Ford Wealth Management

09/17/2026

When should you start thinking about Roth conversions?

For many people, the years after retirement but before Required Minimum Distributions begin can create a valuable tax-planning window.

We break down what to consider and why timing matters:

Learn when a Roth conversion before retirement may make sense, how timing affects taxes, and why many retirees evaluate partial Roth conversions during lower-income years.

09/08/2026

A Roth conversion can affect more than your tax bill.

For those on Medicare, a Roth conversion increases income in the year of the conversion. That additional income can potentially lead to higher Medicare premiums two years later through IRMAA.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the conversion is a bad idea. It means the Medicare impact should be considered alongside the potential long-term tax benefits when deciding whether to convert and how much.

We explain how Roth conversions and Medicare IRMAA interact here:

08/27/2026

An inherited IRA can come with a tax bill that families aren't expecting.

Under the 10-year rule, many non-spouse beneficiaries are required to fully distribute an inherited IRA within 10 years.

For adult children who inherit during their peak earning years, those distributions may be added on top of income they're already earning.

That's why beneficiary planning isn't only about who inherits your retirement accounts. It's also worth considering how those assets may eventually be taxed.

We take a closer look at the 10-year rule and what it could mean for your heirs:

Learn how the 10-year rule affects inherited IRAs, why many heirs pay more tax than expected, and how Roth conversions may help preserve more of your family's wealth.

08/10/2026

A $1 million traditional IRA isn’t just $1 million of retirement savings.

It also represents a future tax liability.

For many retirees, the years between leaving the workforce and Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) can create an important tax-planning opportunity.

Partial Roth conversions during these lower-income years may help reduce future taxable income—but when you convert and how much you convert matter.

We created the Ford Wealth Management Roth Conversion Planning Guide to explain some of the key factors to consider.

Request the guide here: https://www.fordwealthmgmt.com/roth

For informational purposes only. Roth conversions involve tax considerations and should be evaluated based on individual circumstances and coordinated with a tax professional.

08/04/2026

A Roth conversion isn't a yes or no decision.

It's often a question of how much.

Convert too little, and you may leave planning opportunities on the table.

Convert too much, and you could move into a higher tax bracket or affect other parts of your financial picture.

For many retirees, success isn't measured by how much they convert.

It's measured by whether they converted intentionally.

Send a message to learn more

07/29/2026

Most couples spend years planning for retirement. Few plan for what happens after one spouse is gone.

One of the biggest surprises surviving spouses face isn't just emotional—it's financial.

Even though household income often declines, taxes can actually increase because tax brackets, deductions, Medicare premiums, and Social Security taxation all change after a spouse passes away.

It's not a pleasant topic, but understanding it before it's needed can make a meaningful difference.

We've put together a guide explaining how the widow's tax penalty works and why proactive planning matters.

Read the full article:

Learn why surviving spouses often face higher taxes in retirement despite having similar income. Discover how filing status, IRMAA, and Roth conversion planning can help reduce the widow's penalty.

07/22/2026

What exactly is a Roth conversion?

It's a question we hear quite often, and it's one of the most misunderstood topics in retirement planning.

A Roth conversion allows you to move money from a Traditional IRA or other pre-tax retirement account into a Roth IRA. In many cases, the amount converted is taxable in the year of the conversion, but future qualified withdrawals from the Roth IRA can be tax-free.

Whether a Roth conversion makes sense depends on your individual financial situation, which is why understanding how it works is an important first step.

If you'd like to learn more, we've put together a guide that explains the basics in plain English.

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Learn what a Roth conversion is, how it works, and when it may make sense as part of a retirement tax planning strategy.

07/22/2026

Welcome to the official page of Ford Wealth Management.

Here we'll share educational insights on retirement planning, tax planning, investing, Roth conversions, Medicare, Social Security, and other topics designed to help individuals and families make informed financial decisions.

Whether you're approaching retirement or already enjoying it, we hope you'll find these resources valuable.

Learn more:
https://www.fordwealthmgmt.com

05/26/2023

Fulfilling his Middle School job shadow interview day here at WVFA! Leo is learning about Financial Planning, Investing & the ABCs of 403Bs! Feeling proud of this father / son moment. Guessing the day will end with a round of golf for the full experience ⛳️ 😎

🌟 Have a safe & Happy Memorial Weekend everyone! We’ll be closed Monday to remember & honor those who sacrificed their lives for ours.

05/11/2021

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-biggest-mistakes-people-make-with-social-security-11620561601

One of the most common and costly Social Security mistakes: worrying about dying too soon.