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How to Choose Which Retirement Accounts to Tap First

Summarized from All Financial Services & Investing

Financial advisor Ash Toumayants outlines strategies for drawing retirement income in the right order to manage taxes and preserve long-term savings.

How to Choose Which Retirement Accounts to Tap First

Deciding which retirement accounts to draw from first can significantly affect how much retirees owe in taxes and how long their savings last, according to financial advisor Ash Toumayants of State College, Pa., featured in a recent HelloNation article.

Toumayants breaks down the core challenge retirees face: different account types — such as traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and taxable brokerage accounts — carry different tax treatments, meaning the sequence of withdrawals can either erode or protect a nest egg over time.

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Sequencing withdrawals strategically allows retirees to manage their taxable income year by year, potentially keeping them in lower tax brackets and reducing exposure to taxes on Social Security benefits or Medicare surcharges. The approach requires ongoing attention rather than a set-it-and-forget-it mindset.

While the source does not specify a single universal withdrawal order, the underlying guidance underscores that personalized planning — accounting for account balances, expected expenses, and tax situations — is essential for retirees looking to maximize income longevity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q.Which retirement account should you withdraw from first?

The optimal withdrawal order depends on individual tax situations and account types, including traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and taxable brokerage accounts. Sequencing withdrawals strategically can help retirees manage taxable income and stay in lower tax brackets.

Q.How does withdrawal order affect taxes in retirement?

Drawing from different account types in a deliberate sequence can reduce annual taxable income, potentially lowering taxes on Social Security benefits and avoiding Medicare income surcharges.

Q.Who is Ash Toumayants?

Ash Toumayants is a financial advisor based in State College, Pennsylvania, who was featured in HelloNation discussing retirement income planning strategies.

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