A Tale of Two Retirees: Couples Edition

Meet the Walkers – Proactive Planners

Tom and Sarah Walker retired at 60 with $2 million split across a Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and taxable brokerage account. They didn’t want to outlive their savings—or overpay Uncle Sam. So, they worked with a tax strategist to build a drawdown plan.

From ages 60 to 72, they strategically converted portions of their IRA to a Roth each year, keeping their taxable income below key Medicare and tax thresholds. They drew from their taxable accounts first, then gradually added in Roth income, keeping their taxes low and cash flow predictable.

By the time RMDs hit at age 73, their IRA balance was reduced, minimizing required withdrawals—and tax bills. They also used QCDs to support charities they loved, keeping their adjusted gross income even lower. Their Social Security was 85% optimized, their Medicare premiums stayed flat, and they’ll leave a tax-free legacy to their kids.

Meet the Mitchells – Wait-and-See Retirees

Brian and Lisa Mitchell also retired at 60 with $2 million distributed across the same account types. But they didn’t think much about taxes—they figured their financial advisor or CPA would handle it later.

They delayed Roth conversions, lived off cash and taxable accounts, and didn’t realize that deferring everything created a future tax bomb. When RMDs kicked in, their IRA was still huge—and the required withdrawals pushed them into the 32% tax bracket. Medicare IRMAA surcharges followed, and their Social Security became mostly taxable.

They also wanted to give to charity but didn’t know about QCDs until it was too late to use them effectively. Their tax bill ballooned, and their kids will likely pay even more when they inherit the IRA under the 10-year rule.

Same starting point. Very different outcomes.

The Walkers saved hundreds of thousands in taxes over their lifetime and gained clarity and control. The Mitchells spent more than they needed to—all because they waited to plan.

Which couple do you want to be?