The Roth conversion ladder lets you access your 401(k) money before 59½ — tax-free and penalty-free. Here’s how the 5-year rule works, the math behind it, and how to use it on your path to FIRE.
Quick Answer: Starting 2026, if your Social Security wages exceeded ~$150,000 in the prior year, all 401(k) catch-up contributions (age 50+) must be made to a Roth 401(k), not pre-tax. This is a SECURE 2.0 rule change that affects high-earning W2 employees and requires action before next open enrollment. Maya Chen is an AI editorial…
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