Let’s take a closer look at how a strategic Roth conversion can save millions over a lifetime and why tax-adjusted value is the key metric that too many people overlook.

1. Why Roth Conversions Could Save You Millions

Take the example of Luke and Mary, two retirees considering converting portions of their traditional IRA into a Roth. By using a strategy of filling up the 22% federal tax bracket each year until age 72, they stand to gain an additional $3.3 million in tax-adjusted earning assets, while paying $3 million less in lifetime taxes and making $6 million fewer withdrawals from their traditional IRAs.

That’s not a typo this is the power of long-term tax planning.

By converting before Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) kick in at age 73, retirees like Luke and Mary can lock in lower tax rates now and minimize higher tax hits later.

2. Understanding the Opportunity Cost of a Roth Conversion

Here’s the catch: converting $100,000 from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA at a 22% tax rate triggers a $22,000 tax bill money that no longer grows inside your portfolio.

That $22,000 opportunity cost is real and measurable. But it also leads to a dangerous misconception: that Roth conversions don’t “pay off” for years or decades.

What matters more is not how many dollars you have today, but how much of that you actually get to keep. Which brings us to…

3. Tax-Adjusted Asset Value: The Right Way to Measure Wealth

Comparing Roth and traditional IRA balances at face value is like comparing apples to oranges.

For example:

• $1 million in a traditional IRA may only be worth $750,000 after taxes, assuming a 25% effective tax rate.
• Meanwhile, $800,000 in a Roth IRA is tax-free, making it more valuable than the higher balance traditional IRA.

This is called tax-adjusted asset value and it’s the most important way to evaluate Roth conversions.

4. Finding the Real Break-Even Point

Many people fear Roth conversions because they think it takes decades to break even. That’s only true if you’re comparing raw balances.

But when you look at tax-adjusted value, the break-even comes much sooner.

Let’s say you convert $10,000 at a 12% rate. You now have $8,800 in your Roth. Even if tax rates rise to 22% later, that Roth amount remains untouched by future taxes. In contrast, your traditional IRA would be taxed at the higher rate.

This makes Roth conversions a hedge against future tax hikes and that’s a critical part of planning for uncertainty.

5. Why Retirement Planning Is So Complex

Roth conversions aren’t the only factor in retirement planning. You’re juggling:

• Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s (tax-deferred)
• Roth IRAs (tax-free)
• Brokerage accounts (capital gains)
• Social Security (partially taxable)

Each asset type has a different tax treatment. That’s why professional retirement modeling tools and advisors can make a big difference in planning when and how much to convert.

6. The Big Picture: Roth Conversions as a Long-Term Play

At first glance, Roth conversions may seem like you’re taking a hit. You pay taxes now, which reduces your immediate portfolio size. But this isn’t about today it’s about your lifetime tax liability and the true, after-tax value of your assets.

In the case of Luke and Mary, it took financial modeling and a shift in perspective to realize they’d gain millions in value not by increasing risk or working longer, but simply by managing taxes more effectively.

Conclusion: Pay Taxes on Your Terms, Not Uncle Sam’s

Roth conversions aren’t for everyone. But for many retirees, they’re one of the most powerful strategies to lock in low tax rates, maximize portfolio value, and reduce the IRS’s cut of their life savings.

The key is understanding that the value of your retirement plan isn’t just what’s on paper it’s what you get to keep. And Roth IRAs let you keep more of it.

You should always consult a financial, tax, or legal professional familiar about your unique circumstances before making any financial decisions. This material is intended for educational purposes only. Nothing in this material constitutes a solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities. Any mentioned rates of return are historical or hypothetical in nature and are not a guarantee of future returns.

Past performance does not guarantee future performance. Future returns may be lower or higher. Investments involve risk. Investment values will fluctuate with market conditions, and security positions, when sold, may be worth less or more than their original cost.

The post Are Roth Conversions Worth It? How to Save Millions in Retirement Taxes by Planning Smart appeared first on ROI TV.

Let’s break down what that really looks like.

Understanding the 4% Rule and Monthly Withdrawals
The 4% rule is a classic strategy where you withdraw 4% of your portfolio in the first year of retirement and adjust that number each year for inflation. If you’ve saved $1 million, that gives you $40,000 a year. I prefer monthly withdrawals, which help keep the rest of your money invested and growing. Monthly payouts mean more time in the market—more potential for growth.

Three Key Retirement Withdrawal Considerations
There are three major levers you need to pull: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), the bucket strategy, and tax efficiency. Starting at age 73, RMDs kick in from traditional 401(k)s and IRAs. These withdrawals are mandatory and taxable, so they should be part of your overall strategy. The bucket strategy breaks your assets into short-term (cash), mid-term (bonds), and long-term (stocks), helping you weather market dips without panicking. And tax efficiency? That’s where you can really save. Using a mix of account types—traditional, Roth, and brokerage—lets you control your taxable income.

A Real-World Example: Tax-Free Withdrawals from a $1 Million Portfolio
Let’s say you’re a couple, both 67 years old, with a $1 million portfolio split like this: $400,000 in a traditional 401(k), $400,000 in a Roth IRA, and $200,000 in a brokerage account. You want to withdraw $40,000 per year. By taking $32,300 from your 401(k)—just enough to use your standard deduction and senior deduction—you pay zero federal taxes. Then you pull $7,700 from your brokerage account to hit your $40,000 target. That’s $3,333 a month of tax-free income, while your Roth IRA stays untouched and growing.

