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Should You Hold MLPs in an IRA?

Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) are popular among income-seeking investors for their high yields and tax advantages. But when it comes to retirement accounts like IRAs, the answer isn’t so straightforward. While it might seem logical to place high-income assets in a tax-deferred account, MLPs are an exception.

Here’s why: MLPs already provide tax benefits by distributing income that’s often tax-deferred at the individual level because of depreciation and other deductions. When held in an IRA—where investment gains are already tax-deferred—this advantage becomes redundant. In other words, you’re not gaining much, if anything, from stacking tax deferrals.

The bigger issue, however, is the potential tax liability. MLPs generate what’s known as Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI). While this usually isn’t a problem in a regular brokerage account, the IRS requires retirement accounts to pay taxes on UBTI if it exceeds $1,000 in a year. Since MLPs are structured as partnerships, they frequently trigger UBTI, which could unexpectedly create a tax bill for your IRA.

That means the IRA itself—not you personally, but the account—could owe taxes to the IRS. Few investors expect their retirement accounts to generate a tax bill, making this a particularly unpleasant surprise.

For most people, it’s wiser to hold MLPs in taxable accounts, where the tax benefits can be fully realized, and UBTI won’t trigger account-level taxes. If you're determined to include MLPs in your retirement portfolio, consult a tax advisor to understand the risks and paperwork involved.

In short, while MLPs can be strong income generators, their complex tax structure makes them a poor fit for IRAs. The potential drawbacks usually outweigh the benefits. A strategic approach means placing the right investments in the right accounts—and for MLPs, that’s typically outside of retirement accounts.

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Why My Little Pony Still Captures Hearts Years Later

On the surface, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic might seem like just another colorful cartoon for kids. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a cultural phenomenon driven by stunning animation, sharp writing, and a surprisingly deep emotional core. The art isn’t just charming—it’s expressive, vibrant, and full of life, turning simple pony characters into unforgettable personalities. And the writing? Far from childish, it’s quick, witty, and often layered with humor that appeals to viewers of all ages.

What really set MLP apart, though, wasn’t just the show itself—but the community that grew around it. Fans, often called "bronies" (a blend of "bro" and "pony"), didn’t just watch episodes—they built a world. Through YouTube uploads, fan art, remixes, and original songs, they created a shared language. Memes like "Pinkie Pie detecting lies" or "Rainbow Dash’s overconfidence" became inside jokes, passed around like digital folklore. This wasn’t passive viewership; it was participation.

The show became more than entertainment—it became a social glue. People from different backgrounds, ages, and countries found common ground in its themes of empathy, loyalty, and kindness. Online forums buzzed with theories, fan fiction flourished, and conventions drew thousands. It was like any fan club, yes, but with a twist: the show actively encouraged positivity, making the community feel welcoming and inclusive.

Years after its peak, MLP’s legacy lives on. Not because it was the most action-packed or groundbreaking series, but because it gave people a space to belong. In a world that often feels divided, a little magic—and a lot of pastel-colored ponies—reminded us what friendship could really look like.

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What Is the 7% Rule in Stock Investing?

For many investors, knowing when to cut losses is just as important as picking winning stocks. One straightforward strategy that's gained popularity over the years is the 7% rule. This simple yet powerful guideline helps traders protect their portfolios from steep downturns.

The 7% rule suggests that if a stock you own drops 7% below your purchase price, it's time to sell—no hesitation. The idea isn't to predict the market, but to limit damage quickly when an investment moves against you. Stocks can fall for many reasons: poor earnings, market shifts, or broader economic trends. But rather than waiting and hoping for a rebound, this rule enforces discipline.

Popularized by legendary investor William O'Neil, founder of Investor's Business Daily, the 7% rule is part of a broader risk management strategy. The logic is clear: losing 7% hurts, but losing 20%, 30%, or more can seriously derail your long-term goals. By exiting early, you preserve capital to invest elsewhere—often in better-performing opportunities.

Of course, no rule fits every situation. In highly volatile markets or during sudden corrections, a 7% drop might happen due to temporary noise rather than a fundamental breakdown. Still, as a general safeguard, the rule keeps emotions in check. It prevents the common investor trap of holding onto a loser, hoping it will "come back."

Ultimately, successful investing isn't about being right every time—it's about managing risk. The 7% rule isn't a magic formula, but it's a proven tool for staying disciplined. In a world full of uncertainty, sometimes the smartest move is knowing when to walk away.

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