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A
Hi, everybody. Suzio here. Now, what is the goal of money? The goal of money is for you to be secure. And there is no better way for you to be secure than having an emergency savings account. It is essential for your financial foundation. So all of you should be participating in the Ultimate Opportunity savings account at Alliant Credit Union. Go to myalliant.com to find out more. And be secure. September 18, 2025.
B
Welcome, everybody, to the Women and Money podcast. And everyone's smart enough to listen.
A
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding. Anyway, it is September 18th, right? KT, is there anything special on today?
B
I don't know.
A
I don't think so.
B
But it's a nice number. It's a lucky number. It adds up to nine.
A
Do you all know nine is Susie's lucky number.
B
KT's is eight.
A
Yeah. But I want you to think about this. September is a nine, 18 is a nine, and 2025 is a nine.
B
Yeah.
A
So this is a triple nine day. So, everybody, it is a lucky, lucky day, baby. Especially for money. Just so you know. Okay, there you go. But this is also special because it is. Ask KT and Susie anything, and KT is in the studio. And I know that makes you all or the majority of you anyway, so, so happy.
B
Kt, wait. Tell everyone how to send a question to KT so that I can pick it up.
A
Pick it up. But we have so many. But anyway, send your question into asksusypodcastmail.com and if KT likes it, it will be read on this podcast and answered. But don't be surprised if I answer you directly.
B
Okay, are we ready?
A
No? Okay, I'm not quite ready yet because so many people wrote in and said how surprised they were, how quiet you were on Sunday. They were so disappointed when they didn't hear you because you said you were going to be there. And then you pop in at the.
B
Very end because I was. I. I was condemned to silence. No, Susie said the only way I can do my Sunday school, which is about Roth and it's complicated, is if you don't interrupt me. So I did not interrupt her. I was still as a mouse. However, following that, we got lots and lots of emails with questions that you all have about that masterclass.
A
So we thought, why not complete it today and make sure that none of you are confused.
B
All right, I have some really great questions here, but here we go. Are you ready?
A
I'm always ready.
B
All right. Dear KT and Susie, thanks for the most recent Susie School on the five year rule of Roth. I want to convert from a traditional IRA to a Roth. I know I will pay taxes, but the only way I could accomplish this at this stage of my life is to have my financial planner withhold the taxes from the sale and transfer the remaining.
A
All right, so you can stop right there. Right there. You can stop right there. So who's the name of this person? Julie. Julie. Julie. If that's the only way you can do it, and you know that's the only way you can do it, you don't have the money to convert. Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it. Next question, kt, don't do it, Julie. So for all of you, when you convert, you owe taxes on the money that you converted that year. If you don't have money outside of a retirement account to do so, don't do it. Because if they withhold the money for you to pay your taxes, there's going to be a 10% penalty on it because, number one, you are not 59 and a half years of age. You're going to owe ordinary income tax on that money as well. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. All right, kt, go on.
B
Okay, so next question's from Pam. She said. Dear Susie and kt, after listening to last Sunday Susie School, I think I made a boo boo. I have had a roth for over 20 years. I'm 68, retired, and decided it would work well to convert yearly for the next five years money from my traditional IRA into a Roth. My boo boo was I opened a new Roth instead of converting to the old. Now I realize after the show I should have just converted into my original Roth, which was well over 5 years old. My question is, can I now transfer the new Roth conversion into my old Roth without causing any trouble?
A
Pop quizzy. Oh, you sat here the entire day on Sunday.
B
Okay.
A
You said you asked. Yes. What?
B
Yes, you can.
A
And does she need to?
B
No.
A
Why?
B
Because the five year rules passed way past.
A
And so.
B
That's not fair. Stop asking me. I answered it. I said yes. So now you take over. That's not fair. You take over.
A
Oh, I see.
B
You keep asking me questions like I know all the answers.
A
You said last Sunday, all of you are my witnesses. I know, but she sat there and she said, now I know everything there is to know about Ross.
B
Most. Most. Mostly. But not all the spaces in between.
A
First of all, Pam will tell all of you if you happen to know Pam, that I actually answered her directly.
B
All right, so Pam, tell right back in and Tell us the damn answer.
