When planning for retirement, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is how to handle your tax liability, especially when it comes to retirement savings. Taxes can be a significant drag on your hard-earned savings if you don’t plan ahead. That’s why today, we’re diving deep into a strategy that could revolutionize your retirement: Roth conversions.
Rather than just scratch the surface, my goal is to walk you through what I call the “5 Golden Windows of Opportunity” that, when leveraged correctly, could transform your retirement future. These windows represent specific moments in your financial life where Roth conversions can be incredibly advantageous, potentially unlocking tax-free retirement wealth.
But first, let me ask you: How would you like to potentially save thousands of dollars in taxes while supercharging your retirement savings?
If that sounds good to you, keep reading.
What is a Roth IRA and Why Does It Matter?
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s cover the basics. A Roth IRA is a retirement account where you contribute after-tax dollars, meaning you’ve already paid taxes on this money. The big advantage? When you withdraw money from your Roth IRA in retirement, it’s completely tax-free, including all the growth your investments have earned over the years.
So, what is a Roth conversion? It’s the process of moving money from a traditional IRA, rollover IRA, or 401(k) into a Roth IRA. You pay taxes on the amount you convert now, but when you withdraw that money in retirement, it’s 100% tax-free, including all future growth.
It’s like prepaying your taxes so that you can keep more of your money later. It’s a powerful strategy, but the key to maximizing its potential is understanding when to use it. This is where the 5 golden windows of opportunity come into play.
The 5 Golden Windows of Opportunity for Roth Conversions
- When the Stock Market Dips
- You might wonder why you would want to make any moves during a market downturn. It might feel counterintuitive, but a market dip could actually be the perfect time for a Roth conversion. Here’s why:
- When your account values are lower, you’ll pay less in taxes on the amount you convert. For example, if your portfolio takes a 20% hit, you can convert more shares for the same tax cost. And once those assets are in your Roth IRA, any future growth is tax-free!
- Imagine you have $1 million in a traditional IRA, and the market drops by 20%, bringing it down to $800,000. If you convert $100,000 now, and the market recovers, that recovery—and any growth thereafter—will be tax-free in your Roth IRA. This could save you tens of thousands of dollars down the road.
- Before a Tax Law Change
- Tax rates aren’t set in stone. A perfect example of this is the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which lowered tax rates for many Americans. However, these changes are set to expire in 2025. If you believe your tax rate will be higher in the future—whether due to changes in tax laws or your personal income situation—it could be wise to convert now while taxes are lower.
- Let’s say you’re currently in the 24% tax bracket. You expect to be in the 28% bracket when you retire. If you convert $100,000 now, you’ll pay $24,000 in taxes. If you wait, you could end up paying $28,000 on the same withdrawal. Converting now allows you to lock in today’s lower rates.
- In a Low-Income Year
- There are periods in your life when your income might temporarily drop—such as during a job loss, sabbatical, or the early years of retirement before Social Security kicks in. These low-income years can provide the perfect opportunity for Roth conversions because your tax liability may be lower than usual.
- For example, let’s say you usually earn $140,000, but due to a sabbatical, your income drops to $30,000 for the year. This lower income puts you in a lower tax bracket, allowing you to convert a portion of your traditional IRA at a lower tax rate. This strategy helps you fill up your lower tax brackets without pushing yourself into a higher one, reducing your overall tax burden.
- The Sweet Spot Between Retirement and RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions)
- Once you turn 73, the IRS requires you to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs. These distributions are taxed as ordinary income, and the more you have in your IRA, the higher your RMDs—and thus your taxable income—will be.
- However, the years between retirement and the age of 73 can be a golden window of opportunity for Roth conversions. You may be in a lower tax bracket during these years, especially if you’ve delayed taking Social Security. By converting during this time, you can reduce the balance in your traditional IRA, which will lower your future RMDs and help you control your taxable income in retirement.
- Planning for Your Heirs and Legacy
- Roth conversions are not just about your retirement. They’re also an important strategy for leaving a tax-free inheritance for your loved ones. When your heirs inherit a Roth IRA, they can withdraw the funds tax-free. In contrast, distributions from a traditional IRA are taxed as ordinary income, which can be a significant burden for your heirs, especially if they’re in a high tax bracket.
- Additionally, Roth IRAs have no RMDs for the original owner, meaning you can let your money grow tax-free for as long as you live, and potentially for decades after, depending on who inherits your account.
How to Strategize Your Roth Conversions
Now that you understand the golden windows, here are some key tips to help you maximize your Roth conversion strategy:
- Plan Ahead: Start thinking about Roth conversions before you retire. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you have to spread out conversions over several years, which can help you manage your tax brackets and avoid paying too much in any single year.
- Watch Your Tax Brackets: Be mindful of how much you’re converting to avoid bumping yourself into a higher tax bracket. The goal is to fill up your current tax bracket without spilling into the next one.
- Use Cash to Pay Taxes: Ideally, you want to pay the taxes on the conversion with cash from outside your IRA. This allows the full converted amount to grow tax-free in your Roth IRA.
- Don’t Forget About ACA Subsidies: If you’re under 65 and relying on ACA health insurance, be aware that Roth conversions count as income and could affect your ACA subsidies.
- Consider Your Beneficiaries: If your heirs are likely to be in a higher tax bracket than you, Roth conversions become even more valuable. By converting now, you’re ensuring that they’ll inherit tax-free funds.
Final Thoughts
Roth conversions can be a game-changing strategy for your retirement, but they require careful planning and consideration of your overall financial situation. By strategically using these five golden windows, you can potentially save thousands in taxes, enjoy tax-free retirement income, and leave a tax-free legacy to your loved ones.
Remember, it’s not about avoiding taxes—it’s about paying them at the right time. With a well-thought-out Roth conversion strategy, you can take control of your financial future and make your golden years even brighter.
Want more in-depth insights on retirement strategies? Be sure to subscribe to my podcast, The Retire Ready Show, for more expert tips and guidance!
Interested in learning more? Attend our Retire Ready Masterclass in Overland Park, Kansas, or Olathe! Sign up today and take control of your retirement future.
