Tax Strategy
Tax optimization strategies for FIRE investors, Roth conversions, and early retirees
12 articles
2027 Contribution Limits: What the Projections Say Before the IRS Confirms
Projected 2027 limits: 401(k) at $25,000 or $25,500, IRA flat at $7,500, super catch-up to $11,750. Why two of those are still borderline and what to do before year-end.
The Roth Catch-Up Mandate Is Live: What High Earners Over 50 Lost in 2026
From January 2026, catch-up contributions must be Roth if your prior-year FICA wages topped $150,000. What it costs, who is exempt, and the plan gap that can block you entirely.
Asset Location: The Free Tax Alpha Most FIRE Investors Leave on the Table
Asset allocation decides what you own; asset location decides where you hold it. The 2026 playbook for placing bonds, REITs, and equities across taxable, traditional, and Roth accounts.
TSP Roth In-Plan Conversion 2026: The New FIRE Strategy for Federal Employees
Convert traditional TSP to Roth inside the plan — no rollover, no separation from service required. Here's the complete FIRE ladder strategy using the new 2026 TSP Roth in-plan conversion.
TrumpIRA vs Trump Accounts: Two Very Different Programs Explained (2026)
TrumpIRA.gov and Trump Accounts (530A) are two completely different programs. One opens July 4, 2026 for children. The other launches January 1, 2027 for workers without retirement plans. Here's the complete breakdown.
Trump Account 2026: How to Open One for Your Child (Step-by-Step Guide)
Trump Accounts open July 4, 2026. Here's exactly how to open a MAGA Account for your newborn or child, who qualifies, how much the $1,000 federal seed grows, and what to do first.
One Big Beautiful Bill FIRE Guide: How Permanent Tax Brackets Reshape Early Retirement (2026)
TCJA made permanent: 2026 brackets locked in, $32,200 MFJ standard deduction, $15M estate exemption. Here's how FIRE investors should update their tax plan right now.
Trump Account FIRE Strategy: How to Give Your Child a $1M+ Head Start on Financial Independence
Trump Accounts open July 4, 2026. Max contributions of $5,000/year from birth grow to $191K at 18 — enough to put your child on Coast FIRE without another dollar invested.
ACA Subsidy Cliff 2026: The FIRE Investor's Complete Income Management Guide
The 400% FPL cliff is back in 2026. Crossing it by $1 costs $10K–$22K in lost ACA subsidies. Complete FIRE guide to MAGI management for early retirees.
Trump Accounts vs. 529 vs. Roth IRA for Kids: The Complete 2026 Guide
Trump Accounts open July 4, 2026. How the $1,000 seed stacks up vs 529 plans and Roth IRAs — which account wins for FIRE families building generational wealth.
Roth Conversion Ladder for FIRE: The 2026 Complete Guide (Post-TCJA Update)
The Roth conversion ladder is the most powerful strategy for FIRE investors to access traditional 401k funds early — without the 10% penalty. 2026 complete guide: 5-year rule, bracket targeting, ACA interaction, and year-by-year conversion schedule.
Mega Backdoor Roth 2026: How to Contribute Up to $47,500 Extra to Roth (Step-by-Step Guide)
The mega backdoor Roth lets high earners contribute up to $47,500 extra to Roth in 2026 — far beyond the standard $7,500 Roth IRA limit. Step-by-step guide, plan requirements, pro-rata pitfalls, and FIRE strategy.