RMDs are one of those retirement rules that feel simple on the surface, until the tax consequences show up years later.

In this episode, I walk through what required minimum distributions are, when they start, and why missing or mismanaging them can quietly raise taxes, Medicare costs, and long-term financial stress. I explain how planning early creates flexibility, especially for women navigating retirement transitions, widowhood, or income changes. We also cover practical strategies that can help reduce the tax impact without turning retirement upside down.

Key takeaways:

• How required minimum distributions work and when they begin under current law
• The penalties and long-term damage caused by missed or unplanned RMDs
• How RMDs can increase taxes on Social Security and Medicare premiums
• Using qualified charitable distributions to reduce taxable income
• Timing strategies like Roth conversions and filling lower tax brackets
• And more!

Resources:

• Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roadmap
• www.thesimplyretirementpodcast.com/RMD
• #52 – I Have Inherited an IRA—Now What? 5 Steps to Avoid Costly Mistakes
• #73 – Roth IRAs and Retirement: What You Need to Know
• #91 – 2026 Retirement Contributions Explained: How to Prioritize Accounts & Help Reduce Lifetime Taxes

Connect with Eric Blake:

• www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com
• Join the Simply Retirement Newsletter
• Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast
• Blake Wealth Management
• YouTube

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Converting to a Roth IRA is a taxable event and may increase your current-year tax liability. Roth conversions cannot be undone. Individuals should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their specific circumstances.

Most people know they should be saving for retirement, but fewer understand how contribution rules, taxes, and prioritization actually work together.

Small decisions, like where you save first or how you respond to changing tax brackets, can shape long-term outcomes far more than people realize.

In this episode, I walk through the 2026 retirement contribution limits and explain how to prioritize different retirement accounts when you cannot fund everything at once. I break down common misconceptions around employer matches, Roth versus pre-tax contributions, and the belief that taxes are always lower in retirement. We also explain how spousal IRA rules can keep savings moving even during caregiving or time away from work.

Key points:

• How to prioritize retirement contributions when you have limited cash flow
• Why an employer match matters, but does not tell the whole story
• How tax brackets influence Roth versus traditional decisions
• Why retirement planning should focus on progress, not perfection
• How spousal IRA rules apply during caregiving or career pauses
• And more!

Resources:

• Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roadmap
• 2026 Tax and Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet

Connect with Eric Blake:

• www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com
• Join the Simply Retirement Newsletter
• Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast
• Blake Wealth Management
• YouTube

This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice. Roth IRA contribution and withdrawal rules, eligibility, limits, and tax treatment are subject to IRS requirements and may change. Qualified withdrawals depend on meeting specific conditions, and non-qualified withdrawals may result in taxes or penalties. Consult a qualified tax or financial professional before making contribution or withdrawal decisions

Divorce later in life is not just a legal event; it is an emotional and financial turning point that reshapes identity, confidence, and long-term planning.

In this episode, I sit down with Mardi Winder, a strategic divorce consultant and founder of Positive Communication Systems, to discuss what really happens before, during, and after a gray divorce.

We explore why so many women feel stuck in fear, how financial uncertainty can drive costly decisions, and why clarity must come before action. I also share how retirement planning and divorce strategy need to work together so women can move forward with confidence, not confusion.

Key Takeaways:

• Why high-conflict divorces often create a loss of identity after the process ends
• How fear around money keeps women stuck or leads to poor settlement decisions
• Where strategic divorce coaching fits alongside legal and financial professionals
• Why financial clarity should come before hiring attorneys
• How early guidance can prevent costly mistakes in the first months of divorce
• And more!

Resources:

• Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roadmap
• Tax and Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet (updated for 2026)

Connect with Eric Blake:

• www.TheSimplyRetirementPodcast.com
• Join the Simply Retirement Newsletter
• Ask a Question or Suggest a Topic for the Podcast
• Blake Wealth Management
• YouTube

Connect with Mardi Winder:

• LinkedIn: Mardi Winder
• Website: Positive Communication Systems
• Podcast: The D Shift: Redefining Divorce and Beyond
• Instagram: @divorcecoach4women
• Facebook: Divorce Coach 4 Women
• Facebook personal: Mardi Winder
• YouTube: @divorcecoach4women

About our Guest:

Mardi Winder is a Strategic Divorce Consultant and trusted authority for high-achieving individuals navigating separation and divorce. She is known for helping clients reduce the emotional and financial costs of the process by strengthening decision-making, communication, and conflict management during high-stakes transitions. With more than 30 years of experience, Mardi brings deep expertise in high-conflict, complex, and high-asset divorces. Her background spans mediation, executive and leadership coaching, conflict resolution and mediation, emotional intelligence, and strategic communication, allowing her to support clients in maintaining clarity, confidence, and control throughout divorce and beyond.