[JoelJohnson]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Converting to a Roth can be good for some people, but it is important to do the math for your situation. Here is a simple example.

Suppose your tax rate is 30 percent and your investment return is 10 percent. Today, you convert $100 to a Roth, which leaves you with $70 invested. A year later, you have $77 in spendable cash (70 x 1.1). Now suppose, instead on converting, you keep the $100 in the traditional IRA. A year later, you have $110 (100 x 1.1). At that time, you withdraw the $110, pay the tax, and you still have $77 in spendable cash (110 x .7). So, in both cases, the result is the same. But, the result will change depending on your tax rate and investment return.

Another thing you need to calculate is the affect IRMAA can have on your Medicare premium. Too much income can increase the premium.

All true, I am keeping at the 22% rate, in 2026 the 22% rate goes up to (I think) 24% (or something like that). So, unless you think tax rates will stay the same or go down, I'd rather be in a ROTH.