A Roth conversion moves money from a pre-tax account into a Roth. You pay tax now so you never pay it again.
When it pays off
- In low-income years — between retiring and claiming Social Security
- When you expect higher tax rates later
- When you want to leave tax-free money to your children
When it doesn't
If you need the money soon, or your rate today is higher than it will be later.
Convert in the gaps, not in the peaks.
The years to watch
The window between your last paycheck and your first required distribution is usually the best one.
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