The Seaside Blog

We love the Roth IRA—and most of our clients do too. What’s not to love about tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement? But there’s one important detail that trips people up far too often: the 5-year rule. If misunderstood, the 5-year rule can lead to unexpected taxes and penalties, even when you thought your Roth withdrawal would be tax-free. Let’s break it down simply—because when you understand how the 5-year rule works, you can use it to your advantage and protect more of your hard-earned savings.

After decades of diligently saving and investing, retirement flips the script: now it's time to start taking money out. But here’s the real question we hear all the time from clients and students in our community classes: “What’s the best way to withdraw from my accounts to make my money last and avoid paying unnecessary taxes?”

Over the next couple of decades, trillions of dollars are expected to change hands as baby boomers pass down their wealth to younger generations. Dubbed the “Great Wealth Transfer,” this shift is one of the largest financial events of our time and it presents both a unique opportunity and a serious responsibility for those on the receiving end.

The market has been volatile lately in response to the tariffs that are rolling out. Market volatility is never fun to endure, but it is a normal part of investing.

As retirement approaches, one of the most overlooked yet financially significant aspects is the cost of aging. With longer life expectancies and rising healthcare costs, your medical expenses can be one of the largest costs you will face in retirement (next to taxes). A private room in a nursing home can exceed $100,000 per year, while in-home care services quickly add up as well.

Navigating the complexities of Medicare costs during retirement can be daunting, especially when it comes to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D premiums if your income exceeds certain thresholds. Fortunately, there are strategies to potentially reduce this surcharge and maximize your retirement healthcare budget.