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Started By
Message
1st 90 Days Retired - portfolio allocation question
Posted on 4/11/26 at 11:11 am
Posted on 4/11/26 at 11:11 am
Firstly, retirement is amazing! No alarm clock, best sleep of my life, no Sunday work stress…even woke up this morning (Saturday) and had no idea what day it was.
Everything in life has improved:
relationship with wife (even better in our retirement routine and fun together), health/physical (hike 20 miles and 3 full body workouts per week) and lost 10lbs, spiritual (time just to reflect and feel presence), etc etc.
I highly recommend!
Context:
Portfolio Allocation - God willing, there is a 30+ year retirement ahead (retired early). Focused investments leading up to retirement date to protect downside with higher bond allocation (and cash) the 2-years preceding.
Retirement Portfolio:
55% Equities, 35% Bonds, 10% Cash
(Taxable accts very tax efficient/no bonds)
Retirement Lump sums (NQ and a pension lump sum) on the way so allocation is top of mind right now. This mix is not built for 30-years (more equities needed).
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD):
Staring at a tax bomb in 20years at 1st RMD year (high proportion of Tax deferred).
Mitigation: Working to lower RMD via aggressive tax deferred conversions to Roth these next 3-5 years.
More equity exposure to beat inflation and deliver retirement cash flow is top of mind, counter balanced with understanding impact of more pressure on RMD tax bomb.
Question:
What tool is best to help me solve this? Boldin? Other?
Using AI (not Claude but have heard good things about Claude about such analysis). Feel good not great. Hence the question.
Everything in life has improved:
relationship with wife (even better in our retirement routine and fun together), health/physical (hike 20 miles and 3 full body workouts per week) and lost 10lbs, spiritual (time just to reflect and feel presence), etc etc.
I highly recommend!
Context:
Portfolio Allocation - God willing, there is a 30+ year retirement ahead (retired early). Focused investments leading up to retirement date to protect downside with higher bond allocation (and cash) the 2-years preceding.
Retirement Portfolio:
55% Equities, 35% Bonds, 10% Cash
(Taxable accts very tax efficient/no bonds)
Retirement Lump sums (NQ and a pension lump sum) on the way so allocation is top of mind right now. This mix is not built for 30-years (more equities needed).
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD):
Staring at a tax bomb in 20years at 1st RMD year (high proportion of Tax deferred).
Mitigation: Working to lower RMD via aggressive tax deferred conversions to Roth these next 3-5 years.
More equity exposure to beat inflation and deliver retirement cash flow is top of mind, counter balanced with understanding impact of more pressure on RMD tax bomb.
Question:
What tool is best to help me solve this? Boldin? Other?
Using AI (not Claude but have heard good things about Claude about such analysis). Feel good not great. Hence the question.
This post was edited on 4/11/26 at 11:13 am
12
Posted on 4/11/26 at 11:21 am to Everyday Is Saturday
Downvoted out of jealousy.
Posted on 4/11/26 at 11:30 am to Everyday Is Saturday
Upvoted due to camaraderie.
Posted on 4/11/26 at 11:43 am to HogPharmer
quote:
jealousy
Hey, I hear you. I was you for 30 plus years.
Crossed threshold into retirement. Plenty of room over here for you. Keep up the fight! Glorious retirement awaits you.
Posted on 4/11/26 at 11:59 am to Everyday Is Saturday
How old are you?
Jealous
Jealous
Posted on 4/11/26 at 2:28 pm to Everyday Is Saturday
I'm also trying to figure out Roth conversion optimization to minimize impact of RMDs, IRMAA and widow penalty in future. I haven't decided which software to use and don't get responses last time I asked here.
I'm considering Bolden, MaxiFi, Projection Lab and seems like maybe another option or two Waiting for best time to use free trials when I will really make use of them before picking a paid solution. Problem is most if not all keep their Roth conversion tools behind subscription wall so can't preview it. I-ORP was a nice free tool while it lasted.
I'm considering Bolden, MaxiFi, Projection Lab and seems like maybe another option or two Waiting for best time to use free trials when I will really make use of them before picking a paid solution. Problem is most if not all keep their Roth conversion tools behind subscription wall so can't preview it. I-ORP was a nice free tool while it lasted.
Posted on 4/11/26 at 2:33 pm to Everyday Is Saturday
I'm just under 22% bracket without conversions (pension and a little part time income plus dividends) which is nice for now because LTCG and qualified dividends are taxed at zero. I can't make a meaningful dent on tax differed balance without going into 22% bracket which will also trigger 15% rate on LTCG. So I want to do a series large conversions to get it over with and limit yrs I'm hit w 15% LTCG but not enough to trigger 3.8% NIIT. But if I make large conversions I'll have to sell shares in brokerage to cover the tax during same year I'm putting myself in 15% LTCG bracket.
