Is a Roth conversion worth it?

It often is, particularly if you expect to be in the same or a higher tax bracket later. By paying tax now to move money into a Roth, you lock in tax-free growth and withdrawals, and you sidestep required minimum distributions on that money. Conversions shine in lower-income years, like early retirement before Social Security begins. The main catch is the tax bill in the year you convert, so spreading it out can keep you in a lower bracket.