Most years, the stock market increases in value, so an IRA is typically worth more toward the end of the year versus the beginning of the year. Is it better to take your RMD at the beginning of the year so it can grow outside the IRA, or is it better to leave it in the IRA until the end of the year so it can grow pre-tax in the IRA? And does this change if its a regular IRA vs an inherited IRA that has to be zeroed by year 10?