In Episode 31 of the Retire and Thrive Podcast, Dan Langworthy and Kamie Blair answer a question many people over 50 ask as retirement gets closer: pre tax vs Roth, where should your money go. This episode focuses on retirement tax planning, account selection, and how to avoid the tax surprises that hit many retirees after years of saving in 401k and traditional IRA accounts.

Dan explains how to be intentional with your contributions based on your current tax bracket, and why building tax flexibility across different account types can help you reduce taxes in retirement. They also cover required minimum distributions, Social Security taxation, and why the years leading up to RMD age are a key planning window for many households.

Topics covered in this episode

1. Pre tax vs Roth decisions for 401k and 403b contributions
2. Tax diversification using pre tax accounts, after tax brokerage accounts, and Roth accounts
3. How your tax bracket should drive retirement contribution strategy
4. Required minimum distributions and why RMD planning matters before age 73 under current law
5. Social Security taxes and how retirement income can increase taxable Social Security
6. Roth conversions and when they may support long term tax reduction strategies
7. Common retirement mistakes like maxing pre tax accounts without a coordinated tax plan
8. Practical retirement income planning concepts to help you keep more of what you saved

If you are researching retirement planning, retirement taxes, Roth vs traditional, 401k strategy, IRA strategy, RMD rules, Social Security planning, tax planning for retirees, or retirement income strategy, this episode provides clear guidance and real world considerations to discuss with your financial advisor and tax professional.

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