Merit Financial Advisors

These minutes walk you through the three IRS Required Minimum Distribution tables—the Uniform Life Table used by most retirees, the Joint Life and Last Survivor Table for spouses more than ten years younger who are the sole beneficiary, and the Single Life Expectancy Table applied to inherited IRAs under the Secure Act’s 10‑year rule—showing how age‑based life‑expectancy factors are calculated, why the correct table can lower your RMD, and how a mistake can trigger a 25 % penalty. By mastering the right table you gain control over taxable income, Roth‑conversion space, and overall tax‑planning flexibility, and you can get personalized assistance through the link in the description.

. In this video, the host explains how upcoming ACA subsidy changes in 2026 could cause health‑care premiums to double for many retirees and outlines five actionable strategies—delaying Social Security, leveraging Roth withdrawals, optimizing taxable‑account sales, using HSA receipts, and smart HELOC use—to keep reported income below the subsidy cliff and dramatically reduce out‑of‑pocket costs. Viewers also get a quick look at the projected premium spikes, the mechanics of the subsidy cliff, and practical steps to protect their retirement cash flow.

Retirees need to know that the IRS uses three different RMD tables—the Uniform Life Table for the great‑majority of owners, the Joint Life & Last Survivor Table for spouses more than ten years younger who are the sole beneficiary, and the Single Life Expectancy Table for inherited IRAs subject to the 10‑year rule. Choosing the right table can reduce your required distribution, prevent costly 25 % penalties, and give you greater flexibility for tax‑planning, and this video walks you through the calculations for each case.

In this video, the original creator of the 4% rule introduces an updated withdrawal rate of 4.7%, suggesting retirees might have more spending power. However, the host highlights significant flaws in this rule, emphasizing that while the 4% rule serves as a historical reference, it fails to account for real-world factors and personal financial situations that impact actual retirement planning.

In this video, discover how to avoid double taxation on your retirement investments by understanding the importance of asset location across different tax buckets. Learn which types of accounts are best suited for various types of investments, with a particular focus on the counterintuitive advantages of holding international stocks in taxable accounts.

In this video, we explore the debate surrounding taxable accounts as the most underrated retirement option, highlighting their flexibility and appealing features. However, we delve into the hidden drawbacks that can significantly impact long-term wealth accumulation, ultimately revealing why they may not be the best choice compared to traditional and Roth retirement accounts.

In this video, we explore the surprising implications of new Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules that, while seemingly beneficial for retirees by delaying withdrawal ages and reducing percentages, may actually exacerbate tax burdens. By analyzing 70 years of market data, we reveal how longer compounding periods lead to higher forced withdrawals and consequent tax implications, highlighting the importance of strategic planning to navigate these changes effectively.

In this video, we untangle common misconceptions surrounding Social Security break even charts, emphasizing the importance of consistent decision-making in retirement planning. By comparing various retirement scenarios, we showcase why conservative assumptions should guide both income strategies and Social Security decisions to better support sustainable spending.

In "The Hidden Side of Retirement," the speaker explores the paradox of freedom that often accompanies retirement, revealing how the lack of structure can lead to feelings of aimlessness and anxiety. By sharing insights and practical advice, the video guides viewers on how to cultivate meaning and fulfillment during this new phase of life.

In this video, we explore the common misconceptions investors have when the market reaches all-time highs and why these record levels often signify a healthy economy rather than an imminent crash. By analyzing historical data and market trends, we emphasize the importance of sticking to a well-thought-out investment strategy, rather than making emotional decisions in response to market fluctuations.

In this video, we delve into the reality of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and whether the fears surrounding them are justified or overstated, providing a thorough analysis of various arguments presented in other videos. We emphasize that retirement tax planning is highly individualistic, urging viewers to consider their unique situations rather than relying on sweeping generalizations that can lead to poor financial decisions.