The Fiscal Foxhole – Roth Conversions: Tax Nerdery Finale
Hosts: Rob Moore & Omen Quelvog
Release Date: November 26th,, 2025
Episode Summary
In this jam-packed episode, Rob and Omen celebrate the Marine Corps birthday, share Thanksgiving plans, and dive deep into two hot financial topics: the proposed 50-year mortgage and Roth conversions. They break down the math, the myths, and the practical strategies for listeners navigating today’s housing market and retirement planning.
Key Topics & Segments
1. Celebrations & Listener Questions
- Marine Corps birthday shoutout.
- Thanksgiving plans and family traditions.
- Announcement: First listener question received! Tune in next episode for answers.
2. Headline: The 50-Year Mortgage Gambit
- The math behind longer-term loans: Lower monthly payments, but nearly double the lifetime interest.
- Why stretching loan terms doesn’t solve housing affordability—and could inflate prices further.
3. Roth Conversions:
- Roth vs. Tax-Deferred: Quick refresher on the differences..
- Roth conversions explained: Moving money from tax-deferred to Roth, paying taxes now for future tax-free growth.
- Timing matters: Low-income years, deployments, and the “retirement valley” are prime opportunities.
- Special considerations for military families and surviving spouses (“widow’s tax”).
4. Practical Roth Conversion Strategies
- Partial conversions: Fill up your tax bracket year by year.
- Planning for tax impacts: Always have cash on hand to pay conversion taxes—don’t use IRA funds if under 59½.
5. Fun Tax Facts
- Molasses Act of 1733: Rum trade and sneaky taxes.
- Townshend Act of 1767: 63 types of paper taxed!
- Estate tax for the Navy (1797–1802): Funding battleships with document stamps.
6. Trivia Challenge
- Mortgage history: What was the required down payment in 1782?
7. Off Duty: Dog Stories & Life Updates
- Rob and Omen share updates on their dogs, including surgery, recovery, and puppy growth.
Connect & Subscribe
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Rob Moore and Omen Quelvog are registered investment advisor representatives, but are not your advisors. Nothing in this episode should be taken as specific investment, legal, or tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional for guidance tailored to your individual circumstances.
