Playing the Long Game with Lifetime Taxes

Real Personal Finance · Scott Frank · Aug 20, 2026 · 28 min

What's in this episode

Scott and Nick unpack Roth conversion strategy by looking at lifetime taxes rather than this year's bill. They compare a 10-year conversion runway with a shorter 3-to-5-year pre-retirement window and explain how temporary income drops create conversion opportunities.

Questions it answers

Should I do a Roth conversion before retirement?

CFPs Scott Frank and Nick Covyeau explain when a Roth conversion pays off, how to fill tax brackets, and why lifetime taxes beat this year's bill.

Answered on Real Personal Finance

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