The Tactical Roth Conversion Window: How to Pay Less in Taxes for Life - EP 032

Are you missing one of the biggest tax-saving opportunities of your retirement life? In this episode, Beau Henderson breaks down the Tactical Roth Conversion Strategy and why acting before December 31 could save retirees tens of thousands over time. 

In this tax-focused episode, Beau and producer Bruce Steinbrock go deep on why Roth conversions aren’t just a good idea  —  they’re a foundational tool for lowering your lifetime tax burden.  

Beau unpacks the often-overlooked dangers of required minimum distributions (RMDs), how rising tax brackets after a spouse passes can blindside retirees, and how IRAs are essentially “IOUs to the IRS” unless handled with precision. From Medicare surcharges to the widow penalty to the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act sunset in 2026, this episode lays out exactly how proactive tax planning can make or break a retirement plan.

Takeaways

• Roth conversions must be planned annually, not impulsively.
• IRA balances double in ~10 years — so delay = bigger tax hits later.
• Strategic planning can avoid the widow penalty.
• December 31 is the true deadline — not April 15.
• Medicare surcharges and tax brackets should be actively monitored.

Disclaimer: Converting an employer plan account or traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. Increased taxable income from the Roth IRA conversion may have several consequences, including, but not limited to a need for additional tax withholding or estimated tax payments, the loss of certain tax deductions and credits and higher taxes on Social Security benefits and higher Medicare premiums. Be sure to consult with a qualified tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your IRA.

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Disclosures:
* Not associated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. Maximizing your Social Security Benefits assumes foreknowledge of your date of death. If, as an example, you wait to claim a higher monthly benefit amount but predecease your average life expectancy, it would have been better to claim your benefits at an earlier age with reduced benefits.

** RichLife Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstances.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Insurance product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing company.

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