Retiring Early? CPA Explains How To Use A 72(t) to Escape The 10% Penalty | Bill Stecker (Part1) | 234

You won't find a more comprehensive resource on the topic of 72(t) plans and substantially equal periodic payments (SEPP). This little-known IRS provision gives you a perfectly legal way to access your retirement money before 59½ without the 10% penalty… and almost nobody in finance wants to touch it! So, Jackie brings back the one expert that lives and breathes 72(t)s, William (Bill) Stecker, CPA and founder of 72tcalc.com. Bill picks up where he left off when he last appeared on the show in 2025. He further explains the nuances of 72(t) plans and how to avoid common mistakes. Hear how 72(t)s can be incredibly powerful tools for early retirees, laid-off workers, and anyone ready to leave the traditional "hours-for-dollars" trade.

This episode covers

What a 72(t) or SEPP plan actually is Access to retirement accounts before age 59½ without the 10% penalty tax Why so many financial professionals hesitate to work with 72(t) plans  The minimum plan period and why modifying a SEPP can become extremely expensive  How to determine how much early retirement income you actually need The differences between the Rule of 55 and a 72(t) strategy  Why Bill usually prefers moving money from employer "plan land" into "IRA land"  How brokerage accounts, Roth contributions, part-time work, and SEPPs can work together  Why inflation and unexpected expenses need to be built into an early-retirement income plan  How splitting an IRA into separate accounts can create flexibility and isolate potential mistakes

This is the first part of a 2-part episode. Be sure to follow the show and catch part 2 next week (9/6/26).

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