I'd also like to consider FAFSA implications since my kids will be entering college in a few yrs. I recall reading about a simplified application last few years that didn't look at assets if I come was below a fairly high threshold. I think my pension takes me over that anyway but need to make sure I don't accidentally penalize kids with no financial aid due to Roth conversion showing higher income.
I'd also like to consider FAFSA implications since my kids will be entering college in a few yrs. I recall reading about a simplified application last few years that didn't look at assets if I come was below a fairly high threshold. I think my pension takes me over that anyway but need to make sure I don't accidentally penalize kids with no financial aid due to Roth conversion showing higher income.
Posted on 4/11/26 at 2:47 pm to Everyday Is Saturday
You can put some of your money into a QLAC and up to a certain amount, it doesn't count for RMD. It doesn't get talked about much, but it is out there.
You can shelter $210,000 from RMD that way, but you are only delaying those taxes for 10 years, you have to start taking the payments at age 85.
You can shelter $210,000 from RMD that way, but you are only delaying those taxes for 10 years, you have to start taking the payments at age 85.
Posted on 4/11/26 at 3:06 pm to Everyday Is Saturday
quote:
Staring at a tax bomb in 20years at 1st RMD year (high proportion of Tax deferred).
I wouldn't worry too much about this? You also don't have to wait
Posted on 4/11/26 at 3:23 pm to baldona
Why would you say dont worry much about the tax bomb? By managing the taxes now you can minimoze.impact.of tax.on.SS, IRMAA, widow penalty, tax rate.on capital gains/dividends, and avoid simply paying higher.marginal tax rate.on RMDs.
If OP has 20 yrs before RMDs that leaves ~8 yrs to do conversions before IRMAA is calculated.
If OP has 20 yrs before RMDs that leaves ~8 yrs to do conversions before IRMAA is calculated.
Posted on 4/11/26 at 4:29 pm to baldona
quote:
I wouldn't worry too much about this? You also don't have to wait
Why not? Tax bomb awaits with big BOOM!
Will be pulling in tax deferred before RMD b/c of tax bomb RMD. Mix of income sources is one of things seeking to model (core question - Bolden vs others?).
As is / today’s tax tables, RMD + Pension + SS + inherited tax deferred…will reach zenosphere of future tax tables and IRMAA cost.
MT poster gave good steer on charitable giving shelter for RMDs.
Highest lever years to mitigate are next 3-5.
This post was edited on 4/11/26 at 4:33 pm
Posted on 4/11/26 at 4:32 pm to TorchtheFlyingTiger
quote:
I'm considering Bolden, MaxiFi, Projection Lab and seems like maybe another option or two
Thank you! I’m thinking Bolden but appreciate you sharing others. Going to start digging in soon.
quote:
I'm just under 22% bracket without conversions (pension and a little part time income plus dividends) which is nice for now because LTCG and qualified dividends are taxed at zero.
Have cleared tax table 2027-29 with 2026 non qualified retirement lump sums, that is nearly free and clear for aggressive Roth conversions.
Portfolio allocation, Income sources and when, IRMAA MAGI, Etc etc…all of which seeking to model.
I have been using AI to model that is pretty solid. Thinking Bolden or similar is much better way to go.
Thx again for your input! Good luck with your conversions. That zero cap gain tax zone is sweet!
This post was edited on 4/11/26 at 4:47 pm
Posted on 4/11/26 at 5:36 pm to Everyday Is Saturday
quote:
even woke up this morning (Saturday) and had no idea what day it was.
quote:tracks
by Everyday Is Saturday
Posted on 4/11/26 at 6:40 pm to TorchtheFlyingTiger
quote:
Bolden
I have it, and it is a very powerful tool but it almost has too many inputs if that's possible. I also have had some issues with connecting outside accounts
Eta: I would recommend checking out the white coat investor forum. There will be countless blog posts and forum posts about all of your questions
This post was edited on 4/11/26 at 6:41 pm
Posted on 4/12/26 at 3:37 pm to Everyday Is Saturday
Boldin is okay as a modeler, but garbage in equals garbage out. So, it won't model your portfolio performance or volatility, but if you give it average returns it will Monte Carlo it out.
There are some arguments to keeping the "tax bomb" and not converting to Roth, depending on your circumstances.
There are a lot of disagreements on how to invest for retirement. If you're going with a FA, just follow their advice (and have them model for you). If not, then pick your poison. I follow Jason Kelly's Income Sig and could not be happier.
