Once required minimum distributions begin, the IRS decides how much comes out of your IRA each year.
But it doesn’t decide when…
You can take it all in January, wait until December, or spread it out across the year.
At first glance, the choice seems almost meaningless: the required amount is the same, and the distribution still lands in the same tax year.
But the timing can matter in ways that aren’t always obvious.
And even if you’re years away from taking RMDs, this is a decision you’ll eventually need to make if you have money in pre-tax retirement accounts.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- The 3 things RMD timing can still affect (and how much each one really matters)
- Why the order of your RMD, charitable gifts, and Roth conversions can matter more than the month you withdraw
- When taking your RMD early, late, or throughout the year makes the most sense
By the end, you’ll have a simple framework for thinking about RMD timing before it becomes another retirement decision you’re forced to make on the fly.
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+ Episode Resources
- The IRS Rules: Required Minimum Distributions
- Options for Taking Your First Requirement Minimum Distribution
- RMDs: What You Need to Know
- RMDs Unpacked: The Math Behind Your Required Withdrawals and Tax Strategy
- 5 Strategies to Take Control of Your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
- Can Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Cause You to Overwithdraw in Retirement?
+ Episode Transcript
Publishing soon!
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. This podcast is not engaged in rendering legal, financial, or other professional services.




