CALCULATE YOUR IDEAL NUMBER:
Most people focus on growing their retirement savings… but very few think about how those savings will be taxed later.
In this video, we break down a powerful concept from Divorce the IRS called the “Ideal Number” — a strategic way to think about how much you may want in pre-tax accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs by the time you retire.
You’ll learn how the standard deduction, withdrawal strategies, and account types can impact your long-term tax picture — and why “more” isn’t always better when it comes to tax-deferred savings.
This is not about eliminating taxes entirely — it’s about understanding how to make your retirement income more tax-efficient and avoid common planning mistakes.
If you want to better understand how your accounts work together in retirement, this is a must-watch.
Chapters
- 0:00– The costly mistake most retirees make
- 0:45– Why taxes matter more than you think in retirement
- 1:30– What is the “Ideal Number”?
- 2:20– How pre-tax accounts are taxed
- 3:15– Understanding the standard deduction
- 4:10– How tax-efficient withdrawals work
- 5:05– The impact of RMDs, Social Security, and IRMAA
- 6:10– Example: calculating a target number
- 7:15– Common mistakes to avoid
- 8:10– How to start planning smarter