@jeffd - there is 'no way' to avoid the distributions - meaning the RMDs. If you take the RMD you will pay ordinary taxes on it, even if you use the proceeds to buy an annuity.... one strategy would be to begin taking distributions now (assuming you are over 59.5 and less than 72 so that you 'smooth' the distributions over more years and you may end up in a lower tax bracket over time - takes some financial planner help to figure out the best strategy,