There are some arguments to keeping the "tax bomb" and not converting to Roth, depending on your circumstances.
There are a lot of disagreements on how to invest for retirement. If you're going with a FA, just follow their advice (and have them model for you). If not, then pick your poison. I follow Jason Kelly's Income Sig and could not be happier.
Posted on 4/12/26 at 5:39 pm to RoyalWe
quote:
There are some arguments to keeping the "tax bomb" and not converting to Roth, depending on your circumstances.
Do tell.
I’m inverting the problem now. So far, I can’t find a path to NOT do RMD reduction. Help me disprove that, pls.
Wealth transfer to heirs at their highest tax brackets time of career (God willing for me to live to then)…is in scope. Highest after tax returns will win the day!
Curious what you are speaking to.
quote:
going with a FA
Estate planning, yes. Everything else, no.
1% AUM…ain’t no joke.
This post was edited on 4/12/26 at 5:59 pm
Posted on 4/12/26 at 6:24 pm to Everyday Is Saturday
quote:Roth conversions can be a great tool, but they’re not automatically the best move in every case. You’re basically choosing to pay taxes now instead of later, so it only makes sense if today’s rate is lower. There are plenty of situations where holding off can be better—like if you’d be converting at a high bracket, don’t have outside cash to pay the tax (or would have to use IRA funds, especially under 59½), or expect to manage withdrawals later in lower brackets.
Do tell.
There’s also a compounding angle: keeping money in a tax-deferred account means a larger pre-tax balance stays invested, so you’re effectively earning returns on the IRS’s share as well. And while Roths are great for heirs, that benefit can be offset if you overpay taxes upfront.
The best approach usually isn’t “convert everything” or “never convert”—it’s opportunistic conversions during low-income years, market downturns, or when you can fill lower tax brackets efficiently. If you manage the timing of income well (or never had a chance to convert cheaply in the first place), you’re unlikely to regret staying tax-deferred.
There are several good articles or posts on other forums (like Bogleheads) that discuss this.
And yes, 1% AUM is no joke. I can mess up a lot for what I would pay them over the years.
Posted on 4/12/26 at 6:52 pm to RoyalWe
Thank you! Appreciate your thoughtful response.
I’m 20-years to 1st RMD. I’m after the true after-tax breakeven. AI has led me to…if normal market returns (5%–7%), doing nothing is almost certainly suboptimal.
Pay ~22–24% taxes now (controlled) or pay ~32–35% + IRMAA later (forced). That’s before any inheritances of tax deferred accounts (if natural course of life prevails).
Thanks for boglehead steer. That site helped get me here over the years. Will give Boldin a shot to validate (or not) where I think I landed.
That 1% AUM is a 7-figure opportunity / guaranteed cost impact for us. That is no joke. Appreciate that cost comes with value. Our financial context does not warrant. Estate planning, however, is another story.
Thank you again.
quote:
it only makes sense if today’s rate is lower
I’m 20-years to 1st RMD. I’m after the true after-tax breakeven. AI has led me to…if normal market returns (5%–7%), doing nothing is almost certainly suboptimal.
Pay ~22–24% taxes now (controlled) or pay ~32–35% + IRMAA later (forced). That’s before any inheritances of tax deferred accounts (if natural course of life prevails).
Thanks for boglehead steer. That site helped get me here over the years. Will give Boldin a shot to validate (or not) where I think I landed.
That 1% AUM is a 7-figure opportunity / guaranteed cost impact for us. That is no joke. Appreciate that cost comes with value. Our financial context does not warrant. Estate planning, however, is another story.
Thank you again.
This post was edited on 4/12/26 at 6:57 pm
Posted on 4/12/26 at 7:44 pm to Everyday Is Saturday
quote:The way I look at it, Roth conversions are really about tax arbitrage. If my marginal tax rate is already high today, there isn’t much opportunity to convert efficiently. And if I expect my future rates to be similar, there’s no real arbitrage to capture.
I’m 20-years to 1st RMD
At that point, all I’d be doing is prepaying taxes and reducing the amount that stays invested, which gives up the benefit of compounding on a larger pre-tax balance. So unless I see a clear rate advantage—like a lower bracket or a temporary opportunity—I don’t see a strong case for converting.
Posted on 4/12/26 at 7:59 pm to RoyalWe
quote:
If my marginal tax rate is already high
This assumption is the difference. Lower tax bracket opportunity is here (nearly nil space used).
Large retirement lump sum (non qualified) creates nearly full tax table room for conversions next 3-5 years. Highest leverage years for conversion opportunity is there.
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