The Ascent with Crestmont Private Wealth - Roth Conversion

In this episode of The Ascent, Alec Walker from Crestmont Private Wealth explains everything you need to know about Roth conversions. He covers what a Roth conversion is, when and why it makes sense, key rules and deadlines, tax implications, and how to determine if a Roth conversion is right for you. Alec also discusses the impact on Medicare premiums, estate planning, and strategies for optimizing your conversions. If you’re considering a Roth conversion or want to understand the benefits and potential pitfalls, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert insights. 00:00 – Introduction: Alec Walker and the topic of Roth conversions 00:14 – What is a Roth conversion? 00:56 – Roth conversion deadlines and why timing matters 01:47 – Why do Roth conversions in the fall? 02:07 – How much should you convert? Tax bracket considerations 02:49 – When does a Roth conversion make sense? 03:19 – Roth conversions and retirement years 03:59 – Roth conversions for large required minimum distributions (RMDs) 04:49 – The “gap years” and tax planning 05:14 – Importance of after-tax investment accounts 05:22 – Estate planning: Secure Act and inherited IRAs 05:49 – Hedging against future tax rate increases 06:14 – Reducing lifetime taxes with Roth conversions 06:39 – Five main reasons for Roth conversions 07:04 – Key rules and “gotchas” (deadlines, no takebacks, five-year clock) 07:51 – Five-year rule explained 08:24 – Tax brackets and Medicare premium considerations 08:45 – How Medicare premiums are calculated 09:04 – Impact on Affordable Care Act and insurance premiums 09:49 – Estimated taxes and making tax payments 10:19 – Withholding taxes vs. paying with outside funds 10:47 – Working with CPAs and tax professionals 11:12 – How to determine if a Roth conversion is right for you 11:30 – Analyzing your tax return and projecting income 11:50 – Annual vs. one-time Roth conversions 12:13 – The power of partial, annual conversions 12:36 – Long-term impact of annual conversions 13:01 – How to get in touch for a Roth conversion analysis 13:26 – Outro and contact   Original Air Date: September 20, 2025 at 8:30am as heard on Boerne Radio 103.9FM Contact:  www.crestmontpw.com Alec Walker in Houston:  831-280-5288 Sam McGee in Boerne: 830-368-2898 informationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.