fpPathfinder

Helping Diligent Advisors Ensure They're On The Right Planning Path

Already a Member? Login
Need Help?
Refer Friends
Guide Recommendation Tool
Go Back
Category:
Retirement / Decumulation, Estate Planning, Assets and Investment Planning

Should I Inherit My Deceased Spouse’s Traditional IRA?

There are a few options a client can consider when they inherit an IRA from their spouse. The best option for your client will depend upon a variety of factors, and the relevant rules and decision points can be confusing.

To help make the analysis easier, we have created the “Should I Inherit My Deceased Spouse’s Traditional IRA?” flowchart. It addresses common issues that arise when a client inherits a traditional IRA from a spouse:

  • Inheriting the IRA vs. rolling the IRA into the client’s own traditional IRA
  • 10-Year Rule vs. Life Expectancy Rule
  • RMD calculations
  • Considerations based on age and income needs

 

Updated for 10/15/2021

Related Guides
What Issues Should I Consider Before I Retire?
Category: General, Retirement / Decumulation
Can I Delay Distributions From The Traditional IRA I Inherited?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation, Tax Planning, Assets and Investment Planning
Can I Avoid Taking My RMD After Reaching My Required Beginning Date (RBD)?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation, Tax Planning, Assets and Investment Planning
Will A Distribution From My Roth IRA Be Tax & Penalty-Free?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation, Tax Planning, Assets and Investment Planning
Will A Distribution From My Traditional IRA Be Penalty-Free?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation, Tax Planning, Assets and Investment Planning
What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My RMD?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation

What Customers Are Saying About Us

Hundreds of other advisors are actively using fpPathfinder. Read what those lovely people have to say about us.
“I really love the concept of fpPathfinder because I spend so much time reinventing the wheel when communicating planning concepts to clients. Moreover, the flowchart format can be used time and time again to produce consistent results.”
— Kevin P, an advisor in Illinois
“I love fpPathfinder. I use it nearly every day. Clients think it is very clear and easy to understand and it has increased our credibility.”
— An advisor in Utah
“Thank you for creating a robust, yet very practical, planning tool.”
— Andy, an advisor in Florida
“I think fpPathfinder is the best tool I’ve ever seen in the financial planning realm. I spend an unbelievable amount of time researching some of these issues that have been boiled down to one page: consulting with other experts, citing specific sources as a backup, reviewing my work, and coming to a final conclusion.”
— Jeff S, an advisor in Missouri
“I love the new "share a link" feature. This has made it much easier to send flowcharts and checklists to our clients. Thanks for the add!”
— An advisor in Texas
“I really love the flowcharts and they are helping me explain difficult decision points/rules to my client base. In fact, I plan to upgrade so I can use some of the material on my website with my own branding.”
— An advisor in Texas
“The decision tree format has been immensely helpful. The design is very simple and elegant.”
— Deirdre, an advisor in Massachusetts
Become a Member

Recent Blog Posts

Sign Up to Receive Updates

Join our mailing list to be updated as we release new flowcharts and checklists that might be of interest.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Close