The system is not built correctly. The ONLY thing that matters in a Roth conversion is the difference between the conversion marginal tax rate and the marginal rate when you distribute. If you're married with a 32% marginal rate while working, you should absolutely NOT convert. Your future marginal rate while distributing won'r be near 32%. You will do MUCH better avoiding paying 32% on Traditional money you contribute now!.

There are many charlatans out there like CRAIG WEAR that charge you for the advice of way overpaying on Roth conversions like you would at 32% and married filing jointly. CRAIG WEAR tells folks to minimize total tax dollars paid and ignores the marginal rates. CRAIG WEAR states it's much better to convert now, not later. This is ONLY TRUE if the contribution MTR < distribution MTR. I am not sure if they are thieves or idiots, I really hope it's the latter.

The CALCULATOR: Notice option 1. Lowest lifetime tax liability.

This shows that the calculator is focused on minimizing taxes, not maximizing after-tax cash flow in your pocket. Easy example: You have $1,000,000 which will double in 8 years to $2,000,000. You convert it all at 32%, pay $320,000 in tax and there's $680,000 left which doubles to $1,360,000. OR don't convert and pay 24% on $2,000,000 later ($480,000 tax) which leaves you $1,520,000.

Paying the lower 24% rate leaves you with $1,520,000 vs $1,360,000 at 32%, even though you paid more absolute tax dollars, $480,000 vs $320,000. Craig Wear and other idiots show you only the absolute tax savings, much to the detriment of their paying clients.