Free Guide · Money Evolution

Roth Conversion Playbook

16 Advanced Strategies to Help You Convert Smarter

What’s Covered:
  • How large IRAs and 401Ks can create hidden future tax liabilities
  • Why required minimum distributions may push retirees into higher tax brackets later in retirement
  • How higher retirement income can trigger Medicare IRMAA surcharges and increase healthcare costs
  • How Roth conversion strategies may help create greater long term tax flexibility and control
Bill Lethemon
Bill Lethemon
Founder · Money Evolution
A Great Retirement Needs a Great Plan
Roth Conversion Playbook

If You Have $2 Million or More in Your IRA or 401K, You May Be Carrying a Hidden Tax Liability you haven't accounted for yet

As your IRA or 401K grows, so does the potential tax liability attached to it. Forced distributions could push you into a higher bracket, trigger unexpected Medicare surcharges, and leave a surviving spouse in a much worse tax position. This guide can help you understand what's ahead and what options may be available to you.

If you've been thinking about Roth conversions but aren't sure when to start or how much to convert, this guide was written for you.

!
Mandatory IRS withdrawals Required minimum distributions could force taxable income whether you need it or not, potentially pushing you into a higher bracket than you ever expected.
!
Medicare surcharges (IRMAA) Higher income in retirement may substantially increase your Medicare costs, triggered by thresholds most people don't see coming.
!
The widow/widower trap When a spouse passes, the same income can end up taxed at nearly double the rate due to narrower single filer brackets.
!
The OBBBA opportunity For years, the planning assumption was that todays low tax rates would expire at end of 2025. That assumption is gone. The opportunity hasn't disappeared, it has shifted to a sustained, strategic window that rewards a thoughtful, updated plan.
What’s Inside

16 Strategies. One Clear Framework.

The Roth Conversion Playbook walks you through every dimension of the conversion decision from the fundamentals to the hidden costs that may not be fully reflected in some planning tools.

1
Current vs. Future Tax Rates
Why large IRA balances may mean facing a higher tax rate at RMD age than you're paying today, and what that difference could look like in real dollars.
2
The RMD Time Bomb
A $3M IRA at age 75 could generate $120,000+ in mandatory distributions before Social Security is added on top. See the numbers.
3
The Widow/Widower Trap
The same income that falls in the 22% bracket for a married couple could jump to 32% for a surviving spouse overnight.
4
Finding Your Target Bracket
The right conversion target depends on your account size. This guide maps out which bracket to consider and when to stop.
5
Early Retirement Years
For many people, the period before social security begins may create a window of lower taxable income, and a potential opportunity to consider Roth conversions.
6
Hidden Costs: IRMAA, NIIT & More
Medicare surcharges, the 3.8% investment income tax, and the ACA subsidy cliff are factors that sometimes are overlooked in retirement income planning.
Who This Guide Is For

Built for Pre-Retirees & Retirees With Significant Retirement Savings

  • ✓
    You have $2M or more in traditional IRA or 401K accounts
  • ✓
    You’re approaching retirement or already retired and thinking about tax strategy
  • ✓
    You’ve heard about Roth conversions but aren’t sure how much or when
  • ✓
    You’re concerned about RMDs, Medicare costs, or the tax impact on a surviving spouse
  • ✓
    You want a clear, current framework that's updated for 2026 tax law including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
$39T+
U.S. national debt amplifies long term pressure for higher tax rates in future decades
73 to 75
Age when RMDs begin, depending on your birth year
22% → 32%
Potential bracket jump a surviving spouse may face on the same income
Money Evolution
About the Author
Bill Lethemon
Founder, Money Evolution

With 30+ years of experience in financial planning, I've spent my career helping people navigate the complexity of retirement so they can move forward with clarity and confidence.

From my early days doing financial plans at Merrill Lynch, I quickly learned that a great plan changes everything. I started Money Evolution to make that kind of thoughtful, personalized planning available to more people. We offer planning as a standalone service, you don't need to move your assets to work with us.

30+
Years of experience
300+
Clients served
60K+
YouTube subscribers
400+
Free lessons published
Get the Free Guide

Larger IRA and 401K Balances may Mean More Complex Tax Planning Considerations in Retirement.

The strategies in this guide are most effective when there’s still time to act. Download it now and start building a clearer picture of what’s ahead.

Quick Links

Money Evolution

  • 21 E Long Lake Rd #104, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Contact Us

  • bill@moneyevolution.com
  • (248) 731-7829

About

Let’s Connect

Youtube Facebook Instagram X-twitter Linkedin

Copyright Money Evolution – 2025 – All Rights Reserved. Financial Planning Services offered through Money Evolution LLC, a Michigan Based Registered Investment Advisor and separate entity from LPL. Investment management associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact securities business with residents of the following states: Securities: AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, MI, MS, NC, OH, SC, TX, VA, WA, WI Insurance: FL, MA, MI, TX and WA.

Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC Check the background of investment professional associated with this site on FINRA Brokercheck