Assume the Wendy and Will Wolverine fact pattern. Will Wolverine dies at age 45, leaving his 403(b) plan to his spouse, Wendy, who is also age 45 and the sole primary beneficiary of the account. Conduit trusts for the benefit of Will and Wendy's three children are the contingent beneficiaries.

What are Wendy's options with regard to the 403(b)? Again, their assets at the time of Will's death are as follows: House (entireties, net of mortgage) $350,000.00 Cash and Investments (JTWROS) 225,000.00 Wendy's401(k)/ProfitSharingPlan 350,000.00 Will's 403(b) Plan 475,000.00 Wendy's Life Insurance 500,000.00 Will's Life Insurance 250,000.00 TotalAssets $2,150,000.00 We don't actually know the Wolverine's income, which is spurious, we would in the real world Lets ASSUME for a moment that Wendy may have a hard time making ends meet without Will's income. This may affect her decision about what to do with Will's 403b. She may need up to $50k/ yr. ALSO NOTE: ROTH IRA conversions ( not available for Inherited IRAs BTW) allow you to withdraw CONTRIBUTIONS five years after they are made as qualified distributions.