Rick Kahler, CFP, resides in Rapid City, South Dakota and is a fee-only financial planner. He is the co-author of “The Financial Wisdom of Ebenezer Scrooge”. Learn more at …(read more)

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Avoid Costly IRA Mistakes

An Individual retirement account (IRA) is a valuable tool in building a secure financial future. It offers tax advantages and the potential for significant growth over time. However, there are several IRA mistakes that individuals can make, leading to unnecessary costs and missed opportunities. To ensure you make the most of your IRA, it’s important to be aware of these common mistakes and take steps to avoid them.

Firstly, one of the costliest mistakes IRA holders make is failing to maximize their contributions. Contributions to traditional IRAs are tax-deductible, and contributions to Roth IRAs are made with after-tax dollars, allowing for tax-free withdrawals in retirement. By not contributing the maximum allowed amount each year, you are missing out on potential tax savings and growth. Be sure to review the contribution limits for your specific IRA and aim to contribute the maximum allowable amount.

Another common mistake is failing to diversify your IRA investments. Some IRA holders make the error of putting all their funds into one stock, company, or sector, exposing themselves to unnecessary risk. It’s essential to diversify your portfolio to spread out the risk and increase the likelihood of long-term growth. Consider investing in a mix of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other assets that align with your risk tolerance and long-term financial goals.

Additionally, withdrawing funds from your IRA before the appropriate age can be a costly mistake. Early withdrawals from traditional IRAs before the age of 59 ½ usually incur a 10% penalty, in addition to being subject to ordinary income tax. Roth IRAs have more lenient withdrawal rules, but it’s still important to carefully consider the potential impact on your retirement savings before making any early withdrawals. Exceptions to the penalty include using the funds for specific qualifying expenses like higher education or a first-time home purchase.

Another significant mistake is failing to regularly review and update your IRA beneficiaries. Life events such as marriages, divorces, births, or deaths may require you to update your beneficiary designations. If you overlook this critical step, your IRA could end up in the wrong hands, potentially resulting in unintended tax consequences for your beneficiaries. Take the time to review your beneficiary designations at least once a year or whenever there is a significant life change.

Lastly, neglecting to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your traditional IRA can lead to substantial penalties. Once you reach the age of 72 (70 ½ for people born before July 1, 1949), you must start taking RMDs from your traditional IRA each year. Failing to do so can result in a penalty of up to 50% of the amount you should have withdrawn. Ensure you understand the RMD rules and make the necessary withdrawals to avoid costly penalties.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to avoid costly IRA mistakes to maximize the benefits of your retirement savings. Ensure you are contributing the maximum allowable amount, diversify your investments, and be aware of the rules around early withdrawals, beneficiary designations, and required minimum distributions. By doing so, you can build a strong financial future and enjoy a comfortable retirement.