Law and Financial Order: The RMD BLT

September 8, 2026

This recent episode of Law and Financial Order, Financial Advisor Robyn Wolcott, CFP® and Attorney Erin Duques brake down what RMDs are, when they begin, and strategies that may help manage their tax impact. 

What Is an RMD?
An RMD is the minimum amount you're generally required to withdraw each year from certain tax-deferred retirement accounts, such as traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. The amount is generally based on your account balance from the previous December 31 and your life expectancy. Under current rules, RMDs generally begin at age 73 for those born between 1951 and 1959 and age 75 for those born in 1960 or later.

It's important to remember that taking your RMD is ultimately your responsibility. Missing an RMD can result in a significant penalty, so planning ahead is key.

Why Plan Ahead?
RMDs are generally taxable as ordinary income. For retirees with substantial retirement accounts, taking required distributions they don't necessarily need can create an unnecessary tax burden or push them into a higher tax bracket.

Fortunately, there may be strategies to help.

Roth Conversions: The years between retirement and the start of RMDs may provide an opportunity to convert portions of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, potentially reducing future RMDs and creating more tax-free retirement assets.

Qualified Charitable Distributions: For those who are charitably inclined, a QCD can allow eligible IRA owners to make charitable contributions directly from an IRA while potentially satisfying an RMD.

Estate Planning: Retirement assets can also be an important part of an estate plan, particularly when considering beneficiaries, inherited retirement accounts, and charitable giving.

The Bottom Line:
RMDs are a required part of retirement—but they don't have to catch you by surprise. The right strategy can help you manage taxes, support charitable goals, and make the most of your retirement assets.

Just like a BLT, it's all about having the right ingredients—and getting the timing right.

If you're curious to hear more, you can listen here. Law and Financial Order - Podcast - Apple Podcasts.

**Erin Duques is not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial and Warner Wealth.

**Robyn Wolcott, James Warner, Warner Wealth and LPL Financial do not provide legal advice or services. This information is not intended to be a substitute for individualized legal advice. Please consult your legal advisor regarding your specific situation.