Adding Social Security to the Mix
Social Security benefits change the math. Suppose you and your spouse receive $36,000 annually from Social Security and need another $40,000 from investments. Withdraw $24,000 from your 401(k) and $16,000 from your brokerage account. Thanks to how provisional income is calculated, only $5,000 of your Social Security becomes taxable, and after deductions, you still owe no federal tax. That’s $76,000 in income—tax-free.

Managing RMDs and Long-Term Tax Implications
Don’t forget: your traditional 401(k) or IRA grows until those RMDs hit—and the bigger it gets, the more the IRS will want. That’s why drawing from your traditional accounts early can reduce your future tax burden. Keep Roth accounts growing for emergencies, future tax-free withdrawals, or legacy planning.

Adapting to Market Conditions with the Bucket Strategy
If the market dips, don’t sell your long-term investments. That’s where your short-term cash bucket comes in. Live off that while the market recovers, and refill the cash bucket once things rebound. Flexibility is key to any withdrawal strategy.

Start Planning Early—Adjust as You Go
Retirement planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. It’s a process. Start early, use the right accounts, and stay adaptable. Whether you’re 35 or 65, there’s always room to optimize.

Join the Conversation
Drop your own strategy or questions in the comments. I’d love to hear what’s working for you or where you’re stuck. And if this helped, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share—I post new videos weekly to guide you through every step of retirement planning.

All writings are for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not provide investment or financial advice of any kind.

The post How to Maximize Income and Minimize Taxes appeared first on ROI TV.

Many individuals overlook the full potential of available retirement accounts. Anderson and Clopine highlight the benefits of Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and 403(b)s. Notably, only 21% of the population has a Roth IRA, and 30% possess a Traditional IRA. Increasing retirement contributions by just 1% annually can lead to substantial growth over time.

2. Understanding Retirement Account Types and Contribution Limits

The discussion covers various retirement accounts, including 401(k)s, 403(b)s, Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, Self-Directed IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs. For 2025, contribution limits are as follows:

• 401(k) and 403(b) Plans: The annual contribution limit is $23,500, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution for individuals aged 50 and over. irs.gov
• Traditional and Roth IRAs: The contribution limit remains at $7,000, with a $1,000 catch-up contribution for those aged 50 and over. irs.gov

Understanding eligibility and contribution rules for each account type is crucial, especially the tax-free growth benefits offered by Roth IRAs.

3. Asset Allocation and Asset Location Strategies

Anderson and Clopine explain the distinction between asset allocation (distribution among stocks, bonds, real estate, cash) and asset location (placement in tax-free, taxable, tax-deferred accounts). Strategically placing assets can optimize tax efficiency. For instance, allocating stocks in Roth IRAs and bonds in tax-deferred accounts can be beneficial. The flexibility of investing in IRAs and Roth IRAs allows for a wide range of options, including mutual funds, ETFs, and individual stocks.

4. Exploring Self-Directed IRAs and Real Estate Investments

Self-Directed IRAs permit investments in non-traditional assets like real estate, cryptocurrencies, and precious metals. While holding real estate in an IRA is possible, it’s important to note that gains are taxed as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Considering the potential benefits and risks of holding real estate in a Roth IRA versus a Traditional IRA is essential.

5. Crafting a Diversified Retirement Strategy

A diversified retirement strategy should consider factors such as desired retirement age, required rate of return, and risk tolerance. Having funds in different account types (tax-free, taxable, tax-deferred) can help manage tax exposure in retirement. Anderson and Clopine encourage individuals to think about their future selves and the long-term benefits of disciplined saving and investing.

6. Leveraging Spousal IRAs and Employer Matches

Spousal IRAs allow a non-working spouse to contribute to an IRA based on the working spouse’s income. Taking full advantage of employer matches in 401(k) and 403(b) plans is a strategic way to maximize retirement savings. Automating contributions and prioritizing retirement savings over other expenses are recommended strategies.

7. Utilizing Catch-Up Contributions and the Power of Compounding

For those over 50, catch-up contributions provide an opportunity to boost retirement savings. The power of compounding growth can lead to significant wealth accumulation over time with disciplined contributions. Starting to save early and consistently is key to achieving substantial growth in retirement accounts.

8. Navigating Inherited IRAs and Understanding Tax Implications

Beneficiaries of inherited IRAs must withdraw the funds within 10 years and pay taxes on the distributions. Understanding the new laws and planning accordingly can help manage the tax impact. Non-compliance with mandatory withdrawal rules can result in penalties.

9. Considering Roth IRAs as an Emergency Fund

Roth IRAs offer flexibility, allowing for tax-free withdrawal of contributions (but not earnings) at any time. While they can serve as an emergency fund, it’s advisable to keep them separate to allow for tax-free growth over time. Maintaining a dedicated emergency fund in addition to retirement savings is emphasized.

By understanding and utilizing various retirement accounts and implementing strategic tax planning, individuals can significantly enhance their retirement savings and achieve their financial goals.

Intended for educational purposes only. Opinions expressed are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Neither the information presented, nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decisions. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES:

• Investment Advisory and Financial Planning Services are offered through Pure Financial Advisors, LLC. A Registered Investment Advisor.

• Pure Financial Advisors, LLC. does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with a tax advisor or attorney regarding specific situations.

• Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.

• Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

• All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

• Intended for educational purposes only and are not intended as individualized advice or a guarantee that you will achieve a desired result. Before implementing any strategies discussed you should consult your tax and financial advisors.

The post Maximizing Retirement Savings: Strategies with IRAs and Tax Planning appeared first on ROI TV.