Episode 216: The Retirement Tax Mistake That Costs Thousands

Episode 216: The Retirement Tax Mistake That Costs Thousands

February 17, 2026 · 35 min · Season 2 · Episode 16

About this episode

Wade and Alex discuss key retirement tax planning strategies and the complexities of the tax code.

In this episode of Retire With Style, Wade and Alex discuss key retirement tax planning strategies, including Roth conversions, effective marginal tax rates, and the role of income tracking in decision-making. They examine long-term capital gains treatment, IRMAA surcharges, and the structural design of retirement accounts. The conversation also highlights the complexity of the tax code, the value of automated tax-mapping tools, and strategic considerations such as using reverse mortgages to manage tax liabilities. Takeaways Expenses do not equate to tax bills in retirement. Roth conversions can help manage tax implications of RMDs. Medicare IRMA surcharges are not affected by Roth conversions. A 12% EMR target is reasonable for most retirees. Monitoring income is crucial for effective tax planning. Long-term capital gains can be harvested at 0% under certain conditions. Simplifying the tax code could alleviate financial planning complexities. Roth conversions do not have a defined break-even age. Effective marginal rates consider more than just income tax brackets. Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts can defer RMDs. Chapters 00:00 Understanding Required Minimum Distributions…

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