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Early retirement tax strategy, 401k bridge money, and RMD anxiety

April 6, 2026r/financialindependence

In r/financialindependence, builders planning early retirement debate when to shift from traditional 401k to taxable brokerage for a bridge, with multiple replies arguing RMD fears are overblown and 72t enables early access.

When to stop traditional 401k contributions (with RMDs in mind), and start building the taxable brokerage "bridge" money to get to age 59.5?
Need more information, but the answer is likely “never”, especially when 72(t) is an option.
The answer is never for most people
The answer is ‘and’, not ‘or’ when it comes to adding money to your taxable brokerage vs traditional 401k.
Don't worry about RMDs, the withdrawal rate is close to what you'll be wanting to withdraw anyway.
r/financialindependence
FIREtax planningretirement accounts

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