Meet Bob and Susan, a couple who exemplify the typical IRA millionaires we often work with. They have diligently saved over the years, amassing approximately $1.5 million in their IRA accounts. Living a modest lifestyle, their expenses are comfortably covered by their retirement savings and other income sources.
As Bob and Susan approached the age for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), they faced a significant challenge: the impending RMDs were set to trigger a substantial income tax burden.
Bob had an additional worry. He wanted to ensure that if he were to predecease Susan, she wouldn’t be left grappling with an even larger tax liability. Protecting Susan’s financial future was a top priority for him.
After carefully analyzing their situation, we discovered that implementing a strategic Roth conversion plan could provide a comprehensive solution. This strategy would not only mitigate the impact of RMDs but also secure a more favorable tax situation for Susan in the event of Bob’s passing. This situation was a major concern for them, as it threatened to erode their hard-earned savings. By converting a portion of their IRA assets to a Roth IRA, Bob and Susan could effectively manage their tax liabilities, both now and in the future.