Timothy Sumer

If you’re a resident or military member, maximize Roth contributions. If you’re in a low-income year for any reason, such as a sabbatical, use Roth contributions. Use a personal and spousal backdoor Roth IRA each year. That way, even if you choose to make all tax-deferred 401(k) contributions, you’re still getting some money into Roth accounts. If you can pay the tax with money in a taxable account and expect to work part time or retire in your 50s, then consider making Roth conversions during those years before receiving Social Security or a pension to “fill up the lower brackets.” If you save and invest more than 20 percent of your gross income, lean a little more toward Roth investments. If you save and invest less, use tax-deferred accounts preferentially. The White Coat Investor has been helping doctors with their money since 2011. Our free financial planning resource covers a variety of topics from doctor mortgage loans and refinancing medical school loans to physi...