Roth IRA Strategy Check: Are You Set Up for 2026?
January is a natural time to review the basics — and your Roth strategy deserves a closer look. A thoughtful check-in now can help you avoid unnecessary taxes later and make more confident contribution or conversion decisions for the year ahead.
Whether you’re still working, newly retired, or planning a transition in the next few years, a small adjustment early in the year can make a meaningful difference over time.
Who Should Revisit Their Roth Plan This Month
A Roth review can be especially helpful if any of these apply to you:
High earners near — or over — Roth IRA income limits
Anyone considering a backdoor Roth
New retirees planning Roth conversions before RMD age
Job changers rolling over old 401(k) or 403(b) accounts
Parents or grandparents helping fund Roth IRAs for working teens
Even if you’ve “looked at Roths before,” changes in income, employment, or tax law can shift what makes sense.
3 Quick Questions to Guide Your Next Step
Before making any moves, these questions help frame the conversation:
Do you expect your tax rate to be higher or lower in the future than it is today?
Do you have existing pre-tax IRA balances that could complicate a backdoor Roth under the pro-rata rule?
Are there income changes ahead this year — such as a bonus, asset sale, retirement, Social Security start, or large charitable gifts?
These answers shape whether a Roth contribution, backdoor Roth, or conversion strategy fits best.
What We Decide Together on a Call
In a focused strategy call, we’ll clarify:
Whether Roth contributions, a backdoor Roth, or Roth conversions make sense for you in 2026
Clean sequencing to avoid common mistakes (pro-rata issues, tax withholding surprises, missed Form 8606 filings)
A simple, practical action plan and timeline tailored to your situation
No pressure. No jargon. Just clear guidance.
