FWIW I was trustee for my mother her final 10 years. The last two of which she spent in a private skilled nursing bed at $150K per year.

I told her financial adviser this is the perfect time to harvest the IRA. He said no leave the money in so you can inherit the tax advantaged funds and allow them to continue to grow.

I said no we will eventually have to pay taxes on that money if we leave it in. If we pull out $150K each year its tax free now with a huge medical expense itemized deduction that would be lost forever if not used.

I was right. It was the right decision in a long line of great decisions she taught me how to make.

Today would be my mother’s 90th birthday. It is also the 1st anniversary of her passing. Happy Birthday Mom! Thanks for teaching me well. I appreciate you.

P.S. Sorry for never telling you how much we were spending for that private room. I know you would have left sooner if I had told so thats why I didnt.