A
So like I said, sometimes I answer. And I felt so bad for her because she felt like she made a boo boo on. The fact of the matter is she did not. Katie, don't try to act smart now. Just don't do that.
B
I was right with my answer, Katie.
A
But you don't know why you were right. And when you don't know why you've done something, you are not right. You are a guesser, not somebody. Anyway, forget about it. No, listen to me, everybody, seriously, your first Roth that you open, the date of that first Roth follows you everywhere. So in this particular case, truthfully, Pam, because you are older than 59 and a half and because you had a Roth IRA opened for more than five years, you can convert all you want, pay the taxes on it and take that money out anytime you want. Because you have literally done two things. You've had a Roth for five years and you're over 59 and a half years of age. So it doesn't matter. Just pay the taxes and all of that money is available to you whatsoever. So the truth of the matter is you don't really need to keep a five year time clock because that clock has already run because of your first Roth IRA that you opened 20 years ago. You do not have to ever use that Roth IRA again. Again. You can open one new Roth, one new Roth, one new Roth, all conversions, and they're all dated back to the first one, so you didn't make a mistake. It could be easier, however, now just for you to transfer, because it's not a conversion anymore, you might want to transfer all these accounts that you have into just one Roth ira. And it doesn't have to be the first one that you opened, but you just might want to even transfer that one and all the ones that you open into1roth IRA now. And guess what? It might be a whole lot easier for you.
B
All right, kt, this is the next question. Is the same category ready for this? This is Rebecca. She said Susie, on the ultimate Roth five year rule masterclass you mentioned, there are two different kinds of Roth account. Converted Roth and the other being a contribution Roth.
A
Contributory.
B
Yes, contributory. So the question is, can a contributory Roth and a converted Roth be held in the same account?
A
Absolutely. Without any problem. So a lot of you feel like, oh my God, I have a Roth IRA now I'm going to do a rollover from a 401k and I need a separate account for that. And no, everything can go into one account. Absolutely.
B
So this next question from Ann. This is interesting, Susie, because I think this is a great question because I don't have a clue if there's a limit.
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He's very funny. Everybody doesn't have a clue if there's a limit.
B
Ready, everyone? Listen, listen. When you do a Roth conversion, are you allowed to put in more than $8,000? Two people wrote to you, Susie, that they put in 50 and 100,000 in one year.
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And you honest to God don't know the answer to that. I need you to think deeply for me.
B
I think you can put in any amount because you pay the taxes on it all the time.
A
So why did you say you don't have a clue?
B
Well, it was interesting because for some reason there's all these limits on many different things. But not on a rod, not on the, not on a converted Roth.
A
Right? So contributory Roths are Roths. Everybody that you contribute to every year with after tax money, period, you're limited to the annual amount, depending on your age. 7,000 if you're under 50, 8,000 if you're 50 or older. When you are converting, you can convert anything. Amount of money that you want. Just know whatever you convert, oh, you are going to owe ordinary income taxes.
B
Pay taxes on it. So that's why she was confused. So Ann, there you go.
A
We don't know. You don't know why she was confused?
B
She was, because she said, hey, KT stop it.
A
Go to the next question.
B
My next question. Scott, this is. I am one of the men smart enough to listen and I really appreciate all the help you have given my wife and me. Are the five year rules the same for Roth 401 conversions as they are for the Roth IRA conversions?
A
Here's the scoop, Scott. They are and they are not. And this is the reason why. You worked for a company for five years. You had their Roth 401 for all five years. You quit, you go to a new employer that has a Roth 401 and you transfer from the old to the new. You're old time clock, the five years there comes with you to the new one. So your new employer's retirement account takes on the clock of your first one. Just that simple. However, listen closely. When you go From a Roth 401k to a Roth IRA, the clock does not come with you. Even though you're transferring from a 401k that's a Roth to a Roth IRA, both after tax does not matter. The Roth IRA will replace the time clock of your Roth 401k that is why you want to start a Roth IRA today so that the time clock is running. So when you do finally go From a Roth 401K to a Roth IRA, you've taken on the time clock of the Roth IRA that has been opened. If there isn't one that's been opened, your five year time clock starts the day you transfer. One more thing, Scott. A Roth ira. You can take out your original contributions anytime you want, without taxes or penalties, regardless of your age or how long the money has been in there. Your Roth 401k does not work like that. So there is another difference there, which is why truthfully, after the point of the match In a Roth 401k, you're far better off taking that money and having a Roth IRA. Once you've maxed out your Roth IRA, go back to your Roth 401K. Unless you can fully max out both at the same time. Go on, Katie.
