When to Contribute or Convert to a Roth Account

There’s an old saying about investing: It’s not what you make, it’s what you keep. Because you aren’t the only owner of your portfolio; you have a co-owner named Uncle Sam, and he eventually will want his share in the form of taxes. However, you can limit how much of your returns you lose to taxes by investing in a Roth retirement account, which offers tax-free growth and withdrawals. But there’s a trade-off: In a year when you contribute or convert to a Roth, you usually pay more in income taxes.Host Robert Brokamp discusses when a Roth makes sense with Wade Pfau, the founder of RetirementResearcher.com, the director of retirement research at McLean Asset Management, the co-host of the Retire With Style podcast, and the author of more than 60 research articles and four books, including “The Retirement Planning Guidebook.” Topics covered:-Who should contribute or convert to a Roth account-Why thinking just in terms of tax brackets doesn’t paint the whole tax picture-The sometimes faulty assumptions made by online tools-Why Roth accounts benefit retirees who may be subject to substantial required minimum distributions or Medicare surcharges-What types of investments are best for Roth accounts Host: Robert Brokamp, CFP®, EAGuest: Wade Pfau, Ph.D., CFA, RICPEngineer: Bart Shannon Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We’re committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices