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Recently, a prospective client told me she is going through a divorce after 20 years of marriage. What struck me most was when she said,
“My husband has had a financial advisor since we’ve been married. I have never talked to him.”
Now, facing this transition, she’s left uncertain about her financial future. Unfortunately, this is far from uncommon.
She reached out because of our experience walking with women through difficult periods like this. But her story is also a reminder: if your advisor is leaving you out of the conversation — or if you’ve chosen to “delegate” financial planning to your spouse — it could be your future at risk. Don’t wait to be invited in. Take your seat at the table, ask the questions, and make sure your retirement reflects your vision.
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Roth IRAs and Retirement: What You Need to Know
💬 From Episode 73:
“Ultimately, it’s how that money gets taxed when it comes out that I think is more important than just how much you have in stocks, bonds, or cash.” - Eric Blake Roth IRAs can feel confusing—but when you understand how they work, they can become one of the most powerful tools in your retirement plan.
In this episode, you’ll discover how Roth IRAs may give you more control over your taxes in retirement, create flexibility for future withdrawals, and help protect your income for the long run.
We’ll cover the basics—what Roth IRAs are (and aren’t), how the rules for contributions, conversions, and withdrawals really work, and why Congress has been pushing Roth accounts more in recent years. You’ll also hear how Roth IRAs may help you avoid hidden tax traps like higher Medicare premiums or unexpected Social Security taxes.
Here is what I discuss:
- Why Roth IRAs are not investments themselves, but tax-advantaged account types that act like umbrellas shielding money from future taxes
- How Congress is encouraging Roth contributions through Secure Act 2.0, giving retirees long-term tax-free opportunities
- The importance of tax diversification, comparing it to and even elevating it above portfolio diversification
- Four ways to fund Roth accounts: contributions, conversions, rollovers, and backdoor strategies
- The five-year rule, distribution order, and how Roth IRAs can help control tax brackets, Medicare premiums, and Social Security taxation
- And more!
You can catch every episode of The Simply Retirement Podcast on the website - or on your favorite podcast app.
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Related Links & Resources
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This Week's Free Retirement Resource
In conjunction with this week's episode, we’re excited to share our Roth IRA Toolkit, a step-by-step guide designed to help you make confident retirement planning decisions. This resource uses clear, easy-to-follow flowcharts to walk you through some of the most common questions about Roth IRAs, including:
- Eligibility – Can you contribute to a Roth IRA based on your income, filing status, and contributions to other retirement accounts?
- Contribution Decisions – Should you choose a Roth IRA or a traditional IRA, and how do today’s tax rates versus future rates factor in?
- Withdrawals – Will your Roth IRA distribution be tax- and penalty-free, and what rules apply if you take money out early?
- Conversions – When does it make sense to convert traditional retirement accounts into a Roth, and how can you avoid unnecessary taxes or penalties?
- Backdoor Roth Strategies – For higher-income earners, can you take advantage of a backdoor Roth IRA contribution, and what steps are required?
The toolkit is designed to simplify complex IRS rules and highlight planning opportunities that can benefit your retirement income strategy.
👉 FREE Roth IRA Toolkit
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Have more questions about retirement planning? Just hit reply to this email. I read and respond to every message. 😃
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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.
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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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