Best window: 60–72, before RMDs at 73
Total tax-deferred account balance
Social Security, pension, part-time work, investment income
Your Current Federal Tax Brackets (2026)
Years from now until age 73 (RMD start) is your conversion window
Tax Cost This Year
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if you convert now
Total Tax Over Window
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converting annually until RMDs
Estimated Tax Savings
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vs. paying RMD taxes later
Year-by-Year Conversion Plan
The Honest Assessment
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Watch: Roth Conversion — Should You Do It Before You Retire?
The full video covers the bridge years strategy, IRMAA exposure, and whether converting makes sense for your bracket.
Sources
The Motley Fool — Roth Conversions in Your 60s: The Bridge Years Strategy
fool.com — Roth Conversion Bridge Strategy
IRS — 2026 Federal Income Tax Brackets and RMD Rules
irs.gov — RMD FAQs
Fidelity — Roth IRA Conversions and Tax Planning
fidelity.com — Retirement Tax Guidelines