Financial advisors and retirees alike face a critical question: when and how should assets be drawn from tax-deferred and Roth accounts to maximize after-tax wealth? In this data-driven session, Professor James DiLellio presents groundbreaking research that directly compares the outcomes of Roth conversions versus early drawdowns from mixed retirement accounts. His analysis reveals that multiple strategies can achieve the same optimal after-tax results—many of which are surprisingly resilient to market risk.
Attendees will explore how tax-efficient withdrawal strategies can balance income needs, risk tolerance, and estate planning goals. The presentation also highlights when forgoing Roth conversions can reduce longevity risk exposure and improve long-term tax efficiency, particularly for retirees with significant unrealized capital gains. This session bridges academic rigor with practical application, equipping financial professionals to guide clients through one of the most complex—and consequential—decisions in retirement planning.
Learning Objectives:
- Compare the tradeoffs between early tax-deferred account distributions and Roth conversions, and understand why optimal after-tax outcomes may be identical under multiple strategies.
- Identify key client factors—asset mix, income needs, planning horizon, and tax sensitivity—that drive optimal after-tax retirement income decisions.
- Evaluate how market volatility and longevity risk influence decision-making and determine when avoiding Roth conversions may better align with long-term estate and tax goals.