B
Yeah, this next question is similar to that as well. This is from Janet. She said, after listening to your very helpful podcast on Roths, one thing I'm not totally clear on. My husband, age 73, and I, age 68, each have a Roth IRA from contributions from our working years that date back much more than five years ago. In recent years, we've been doing Roth conversions into a new Roth account for each of us held at different brokerage houses. Does the five year rule still no longer apply if our Roth conversions are in totally different accounts than our original Roth accounts? Or do you have to do the conversion into the original to have the five year rule no longer apply once you are over 59 and a half?
A
So I obviously did not do a very good job on the master class because a lot of lot of you seem to be confused. First of all, my dear Janet, your husband is 73, you are 68. You've had a Roth IRA opened way long ago. The five year rule doesn't even apply to you on any level whatsoever. So you don't need to worry about it. They don't have to be different accounts. They can be different accounts. They can be the same accounts. You shouldn't even think about it because of your age and you had a a Roth more than five years ago. Just that simple. It doesn't matter. You can do anything you want and you're going to be fine.
B
Okay, so the magic takeaway, Susie, is 59 and a half.
A
Yes.
B
All right.
A
And five years.
B
Yes.
A
Yep. After that, it just doesn't even matter. It's like the five year rule doesn't apply.
B
Okay, good. It's gone. This is from Lynn. She said, I just received your ultimate retirement guide for 50 PL. I'm really wishing I had used it years ago. We always hear that. Now I need your advice. Possibly changing my traditional IRA beneficiary. I am 71. My husband is 90. My traditional IRA balance is approximately $780,000. My husband's is $335,000. Is it prudent for me to designate him my 100% beneficiary? I am seeing in your distribution table that if I pass before him, the combined rmd would be 91,000 this year. So there you go.
A
You should see KG's face reading this.
B
Well, he's 90 years old.
A
He's 90. You are 71. And really you could very well pass before him. You never know what can happen in life. In my opinion all of you are just too freaked out about these RMDs. Stop it everybody. Your job in life is to make sure that your husband is taken care of in whatever way he needs. And there are different rules. When you leave a retirement account to a spouse versus when you leave it to a non spouse. And therefore you want to make sure that he has access to that money. He can do anything he wants with that money. So if it were me in this situation, I would absolutely leave it all to him. I would not think about the RMDs. The truth of the matter is he's probably going to need to take out the that money for a nurse for somebody to take care of him to. Maybe he goes into a skilled living facility or just an assisted living. He's going to need that money anyway. Leave it to him. And don't worry about those stupid RMDs.
B
Next question Susie is from Steve, another smart man. I'm Steve and I'm one of those people smart enough to listen. I'm 60 and retired. I with a pension covering current expenses. I have about $1,200,000 in a traditional IRA and $300,000 in my Roth, both at the same institution. I'm going to do some conversions from my traditional to my Roth. My portfolio is about a 6535 balance. Do I keep the 6535 balance on the conversions or convert the 65 equities first so the future biggest growth happens in my Roth.
A
Steve, she's smiling again. How old is Steve?
B
No, it's 60. What's funny is that men's, you know how they ask the question 65 35?
A
Well no, it's 65 stocks, 35 bonds. Here's what I would tell you, Steve. Simple. Convert the equities first because they have a better chance of going far higher than bonds right now. Even though that I do think bonds are going to continue to go up a little bit because interest rates are going to go down. So get the stocks out of there and into the Roth sooner than later.
B
Next question's from Marie. And Marie has another RMD dilemma. She said, susie, what's rmd? KT required minimum distribution, baby.
A
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding.
B
So she said, susie, first, thank you for all the advice, advice and knowledge you so freely give to those of us that need it. I'm 72, so the dreaded RMDs are on the horizon. Can I use the money from my RMD to open a Roth for my adult children? This would get the Roth clock started for them. Thank you, Marie.
