🧭 Boldin's Roth Conversion Explorer: Best Practices
Run the Explorer in a copy of your baseline
Always duplicate your baseline scenario prior to running an Explorer. Never apply conversions directly to your baseline plan.
Enter conversions already completed this year in a prior month
Enter conversions already completed this year in a prior month and adjust account balances manually. The Explorer will factor in current-year conversions when you run it.
Protect any accounts before running
Protect emergency and after-tax funds. Click the taxable account and use the Exclude option or enter a protected minimum balance before running the Explorer.
Consult a financial advisor prior to allowing tax-deferred funding
As a rule of thumb, do not allow tax-deferred funding. Pay conversion taxes from after-tax funds to maximize assets moving to Roth and avoid potential penalties.
Compare strategies side by side
Duplicate your baseline and run one bracket strategy — say, fill to 12% — then duplicate again and run 22%. Compare the scenarios side by side to see the difference in lifetime taxes, net worth, and cashflow.
Re-run annually
Roth conversion planning is a long-term strategy, but your optimal approach can shift as your income, expenses, and tax situation evolve. Revisit and re-run the Explorer each year after updating your plan with current data.
Always verify results with a qualified financial professional
The Explorer is a powerful planning tool, but Roth conversion decisions involve tax projections and longevity assumptions that are inherently uncertain. The Explorer does not account for potential tax law changes, early distribution penalties, or the 5-year rule. A tax or financial professional can help you validate your approach before acting.
🔧 Troubleshooting
My results look unexpected — what should I check?
Are you using a rule based method?
Did you run the Explorer in a duplicate scenario (not your baseline)?
Did you accidentally allow tax-deferred funding?
Did you protect taxable / after-tax balances before running?
The Explorer is not suggesting conversions when I think it should, what might cause that?
The Explorer will limit Roth conversion suggestions when they result in an unfunded One Time Expense or Transfer from a specific account. You may want to run the Explorer prior to adding One Time Expense or Transfers. You also have the option of modeling One-Time Expenses from your withdrawal order to avoid this issue.
Roth conversions may not be suggested if the tax payments reduce the after-tax funds below the protected amount specified in your plan. Check your savings balances to determine whether the after-tax funds have been depleted.
🙋 Getting Help
Where can I get personalized help with my Roth conversion plan?
AI Planner Assistant — available inside the Boldin planner for in-plan guidance
Planner Chat — submit a support request or speak with an agent
Email: [email protected]
1:1 Coach Review — schedule a personal plan review with a Boldin coach
Office Hours with Boldin Advisors — live sessions with Boldin's advisory team, open to all users; pre-submit your questions after registering
Office Hours with Boldin Advisors** — live sessions with Boldin's advisory team, open to all users; pre-submit your questions after registering
Note: Boldin provides educational projections. For questions about your specific plan, paying taxes on Roth conversions, qualified distributions, early withdrawal penalties, and the 5-year rule, please consult a qualified tax or financial professional