Retirement Planning Education, with Andy Panko #197 - Q&A edition...how often to rebalance, tracking Roth IRA contributions, are RMDs really that bad, paying off mortgages before retirement and MORE!
Mar 26, 2026
Listener Q&A tackles portfolio rebalancing cadence, when to check big-picture finances, and ways to handle highly appreciated stock positions. Practical rules for keeping or rolling old 401(k) plans, tracking Roth contributions and inherited Roth rollovers. Discussion of RMD impact, using pre-tax money to pay a mortgage, mutual-fund-to-ETF conversions, and rental property versus CDs for legacy planning.
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Transcript
Episode notes
Simplify Vs Realize Gains Weigh Taxes And Concentration
- Do simplify holdings when feasible, but weigh tax consequences of selling highly appreciated individual stocks in taxable accounts against concentration risk and future estate step-up benefits.
- Consider donating appreciated shares to charity, gifting, or exchange/pooled funds to diversify without immediate tax hits.
Consult Specialists For Medicaid And HSA Questions
- Avoid relying on generalist advisers for special-needs Medicaid/HSA interactions; seek a specialist because these are complex, state-specific rules (e.g., Medi-Cal).
- Andy admits he won't advise on special needs or cross-border tax issues and recommends specialists for those areas.
Keep One 401k For Specific Protections Not Many
- Do consider leaving one old 401(k) in place for specific benefits like Rule of 55 access or creditor protection under ERISA, but avoid keeping many legacy plans out of inertia.
- You only need one plan to preserve early-withdrawal or liability protections; consolidate others when sensible.