How to use the calculators
The tools on ronbelisle.com let you run the numbers yourself. Here’s what three of them do, what to enter, and how to read the results.
1. Retirement projection & RMDs
What question it answers
How long will my money last if I withdraw a certain amount each year? How much am I required to take out (RMDs) from my IRA or 401(k) once I hit the age threshold? The calculator projects your balance over time and shows required minimum distributions so you can see the impact of spending, returns, and taxes.
Typical inputs
- Current age and retirement age (or today’s balance if already retired)
- Account balance(s) and any ongoing contributions
- Expected return and inflation
- Planned withdrawal amount or spending rule
How to read the results
Look at the year‑by‑year projection: does your balance grow, stay stable, or run down? If you enter RMDs, the table will show how much you must withdraw each year and how that affects your remaining balance and taxes. Use it to test “what if I spend more?” or “what if returns are lower?”
Open retirement & RMD tools on ronbelisle.com2. Social Security claiming
What question it answers
When should I claim Social Security? How does claiming at 62, full retirement age, or 70 change my lifetime benefits? The calculator compares claiming ages so you can see the trade‑off between more years of smaller checks versus fewer years of larger checks.
Typical inputs
- Date of birth (and spouse’s if applicable)
- Estimated or actual benefit at full retirement age (from your Social Security statement)
- Optional: life expectancy or planning horizon
How to read the results
You’ll see estimated monthly or annual benefits at different claiming ages and often a break‑even point (the age at which later claiming “catches up” in total dollars). Use it to see how much you give up by claiming early, or how much you gain by waiting—then factor in your health, other income, and need for cash when choosing.
Open Social Security tool on ronbelisle.com3. Roth conversion
What question it answers
Should I convert some of my traditional IRA to a Roth? How much tax do I pay now versus later, and how does that affect my RMDs and Medicare premiums (IRMAA)? The calculator lets you model converting in one year or over several years and see the impact on taxes and future balances.
Typical inputs
- Traditional IRA balance and (if applicable) expected growth
- Conversion amount(s) and tax year(s)
- Current tax bracket or marginal rate; state tax if relevant
- Age and RMD horizon; IRMAA thresholds if you care about Medicare surcharges
How to read the results
You’ll see tax due on the conversion and how your traditional vs. Roth balances change over time. Compare “convert now” vs. “don’t convert” or “convert over 5 years” to see which path reduces lifetime taxes or smooths your tax rate. Watch for IRMAA if you’re near the Medicare income thresholds.
Open Roth conversion tool on ronbelisle.com