The traditional Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) was established in the US in 1974.  Today, many IRA account assets are being passed to beneficiaries, most often as inherited IRA accounts.  Inherited IRAs come with their own rules, which differ from traditional IRA accounts.  Those rules dictate how inherited assets can be titled, and how and when they can be distributed to each beneficiary.

Memorizing the entire list of rules is extensive. We summarized some of the finer points that impact how the rules apply when inheriting IRA assets.  They include:

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It is common to hear adages like, ‘Max out your 401(k),’ or ‘Make sure you contribute as much as your employer will match,’ and it is wise to follow these pieces of advice.  However, a less commonly heard, but equally important question to consider is, “How will my 401(k) benefit be maximized during my tenure at my job?”  To ensure you take full advantage of your employer sponsored retirement plan benefit, begin by understanding the details of your plan, and asking questions, specifically:

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