Retirees read carefully and share what's useful with friends and family. These posts each explain one rule or risk that matters in retirement, with one step to take.
Required minimum distributions now start at 73 for people born from 1951 through 1959. For those born in 1960 or later, it's 75. Your first one can wait until April 1 of the next year. After that, each one is due by December 31, which can mean two in one year if you wait. Details at irs.gov.
If you give to charity, here's a rule worth knowing. Once you're 70½, you can send money straight from your IRA to a qualifying charity. It's called a qualified charitable distribution. It isn't counted as taxable income, and it can count toward your required distribution. The money has to go directly to the charity. Check the details with your tax professional.
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An often overlooked part of a retirement plan is the beneficiary forms. They decide who receives your IRA, your 401(k) and many insurance policies, even if your will says something else. If it's been a few years, or if your family has changed, take a look this month.
Scams aimed at retirees can be very convincing. Four habits that help. Call back on a number you already know, not one in the message. Never pay anyone with gift cards. Slow down if it feels urgent. Real banks and agencies can wait. Tell someone you trust before you send money. Share this with someone who might need it.
Missing a required minimum distribution used to cost 50% of what you should have taken out. The penalty is now 25%, and it can drop to 10% if you correct it quickly. Still, the easiest fix is a reminder. Put December 31 on your calendar now. Details at irs.gov.
Type your website. In about a minute Watt writes 3 posts for your firm, with your colors, fonts and logo. Free, no sign-up.
Nothing posts without your approval.Clear explanations of the rules that apply to them now, like required distributions and charitable giving, and help protecting their money from scams.
Use them as a starting point. Change the wording to sound like you, check the figures for the year you post, and run them through your firm's compliance review before they go out.
Use official rules with their source, avoid tax conclusions and predictions, and keep personal advice for one-on-one conversations.
The graphics on this page were made by Watt for Harbor & Pine Financial, a sample firm. Figures are for 2026 and come from the sources named in each post. Check them for the year you post.