Pre-retirees & Retirees

At Bent Tree Trust Advisors, we have found that people preparing for retirement, whether married or single, need to create reliable retirement income streams, mitigate risks, and reduce their taxes. We can help by creating a comprehensive retirement plan that includes all income from investments, pensions, 401(k) or similar plans, and optimizing Social Security benefits. Protecting assets is critical during retirement, as is not allowing market risk to erode your portfolio. Having plans in place for the unexpected is important too, such as losing a spouse or developing the need for long-term care. And of course, transferring tax-advantaged wealth using estate planning strategies is part of our focus.

Too many people still don’t understand that a large amount of money held in a traditional 401(k) will mean ordinary income taxes will have to be paid during retirement. (And keep in mind that that income taxes will be due from your heirs, too, if they inherit your 401(k).) You can’t just leave the money alone, it has to be withdrawn beginning at whatever age your annual RMDs start (required minimum distributions) must be taken in the right amounts from the right accounts by December 31 each year per IRS rules. Even Social Security benefits can be taxed up to 85% if your combined income calculation is higher than the limit! We provide comprehensive retirement planning, and getting started early may afford you additional tax planning opportunities including Roth conversions.