Secure Act 2.0 and Alzheimer’s Planning: What’s Working, What’s Not, and Why Now Is the Time to Plan
- Mitchell Lansky
- Oct 24
- 4 min read
At The Lansky Law Firm, we believe that planning ahead brings peace of mind — whether you’re preparing for retirement, managing inherited assets, or facing life’s unexpected challenges such as Alzheimer’s disease. As 2025 draws to a close, two issues are shaping many families’ legal and financial decisions: the long-term impact of the SECURE 2.0 Act and the growing importance of proactive estate planning for those living with Alzheimer’s.
The SECURE 2.0 Act: The Good, the Confusing, and the Lessons Learned
When Congress passed the SECURE 2.0 Act in late 2022, the goal was to help Americans save more easily for retirement. Now that we’ve seen the law in action, there’s clarity in some areas — and challenges in others.
What’s Working
Later Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) Retirees now have until age 73 (and eventually 75 starting in 2033) to begin taking distributions from IRAs and other retirement accounts. This change provides extra time for tax-deferred growth and strategic withdrawal planning.
Expanded Catch-Up Contributions Beginning in 2025, individuals ages 60–63 can make larger “catch-up” contributions to their retirement plans. This allows those nearing retirement — especially those who may have experienced career gaps — to boost their savings in the final years of employment.
Employer Matching on Student Loan Payments Workers paying down student loans can now receive employer retirement plan matches even if they aren’t currently contributing to their own retirement accounts. This provision helps younger professionals begin building wealth earlier in life.
What’s Not Working (Yet)
Confusion Over Beneficiary Rules The elimination of the “stretch IRA” and the new 10-year payout rule have caused uncertainty — especially when trusts are involved. Even with recent IRS proposals, many families remain unclear about how these rules apply to inherited accounts.
Challenges With Roth Catch-Up Contributions The rule requiring high-income earners to make their catch-up contributions as Roth deposits has proven difficult for many employers to implement, leading to administrative delays and confusion.
Missed Coordination Opportunities Many people have not updated their estate plans to reflect these retirement rule changes. Shifts in RMD timing, Roth conversions, and charitable giving strategies can all affect long-term tax efficiency, inheritance planning, and potential Medicaid eligibility — making regular review essential.
Practical Takeaways
To make the most of these updates and avoid costly mistakes:
Review Your Beneficiary Designations. Outdated designations may no longer comply with current rules.
Revisit Your Withdrawal Strategy. The delayed RMD age opens new opportunities for tax-efficient Roth conversions or qualified charitable distributions.
Coordinate With Your Estate Plan. Ensure your trusts, wills, and powers of attorney align with today’s tax laws and your long-term care goals.
Ask About Employer Updates. Confirm how your workplace retirement plan is handling SECURE 2.0 changes such as Roth options and loan-matching features.
At The Lansky Law Firm, we help families bring their financial, retirement, and estate planning strategies into harmony — so each component supports the others.
Estate Planning and Alzheimer’s Disease: Protecting Dignity Through Preparation
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can feel overwhelming. At The Lansky Law Firm, we understand the emotional and financial challenges that come with this journey — both for those diagnosed and for their loved ones. One of the most important steps you can take is putting a comprehensive estate plan in place early, while decisions can still be made with clarity and confidence.
Why Timing Matters
Legal capacity — the ability to understand and communicate one’s wishes — is essential in estate planning. Because Alzheimer’s is progressive, acting early ensures your or your loved one’s intentions are legally recognized and protected.
Essential Legal Documents for Alzheimer’s Planning
Durable Power of Attorney for Finances – Appoints trusted agents to manage finances responsibly.
Health Care Power of Attorney (Health Care Proxy) – Names a trusted person to make medical decisions that align with your values.
Living Will – Outlines preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment and comfort care.
Dementia-Specific Advance Directive – Provides clear guidance across different stages of Alzheimer’s.
Last Will and Testament and/or Revocable Trust – Directs how assets are distributed and helps avoid unnecessary court involvement.
Without these documents, families may need to pursue guardianship or conservatorship, a court-supervised process that can be costly and emotionally taxing. With the right plan, you can protect your dignity, your voice, and your family’s peace of mind.
How The Lansky Law Firm Can Help
Our experienced team helps Tennessee families:
Protect assets from long-term care and nursing home costs.
Draft or update advance directives that reflect personal values.
Appoint trusted decision-makers for medical and financial matters.
Avoid guardianship whenever possible.
Ensure compliance with Tennessee law while tailoring every plan to your family’s needs.
Peace of Mind Through Preparation
Whether you are adjusting to new financial rules under the SECURE 2.0 Act or planning for the challenges of Alzheimer’s, the goal is the same — to protect your family and your future.
At The Lansky Law Firm, our mission is to help you plan wisely, act early, and secure peace of mind for the years ahead.
Peace of Mind through Preparation.
Visit Us: 6800 Poplar Ave #225, Memphis, TN 38138
Call Us: (901) 767-7006
Learn More: www.lanskylawfirm.com
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