I think for most people who don't need the money, it is best to leave the traditional IRA alone and only withdraw the RMD every year, thereby delaying taxes as long as possible. One thing to consider is that, if you eventually need to go into assisted living or a nursing home, you will be able to use the traditional IRA funds, and possibly benefit from a huge medical tax deduction that could reduce your taxes at that time. I know one guy who converted all of his traditional IRA to a Roth so that his heirs would not need to pay the taxes. I guess that is another way to look at it, but it would not be my choice.
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