- Getty Images/iStockphoto Dear Dan, I’m 72 years old and have my IRA in stock. I start required minimum distributions next year so I want to convert to a Roth IRA. How much should I convert? Should I do it all at once or should I do it on a year to year basis? — Ready to Convert Most Read from MarketWatch Dear Ready, A careful analysis year to year is usually better than converting the whole thing just to avoid required minimum distributions (RMD) but there are several variables to consider. When y ...