033: The Secure Act 2.0 is Here: How Does it Affect My Retirement Plans?

More retirement changes are here, as the Secure Act 2.0 passed Congress in the waning days of 2022, almost three years to the day after version 1.0 of the Act became law. Most of us harbor enough cynicism where the government is concerned to expect little in the way of “purpose-built” legislation, so it might come as a surprise that the Secure Act 2.0, like its predecessor, addresses a boatload of important aspects of our collective retirements that no doubt needed to be examined. But don’t worry. We won’t go through all 90,000 new laws because we’d be here for hours, but we are examining the heavy hitters that impact most people.

What might come as less of a surprise is the sometimes-incomprehensible rationale and language the Act’s provisions contain — both so arcane that Richard himself jokes the Act should be referred to as the “CPA Full Employment Act” because it requires so much professional interpretation.

But why the need for this legislation in the first place? For starters, the very nature of retirement continues to change over time. We’re not only living longer, but most of us are also retaining a better level of vitality in our later years. Which makes sense, right?! So, what exactly are we looking at? Well, for starters, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) are bumping up the age for withdrawal to 73, and in another ten years, it will be increased again to 75. Other updates include changes to the size of catch-up contributions for older working Americans as well as some changes meant to help younger people save while paying off student debt. And then we get into some real doozies, like new laws that let you take money out of your retirement account penalty-free. And let’s just say that the rules are so loose you could claim a hangnail to get your money. 

So, with all that said, join us for the latest episode of A Place of Possibility as Richard Del Monte and Angela Wright take a close look at Secure Act 2.0. They’ll review its provisions and break down its often-byzantine wording into terms we can all understand. We’re confident that you’ll find their explanation not only very valuable but also very entertaining.

In addition to the talking points mentioned above, Richard and Angela will also touch on:

• How the Secure Act 2.0 addresses the balance of our increased life expectancy with RMD requirements and will continue to do so in the future.
• An important change to Roth 401ks that will put them on a more even footing with Roth IRAs as far as RMDs are concerned.
• How some catch-up provisions for retirement accounts have been increased pretty much across the board — with one understandable caveat for high earners.
• A variety of Secure Act 2.0 changes that make it less painful to pull from your retirement plan before turning 59.5. Some of these changes might even lead you to think that a government conspiracy is afoot to keep you working well into your later years.
• Provisions that will provide much-needed lifelines to domestic abuse victims and those suffering a terminal illness.

And more!

Strap in, folks, because this is an information-packed episode, and we don’t want you to miss any updates you might need to make. And if you know someone else who might benefit, we hope you’ll pass this show along!