W. Virginia Street, #102, McKinney, Texas 75069

Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy.

All investing involves risk including loss of principal. Results will vary. Past performance is no indication of future results or success. Market conditions change continuously.

Information here is provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither Blake Wealth Management nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of Blake Wealth Management. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, their employees, or their clients.

This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by Blake Wealth Management or RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice.

Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC ("RFG Advisory" or "RFG") a registered investment advisor. Blake Wealth Management and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of RFG by the Commission, nor does it indicate that RFG or any associated investment advisory representative has attained a particular level of skill or ability.

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