The golden years often conjure images of carefree days filled with leisure activities and well-deserved relaxation. But for many retirees, a financial reality called the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) comes into play, impacting their income and tax obligations. So, what exactly is an RMD, and how does it work? Find out how you can navigate the intricacies of RMDs, clarifying who needs to take them, how they're calculated, and the potential consequences of ignoring them.

Retirement. It's a word that conjures up images of leisurely days spent with family, freedom to travel, and plenty of free time for creative pursuits. Before you start picturing yourself sipping frozen concoctions on a sun-drenched beach, though, there's one vital step you can't overlook: retirement planning. While it might sound intimidating, it's best to think of long-term planning as building a sturdy bridge, piece by piece, that leads to your retirement. The earlier you begin, the stronger that bridge becomes in securing your future.