Don’t Let Taxes Come Back to Haunt Your Retirement
October brings a mix of crisp air, falling leaves, and—for many retirees—those yearly reminders that tax season isn’t far away. And while haunted houses and horror movies can be fun, there’s one fright you don’t want creeping into your golden years: unexpected taxes.
One of the biggest financial “ghosts” retirees face comes from money saved in tax-deferred accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. These accounts grow without immediate taxes, which sounds great—until withdrawals begin. Every dollar taken out can trigger income taxes, and at age 73, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) make those withdrawals mandatory.
It’s a surprise that can rattle even the most seasoned savers. Many people discover too late that their retirement income can push them into higher tax brackets than when they were working.
The good news? You can plan ahead.
Through our Retire Forward™ process, we help clients look at their full financial picture—income, investments, healthcare, and taxes—to identify where those “tax ghosts” might be hiding.
Here are a few ways to keep them from haunting your future:
Diversify your tax buckets. Consider balancing between tax-deferred, taxable, and tax-free accounts.
Review Roth conversion opportunities. Converting a portion of your IRA now may mean paying less tax later.
Stay aware of age milestones. RMDs, Social Security eligibility, and Medicare enrollment each come with their own financial tricks and treats.
Revisit your plan annually. Like carving a new pumpkin each year, your strategy needs a fresh look as life changes.
The scariest thing about retirement shouldn’t be your taxes—it should be deciding which Halloween candy to hand out this year. The real trick is having a plan. The treat? Financial peace of mind.
Falling Into Financial Freedom
While we’re all busy enjoying pumpkin patches and caramel apples, fall also invites a moment to slow down and reflect. At Momentum Wealth, this season reminds us of two things: preparation and gratitude.
Just as autumn prepares nature for winter, financial planning prepares families for the next phase of life. It’s not about fear—it’s about foresight. Having a plan in place brings the kind of confidence that lets you truly enjoy the life you’ve built.
But fall isn’t just about planning—it’s about giving.
Every year, we join our clients in supporting the community through our Thanksgiving Food Drive and our ongoing partnership with Make-A-Wish Utah, helping bring life-changing experiences to children and families right here in our state.
For us, generosity is at the heart of financial freedom. It’s not only about securing your own future, but also empowering others to move forward—Sempre Avanti, as our founder, Nico Pesci, always says.
As the leaves turn and the year winds down, we invite you to take a moment to check in on your financial plan, celebrate your progress, and remember what matters most: family, community, and the freedom you’ve earned through years of hard work.
Because when your finances are aligned with your values, every season becomes a little brighter—and that’s something truly worth celebrating.
Planning ahead isn’t spooky—it’s smart. Whether you’re looking to review your tax strategy, update your retirement plan, or simply connect with a team that keeps your goals front and center, we’re here to help you Retire Forward™ with confidence.
Call us anytime at (801) 655-4898 or visit retiremomentum.com to learn more about how we can help you move forward this fall.
Disclosure: Momentum Wealth offers advisory services through Fusion Capital Management, an SEC-registered investment advisor. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or exempted from registration requirements. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Momentum Wealth and Fusion Capital Management are independent of each other. Insurance products and services are offered independently by Momentum Wealth, License #677405. Content is for informational purposes only and not intended as specific financial advice.
