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Individual Retirement Accounts

Helping You Retire The Way You Want

Tools & Calculators

Informed financial planning is one of the cornerstones of an effective retirement strategy.

On the retirement planning workbench below, you'll find a wide variety of planning tools covering numerous aspects of retirement income planning, from selecting the best type of IRA (individual retirement account) to designing a retirement income strategy that best fits your personal investment objectives.

Each planning tool includes a thorough introduction of the tool's purpose as well as a summary of the financial information you'll need to have available when using the tool.

IRA Beneficiary Planners

Are you an IRA beneficiary? Don't miss out on the significant tax-deferral options available to IRA beneficiaries. These tools will help you identify your IRA withdrawal options, project future payments, and calculate required beneficiary distributions.

  • IRA Beneficiary Options Calculator
    Review the options available for all types of beneficiaries to determine which will best assist you in maximizing tax deferrals and minimizing RMDs.
  • Payout Projections Calculator
    The RMD Projector is designed to assist beneficiaries of deceased IRA holders in projecting future required distributions from the decedent's IRA.
  • Beneficiary Payout Calculator
    The RMD Calculator is designed to assist beneficiaries of deceased IRA holders in calculating required distributions from the decedent's IRA.

Early Payout Planners (IRC Sec. 72(t))

Retiring early? These tools will help you structure payments that can qualify for exemption from the 10% federal early distribution penalty that typically applies to distributions taken prior to age 59-½.

  • Comparison Projector Calculator
    Use this tool to compare the three basic "substantially equal periodic payment" structures authorized by the IRS for avoiding the 10% early distribution penalty.
  • IRA Distribution Calculator
    After you've selected a payment method, use this tool to structure your substantially equal periodic payment plan.

IRA Selector Tools

What type of IRA is best for you based on your financial circumstances and retirement objectives? These tools help you weigh the pros and cons of Roth and Traditional IRAs from a variety of perspectives.

  • Basic Comparison Calculator
    This straightforward tool helps you compare Traditional and Roth IRAs on the basis of projected (after-tax) retirement income.
  • Legacy Planning Calculator
    This tool helps you measure the potential wealth accumulation implications of selecting a Traditional or Roth IRA (for you and your beneficiaries).
  • Breakeven Analysis Calculator
    Unsure of what your tax rates will be in 20 years? This unique tool helps you look at IRA selection from the standpoint of breakeven analysis (e.g. what if my effective tax rate in retirement is 30% rather than 25%?).
  • IRA Eligibility Calculator
    What type of IRA are you eligible for? This tool helps you determine your eligibility for making Traditional IRA and/or Roth IRA contributions.

Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Planners

Approaching age 70-½? Already in required distribution status? These tools will help you understand the implications of the federal required minimum distribution (RMD) rules and calculate withdrawals that meet the RMD requirements.

IRA Rollover Planners

Receiving a lump sum distribution from an employer-sponsored retirement plan? These tools will help you identify the tax options available to you and compare the retirement income implications of your various alternatives.

  • Plan Participant Calculator
    Receiving a lump sum distribution from an employer-sponsored retirement plan such as a 401(k)? This tool will help you identify the tax options available to you and compare the retirement income implications of your various alternatives.
  • IRA Beneficiary Rollover Planner
    Are you a beneficiary receiving a lump sum distribution from an employer-sponsored retirement plan? This tool will help you identify the tax options available to you and compare the retirement income implications of your various alternatives.

Roth IRA Conversion Tools

Should you consider converting some or all of your Traditional IRA assets to a Roth IRA? These tools help you weigh the pros and cons of a Roth IRA conversion from a variety of perspectives.

  • Basic Roth IRA Conversion Calculator
    This straightforward tool helps you quantify the potential benefits of a Roth IRA conversion on the basis of projected (after-tax) retirement income.
  • Legacy Planning Calculator
    This tool helps you measure the potential wealth accumulation implications of selecting a Roth IRA conversion (for you and your beneficiaries).
  • Breakeven Analysis Calculator
    Unsure of what your tax rates will be in 20 years? This unique tool helps you look at a potential Roth IRA conversion from the standpoint of breakeven analysis (e.g. what if my effective tax rate in retirement is 30% rather than 25%?).

This information is not intended to be legal or tax advice. Please consult a tax, legal, or financial professional with questions.

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