How Investments Are Sold When RMDs Are on Autopilot
The rules vary by company.


I’ve arranged for my IRA administrator to take out RMDs for me automatically, but how does it determine which investments to sell? - G.C., Santa Clara, Calif.
The rules vary by company. At Fidelity, you can have the money withdrawn proportionately from each of your IRA investments (the most common option). Or you can elect a fixed percentage from a few investments or have 100% taken from cash. Vanguard has similar options.Charles Schwab takes automatic RMDs only from cash, and the firm sends an alert two weeks beforehand in case you need to sell shares to raise the money.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.

As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
-
-
Most Americans Haven't Had a Raise In 3 Years
Wages have been stuck on neutral over the last 3 years for most Americans, according to a new study.
By Kathryn Pomroy Published
-
Four Threats to the Distribution Phase of Retirement
Keep challenges such as inflation, market volatility and more in mind when it’s time for you to shift from saving for retirement to spending.
By Cliff Ambrose Published
-
Getting Out of an RMD Penalty
retirement When your brokerage firm miscalculates your required minimum distributions, you have recourse.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Borrowers Get More Time to Repay 401(k) Loans
retirement If you leave your job while you have an outstanding 401(k) loan, Uncle Sam now gives you extra time to repay it -- thanks to the new tax law.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
It’s Not Too Late to Boost Retirement Savings for 2018
retirement Some retirement accounts will accept contributions for 2018 up until the April tax deadline.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
How Your HSA Can Reimburse You for Medicare Premiums Paid
Medicare Even if your Medicare premiums are automatically deducted from your Social Security check, you can take tax-free withdrawals from a health savings account to reimburse yourself for them.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
How to Correct a Mistake on Your RMDs from IRAs
retirement If you didn't take out the correct required minimum distribution because your brokerage firm made a mistake, the IRS may show some leniency.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Making the Most of a Health Savings Account Once You Turn Age 65
Making Your Money Last You’ll face a stiff penalty and taxes if you tap your health savings account for non-medical expenses before the age of 65. After that, the rules change.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Using a 529 Plan for High School
529 Plans You’re now able to withdraw up to $10,000 tax-free from a 529 plan each year for K-12 tuition.
By Kimberly Lankford Published
-
Reporting Charitable IRA Distributions on Tax Returns Can Be Confusing
IRAs Taxpayers need to be careful when reporting charitable gifts from their IRA on their tax returns, or they may end up overpaying Uncle Sam.
By Kimberly Lankford Published