For many, retirement savings are accumulated in tax-advantaged accounts including 401(k) plans, 403(b)s, 457(b)s, or individual retirement accounts (IRAs). When approaching retirement age, these funds come with a regulatory requirement known as required minimum distributions, commonly referred to as RMDs. Individuals reaching the age of 73 (or 75 for those born in 1960 or later) must begin withdrawing a minimum amount annually from these retirement accounts.
While the withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax rates, retirees retain the discretion to allocate the remaining proceeds in multiple beneficial ways. Below are six thoughtful approaches to consider when deciding how to apply RMD funds.
1. Financing Essential Living Costs
One of the primary motivations for establishing a retirement fund is to ensure financial stability in one's non-working years. If you require funds from your RMD to support everyday living expenses such as housing, food, utilities, and healthcare, using the withdrawals directly for these purposes aligns well with the original intent of these savings. Should your RMD exceed your immediate needs, consider using only what is necessary and exploring options for the surplus capital.
2. Enhancing Emergency Savings
Financial advisors typically recommend maintaining an emergency fund encompassing three to six months of ordinary expenses to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. For instance, if your monthly expenditures average $5,000, you would aim to hold between $15,000 to $30,000 in an accessible savings account. Allocating a portion of your RMD toward bolstering this reserve can provide increased security against unexpected financial challenges.
3. Reducing Outstanding Debt
Debt, especially high-interest varieties such as credit card balances, can markedly diminish financial flexibility and accelerate depletion of savings. Deploying remaining RMD funds after covering living costs to pay down existing debt is a prudent use. Even if paying off obligations in full is unrealistic immediately, systematically applying RMD proceeds can help incrementally lessen debt burdens.
4. Reinvesting for Continued Growth
Retirement distributions are taxable events, yet the post-tax remainder offers an opportunity for reinvestment. Investors who wish to maintain or grow their capital base may consider channeling RMD funds into new investment vehicles within or outside retirement accounts. Taking time to carefully evaluate investment options before the next scheduled distribution can help optimize the long-term performance of one’s portfolio.
5. Allocating Funds to Life Insurance Premiums
Acquiring life insurance during retirement typically incurs higher premiums compared to policies purchased at younger ages. Nevertheless, using RMD funds to maintain or purchase life insurance can serve as an element of estate planning. The objective is to provide beneficiaries with a potentially larger death benefit that is generally free of income tax, thereby enhancing the financial legacy passed on.
6. Making Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
Qualified charitable distributions present a tax-efficient strategy for RMDs for account holders with IRAs. Individuals may donate up to $111,000 directly to eligible charitable organizations, and if married, each spouse may contribute up to this amount separately. These charitable contributions count toward satisfying the RMD but are excluded from taxable income, yielding tax savings while supporting philanthropic causes.
Retirement savings provide a degree of financial autonomy, and RMDs, despite their tax implications, can be directed toward diverse objectives that align with personal goals and financial plans. Evaluating the options described here can empower account holders in utilizing these mandatory withdrawals effectively.