Planning for Single Retirees — Part 3: Tax Planning and Roth Conversions
Mon Feb 02 2026
The tax planning process doesn't change for single retirees—but the margin for error does.
In this episode, we explain why taxes behave differently when there's only one tax bracket, no spousal coordination, and no survivor window to clean things up later. We discuss why IRMAA thresholds hit sooner for single filers and how small income decisions can have outsized consequences.
We walk through a simple framework that focuses on understanding your income baseline, where your assets are held, how Medicare premiums factor into tax decisions, and why time horizon matters more when there's only one lifetime to plan around.
This episode isn't about squeezing out every last tax advantage. It's about protecting flexibility, avoiding irreversible mistakes, and building a plan that works without a backup.
Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms.
📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1
📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/
If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now!
Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517
Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.
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The tax planning process doesn't change for single retirees—but the margin for error does. In this episode, we explain why taxes behave differently when there's only one tax bracket, no spousal coordination, and no survivor window to clean things up later. We discuss why IRMAA thresholds hit sooner for single filers and how small income decisions can have outsized consequences. We walk through a simple framework that focuses on understanding your income baseline, where your assets are held, how Medicare premiums factor into tax decisions, and why time horizon matters more when there's only one lifetime to plan around. This episode isn't about squeezing out every last tax advantage. It's about protecting flexibility, avoiding irreversible mistakes, and building a plan that works without a backup. Although this show does not provide specific tax, legal, or financial advice, you can engage Devin or John through their individual firms. 📍Contact Devin's team at https://carrolladvisory.co/podcast1 📍Contact John's team at https://www.rossandshoalmire.com/ If you're thinking, "I love the Big Picture Retirement podcast!" please consider rating and reviewing this show! This helps us support more people -- just like you -- move toward a confident retirement. Just scroll down to the "ratings and reviews" section, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let us know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We add new content every week, and if you're not following, you'll likely miss out. Follow now! Don't miss the Big Picture Retirement Planning Cheat Sheet. We've distilled the essential brackets, thresholds, and rules of retirement into an easy-to-digest, three-page summary. https://www.carrolladvisory.com/pl/2148282517 Want to ask Devin or John your question? Just visit https://www.bigpictureretirement.com/ and click on the "Ask A Question" menu selection.