Victor and Jane Muratti, a computer analyst and schoolteacher married for more than 30 years, are nearing retirement. Over the years, they have accumulated a mosaic of investments, including stocks, corporate and municipal bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), annuities, real estate, and master limited partnerships (MLPs). Some of these investments are in taxable accounts while others are in tax-deferred retirement plans and traditional and Roth IRAs.

Once they retire, the Murattis will begin drawing income from these various accounts, and after they reach age 70½, they'll have to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their retirement plans and IRAs. But they don't have a clue about the best way to create their retirement "paychecks."

It's a common situation and the circumstances will vary for every person or couple. However, one typical objective is to minimize federal income tax from investment transactions, while preserving as much wealth as you can for a lengthy retirement.