Starting at 35 cuts your runway to retirement in half compared to starting at 25. Does that make financial independence impossible? Not even close—and the real question isn't about your age, it's about the tax strategy you're using right now.
Brad and Sean Mulaney tackle listener questions about tax basketing, asset location, and retirement account optimization. The conversation covers how to minimize tax drag in taxable accounts, recent changes to 529-to-Roth IRA transfers under the Secure Act 2.0, and practical strategies for late savers.
Chapters
Introduction and Overview
Question from Jay regarding tax strategies
Discussion on tax basketing
Query about 529 plans and Roth IRA conversions
Advice for someone starting at age 35
Explaining capital gains and taxation
Options for late savers
Final thoughts and resources
Key Points
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- Tax basketing involves strategically allocating asset types (Roth, traditional, taxable) to minimize tax liabilities
- Secure Act 2.0 allows up to $35,000 from 529 plans to be transferred to a beneficiary's Roth IRA
- Annual Roth conversions can minimize required minimum distributions (RMDs) and future tax burdens
- Traditional retirement accounts present opportunities for tax optimization, not obstacles
Notable Quotes
"Tax drag isn't really much of a thing at all."
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"It literally takes $0 to start."
"This is an opportunity, not a problem."
"You do not need a backdoor Roth IRA."
"It's never too late to start on the path to FI."
Resources
Fidelity's 529 Withdrawal Guide
Key Concepts
Tax Drag - The impact of taxes on the growth of investments, particularly in taxable accounts
529 Plans - Tax-advantaged savings plans designed to encourage saving for future education expenses
Roth IRA - A type of retirement account that allows for tax-free withdrawals in retirement
RMD - Required Minimum Distribution; the minimum amount one must withdraw from certain retirement accounts annually starting at a specific age
Pro-Rata Rule - A tax rule that affects Roth conversions from traditional IRAs based on the proportion of pre-tax and post-tax contributions
Action Steps
Review your investment accounts to identify opportunities for tax basketing
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Consider completing Roth conversions if you're in a low-tax bracket