RMDs raise taxes, hit Social Security, and spike Medicare premiums.

Roth conversions. Why? Timing is everything. Reason 1 if you wait until RMDs or requirement of distributions kick in, you're going to have fewer low tax years to convert efficiently. Reason number two those RMDs are taxable income and they could make up to 85% of your Social Security taxable too, and cause higher premiums for your Medicare. Reason number 3 Once the RMDs start, conversions don't count toward meeting those required distribution, so you could be taxed twice in the same year. Roth conversions aren't for everyone, but the sooner you explore them, the more control you're going to have over your tax bill later into retirement.