Will Your Taxes Really Be Lower In Retirement?

Are your taxes really going to be lower in retirement? Many financial advisors and rules of thumb assume so, but for high-earning savers and retirees with large IRAs or 401(k)s, the reality is often very different. In this episode, Rick Luchini breaks down the myth of lower retirement taxes and explores why many retirees actually face similar or even higher tax bills in retirement.

We’ll cover the impact of Roth IRAs vs. traditional IRAs, how Roth conversions can create flexibility, and why taxable brokerage accounts are often underrated in retirement planning. You’ll learn about required minimum distributions (RMDs), the so-called “retirement tax bomb,” and how taxes can unexpectedly explode when a surviving spouse inherits retirement accounts and is forced into higher tax brackets.

If you’re planning for retirement—or already retired—this discussion will give you actionable insights on tax-efficient withdrawal strategies, avoiding sticker shock, and why flexibility matters more than outdated rules of thumb.

✅ Learn how to protect yourself from unexpected retirement taxes ✅ Understand when Roth accounts make sense ✅ Avoid common tax planning mistakes that could cost you thousands