A
So, Marie, listen to me. In fact, everybody listen to me. I hope that's true. Don't you, kt?
B
Yes, they better listen to me.
A
When you take out a required minimum distribution, you obviously have to pay income tax on it. And just that simple. After you've paid income tax, you can do anything you want with that money. So if you want to take that money and use it to fund your adult children's Roth IRAs, okay. But you have to make sure that they have earned income, because if they don't have earned income, you can't put any money into their Roth. And you can only put a maximum. Let's just say they're under 50, a maximum of $7,000 a year each or whatever their earned income is, whichever is less. So if their earned income is only $3,500 a year, you can only put 3,500 a year into their Roth. So that's how it works, my dear Marie.
B
Okay, go on, K. So, Susie, why do you think people are so afraid of their RMDs?
A
Because first of all, if they had listened to me years ago and you had done a Roth, everybody, you wouldn't have to take out RMDs even if you had a Roth 401K, you don't have to take out RMDs, and that's a new law. However, required minimum distribution means you have to take money out whether you need it or not and pay taxes on it. That money, KT counts toward the taxation of Social Security and Medicare B premiums. So people don't want to have to take it out if they don't have to. Like we have to take it out and we don't need it. And it counts towards everything. However. That's why I'm just going to say it again. If you don't do a Roth retirement account on your own in IRA, a Roth 401 tsp, you know, or 403B at work, you are making the biggest mistake in your life. Don't be stupid, everybody. Okay, go on. And I say that kt, I just. Because everybody now writes and they say, why didn't I do this 20 years ago? I never thought my contributions would add up to 1.2 million to $2 million and everything. Of course you didn't. But I thought think it for you. So just listen to me. Especially if you're younger out there. Go on.
B
This is from Katie. She said, I'm a new listener to your program and I love it. I'm finally understanding the Roth I, I think she said. But I have a question after.
A
You have something in common with kt. How nice. Go on.
B
But I have. That's not nice. But I have a question after. But I have a question after listening to your podcast, I. On Sunday, I opened a Roth IRA at a bank several years ago with a one time deposit. I'm now over 59 and a half. So I know I can access the contribution penalty free if needed, which luckily I doubt I need to do. My question is, I'd like to open another Roth at Vanguard and start contributing on a regular basis. Does my five year rule apply here for the new account or will the five year rule already be met?
A
You've already met the five year rule.
B
Yeah. So let's answer it. You're over 59 and a half.
A
If you're over 59 and a half, everybody and you have had a Roth IRA opened anywhere for over five years. The five year rule no longer applies to you, however. Katie. Get it? Katie. When I said you have something in common because her name is Katie and.
B
You'Re kt, that's not what you meant.
A
It's what.
B
Okay, well, so not what you meant.
A
Well, but you all know what I meant is that, listen, you say that you opened up a Roth IRA at a bank several years ago with a one time deposit. If I were you, I would absolutely. If you're opening up a new Roth IRA at Vanguard, can you just transfer your Roth IRA at the bank into Vanguard? I think you'll have a far better return on your money in the long run. All right, go on.
B
So one of the listeners sent three questions. Can I ask all three and we'll see if you can get through them before we run out of time. So does it make sense for me to continue down the path to max out on the traditional 401? Or. Or should I convert to a Roth 401K?
A
Absolutely. Convert to a Roth. Do not be. You know what I said before the S word.
B
Okay, go on, stupid. If Roth.
A
It's the first time I've ever heard her say that word.
B
The Roth 401k is a recommendation when converting. What percentage should I try to convert per year?
A
Whatever amount of money makes sense, tax wise. Check with your CPA so that you don't go into a higher income tax bracket. Next.
B
All right, Susie, this is the last question from this listener and then this is a wrap. Can I continue to contribute the $7,000 per year to my backdoor Roth IRA if I have a Roth 401?
A
Pop quizzy.
B
Ooh, yeah, you can.
A
Why do you say oh, I just.
B
Because every time I hear the word quizzy, I'm like, okay, don't get it wrong, don't get it wrong.
A
Don't get it wrong. Katie, don't be so afraid of being wrong.
B
That is a rep. You would.
A
No, not afraid.
