Overview
When you run the MaxiFi Roth Conversion Optimizer, you can choose between three different optimization strategies. Each strategy evaluates many possible Roth conversion scenarios across your plan and selects the one that produces the strongest overall outcome — measured by lifetime tax efficiency, Medicare Part B savings, and ultimately higher discretionary spending or estate value.
All three strategies are working toward the same goal. Where they differ is how broadly they search for solutions and how much structure they apply along the way. Because of this, different strategies may return very similar results with different conversion timing, or even meaningfully different plans with noticeably different outcomes.
For example, one strategy may recommend larger conversions over a shorter period, while another may spread conversions more evenly over time.
OPTIMIZATION STRATEGIES
Global Search (Default)
Global Search is MaxiFi’s original and most flexible optimization approach. It evaluates a wide range of possible annual conversion plans across your lifetime and focuses purely on outcomes, rather than following preset rules.
This strategy is not limited to bracket-based assumptions. Instead, it explores what actually works best across your full plan — even if that means recommending larger conversions earlier on to maximize long-term tax advantages.
Because it allows the model the most freedom to explore possibilities, Global Search remains the default and recommended option for most users.
Best for:
• Users who want MaxiFi to fully optimize outcomes
• Those comfortable with year-to-year tax variability
• Plans where early action may unlock long-term benefits
Bracket Filling
The Bracket Filling strategy introduces more structure by focusing on tax brackets over time. MaxiFi identifies your average federal tax bracket across the remaining years of your Base Plan, then evaluates Roth conversion amounts up to the top of that bracket each year.
If, in a given year, your Base Plan places you in a higher bracket than your average, MaxiFi will use that higher bracket for that year (unless it is the top bracket). This allows the strategy to adapt year by year while still maintaining a smoother tax profile overall.
Importantly, this strategy does not simply fill brackets automatically. MaxiFi evaluates different conversion amounts within each bracket and retains only those conversions that improve lifetime spending or estate outcomes.
Best for:
• Users who prefer steadier tax exposure over time
• Those who like the idea of bracket-aware planning
• Plans where smoothing conversions feels more comfortable
Controlled Bracket Filling
Controlled Bracket Filling builds on the Bracket Filling approach, but gives you direct control over how far conversions can go. With this strategy, you select a specific tax bracket, and MaxiFi will evaluate Roth conversions only up to the top of that bracket.
As with the other strategies, MaxiFi does not blindly fill the bracket. It still evaluates multiple conversion amounts and keeps only those that improve overall outcomes, just within the limit you’ve defined.
Best for:
• Users with a hard tax ceiling they don’t want to exceed
• Those balancing Roth conversions with other tax considerations
• Anyone who wants tighter guardrails while still optimizing
Developer's Note
Both Bracket Filling strategies are designed to be thoughtful and selective. They do not automatically convert up to the bracket limit each year. Instead, MaxiFi evaluates different conversion amounts within the bracket and recommends conversions only when they meaningfully improve lifetime spending or estate outcomes.