The Retirement Transition. A Plan, Not a Date
Last updated: July 2026. This is a foundational, evergreen post we revisit as rules and figures change — check back for refreshed data, or subscribe to our newsletter for updates as they're published.
Retirement Is a Shift in Income, Not Just a Milestone
For most of your working life, your paycheck funds your lifestyle. In retirement, that role shifts to your portfolio, Social Security, and any pensions — and the coordination between them matters far more than most people expect.
Key Rules to Know Right Now
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) — Under current law, RMDs generally begin at age 73, rising to 75 for those born in 1960 or later. Missing an RMD deadline carries a real penalty of up to 25% of the amount that should have been withdrawn a costly, avoidable mistake with proper planning.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) — If you're 70½ or older and give charitably, current rules allow up to $111,000 per year to move directly from an IRA to a qualified charity, which can satisfy some or all of your RMD while keeping the distribution out of taxable income.
Withdrawal Sequencing — Which accounts you draw from first taxable, tax-deferred, or tax-free can meaningfully change how much of your retirement income is lost to taxes over your lifetime.
The Bigger Picture
Rules like these are indexed and adjusted periodically sometimes gradually, sometimes through more significant legislative change. A plan built once, on one year's numbers, doesn't hold up over a 20 or 30 year retirement. What matters more than any single figure is having a plan that gets revisited as both your life and the rules around it evolve.
Why This Page Will Change
RMD ages, QCD limits, and related figures shift periodically. We'll update this post as the rules move, so treat it as a living reference rather than a one-time read.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Please consult your own advisors regarding your specific situation. See our full Disclaimer.
Wondering how these rules apply to your specific retirement timeline?
