08/07/2026
🎉 Trivia Thursday Answer!
The correct answer is...
✅ B — Traditional IRA
Here's why:
A Traditional IRA is often the most tax-expensive account to inherit because withdrawals are generally taxed as ordinary income. Under current rules, many non-spouse beneficiaries must empty the account within 10 years, which can push them into higher tax brackets depending on their own income.
Here's how the others compare:
✅ A — Roth IRA: Generally, qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Most non-spouse beneficiaries still have to empty the account within 10 years, but those distributions are typically not taxable.
✅ C — Taxable Investment Account: Most inherited investments receive a step-up in cost basis to their fair market value at the owner's death. That means if they're sold shortly afterward, there may be little or no capital gains tax.
✅ D — Life Insurance Proceeds: In most cases, life insurance death benefits are received income tax-free by beneficiaries.
💬 How many of you picked the Traditional IRA?
Retirement isn't just about growing your money—it's also about how you leave it to the people you love. A thoughtful distribution strategy can make a meaningful difference in what your heirs ultimately keep.