B
I'm not afraid. I'm like, come on already.
A
Okay, all right, no problem. All right, everybody. Until Sunday with Susie's school that I have no idea what it's going to.
B
Be, but it's going to be a whole lot easier than. Than last Sunday.
A
Let's promise them, I think, that masterclass, even though it doesn't seem like it, given so many questions that have come in, it's a great, great masterclass.
B
Maybe you should do real estate.
A
On what?
B
On Sunday school?
A
I'll think about it. All right. But until then, there's only one thing that we want you to remember, and it's this.
B
People first, then money, then things.
A
Stay safe, stay healthy, stay secure, and we'll see you soon. Bye. Bye. We are strong, we are wise we will not apologize we are here we will thrive Together we will rise we're the rudd of in our face and.
B
Everything it takes we are strong, we are wise to Together we will rise.
A
Hi, everybody. Suzie O here. Now, if you are looking for a way to start saving to get the most out of your money, I want you to go to myalliant.com, that's M Y A L L I A N T dot com, and look into opening an ultimate opportunity savings account. Put in at least $100 a month every single month for 12 consecutive months, earn 3 interest on your money right now and get a hundred dollars at the end. Are you kidding me? It's the best deal out there. Start saving right now.
C
Neither Susie Orman Media nor Susie Orman is acting as a Certified Financial Planner Advisor, a Certified Financial Analyst, an economist, cpa, accountant or lawyer. Neither Susie Orman Media nor Susie Orman make any recommendations as to any specific score, securities or investments. All content contained in this podcast is for informational and general purposes only and does not constitute financial accounting or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and financial advisors regarding your particular situation. Neither Suze Orman Media nor Suze Orman accepts any responsibility for any losses which may arise from accessing or reliance on information in this podcast and to the fullest extent permitted by law, we exclude all liability for loss damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of this information. The must have documents discussed in this podcast are legal documents created by a lawyer and distributed by Hay House.
Episode: Your Questions About Suze’s Roth Five Year Rule Masterclass
Date: September 18, 2025
Host: Suze Orman (A) with KT (B)
In this episode, Suze Orman and KT respond to a variety of listener questions that arose after Suze's recent masterclass on the "five-year rule" for Roth accounts. Clarifying confusion around Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k)s, conversions, and required minimum distributions (RMDs), Suze provides detailed guidance, practical advice, and her trademark tough love to ensure listeners build strong financial foundations—especially when it comes to harnessing the power of Roth accounts and understanding the crucial five-year rule.
[00:41 - 01:42]
[03:12 - 04:35]
[04:35 - 08:46, Pam]
[08:46 - 09:32, Rebecca]
[09:32 - 10:56, Ann]
[11:07 - 13:37, Scott]
[13:37 - 15:21, Janet]
[15:21 - 15:34]
[15:34 - 17:54, Lynn]
[17:54 - 19:20, Steve]
[19:20 - 21:05, Marie]
[21:05 - 22:37]
[22:37 - 24:36, Katie]
[24:36 - 24:53]
[25:01 - 25:13]
[25:22 - 25:43]
Suze, on conversions when you lack funds to pay the taxes:
"Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it." (A, 03:38)
Suze’s golden rule for Roth IRAs:
"Your first Roth that you open, the date of that first Roth follows you everywhere." (A, 06:44)
On account consolidation:
"It might be a whole lot easier for you...to transfer all these accounts that you have into just one Roth IRA now." (A, 08:23)
On RMDs and securing loved ones:
"Your job in life is to make sure that your husband is taken care of in whatever way he needs." (A, 16:29)
Suze’s Roth advice (passionate):
"If you don't do a Roth...you are making the biggest mistake in your life. Don't be stupid, everybody." (A, 21:35)
If you’re over 59½ and have had any Roth IRA open for 5+ years, you’re clear of the five-year rule, no matter how many accounts. Conversions should only be done if you can pay the taxes out-of-pocket, and always strive to move towards Roth-type accounts for maximum long-term flexibility and tax benefits. Don’t let RMDs or confusion over account clocks stop you from making smart, empowered decisions.
Suze’s closing mantra:
"People first, then money, then things... Stay safe, stay healthy, stay secure, and we’ll see you soon."