Why Roth IRAs Aren’t Just for the Young or Wealthy
Roth IRAs get marketed to young investors like gym memberships — start early, stay consistent, retire rich.
But that’s not the full story.
Middle-income earners in their 50s and 60s may often get the most meaningful benefit from Roth money.
Why? Because you’ve likely built up solid savings in pre-tax accounts, and almost all your future income will be taxable.
A Roth gives you balance and control. Having tax-free income gives you flexibility — you decide how much taxable income to show in retirement. That matters for everything from Social Security taxes to Medicare premiums.
And Roths aren’t just for the rich. High earners often get phased out of contributing directly.
The real sweet spot is for good earners, smart savers, and planners before RMDs start.
In a perfect world, you’d do your conversions before Social Security starts — and before Medicare premiums kick in.
A few years of smart, well-timed conversions may help improve your long-term retirement and cash flow.