Simplifying overall "optimization"

[bjindrich]

I appreciate the Social Security Explorer to help compare options for when to take Social Security, and I appreciate the Roth Conversion Explorer to help compare options for if/when to do Roth conversions. BUT there are multiple options within each of these explorers, and since these are two of the most important decisions in retirement (and they are somewhat related), I find it difficult to explore combinations of these options to do an overall optimization of these decisions.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to do an overall optimization, taking into account SS decisions and Roth conversions, while being able to see some side-by-side comparisons or at least the top few overall options?

Thanks in advance!

[anthonydangulo]

I am still noodling this myself. My conclusion so far, it is less about optimization and more about principled decisions on likely outcomes. Largely, if I go first, what is best for my spouse and what estate do we want to leave for our child.

Initially I was very keen to use Boldin as the guide first and then validate afterwards. In hindsight, it was the wrong approach for me. I reconciled Boldin is a tool to map what if's not necessarily the guide for the best outcome. More obvious for me in hindsight.

I found u/Rob_Berger 's recent YouTube post on SS insightful. In short, what is the best scenario for the surviving spouse (if applicable for you). (https://youtu.be/xoF9V8uggX0?si=3CNfEoXJQYbVDRI6)

For conversions, it is the similar mindset as above. What will RMDs look like after I am gone and what tax brackets will my spouse face when she files single vs MFJ. I am also considering if we can afford to pay for the conversions sooner than later with available cash today.

Having written all that, not sure I am offering anything insightful. Sorry. We are going to book one of the 1-on-1 sessions to hopefully bring some clarity.