Jim and Chris answer listener questions on Social Security family maximum rules, spousal and disabled child benefits, defined benefit pension concerns, and 401k managed payout funds.(7:45) A listener is trying to understand how the Family Maximum Benefit might reduce the amounts paid to his spouse and disabled adult child once he claims his own retirement […] The post Social Security, Pension Buyouts, and Managed Payout Funds: Q&A #2527 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Jul 05, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I examine broker vs advisor sold RILAs using real cap rate comparisons from 2024 to highlight how identical contracts can offer different outcomes. We explain how six-year outcome periods work, what locking in gains actually does, and when fees can reduce returns more than commissions. This episode is less about product bias […] The post Broker vs Advisor Sold RILAs: EDU #2527 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Jim and Chris shares listener PSAs on IRMAA and Delayed Retirement Credits, and answer questions on Social Security Spousal Benefits, annuity use cases, and fixed indexed annuity payout concerns. (13:00) A listener shares a PSA about a positive Medicare and IRMAA reduction experience at a Central Florida SSA office. (19:00) Georgette follows up with a […] The post PSAs, Spousal Benefits, Annuity Use Cases, and FIAs: Q&A #2526 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Jun 28, 2025•1 hr 30 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I explore registered index-linked annuities and compare RILAs vs buffered ETFs across liquidity, taxation, and cap rate dynamics. We walk through how the insurance and investment structures differ, where principal protection varies, and how commission-based and advisory products compare from a fiduciary standpoint. I also explain the tax treatment of qualified versus […] The post RILAs vs Buffered ETFs: EDU #2526 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Jun 25, 2025•54 min
Jim and Chris begin with three PSAs on Social Security experiences, then answer questions on fixed indexed annuities with market value adjustments, SPIA payout options for the Minimum Dignity Floor™, and the tax aggregation rule for MYGAs.(11:30) In this PSA Georgette clarifies that her husband, born February 1, received January benefits at full age 70, […] The post Social Security PSAs, FIAs, SPIAs, and MYGAs: Q&A #2525 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Jun 21, 2025•1 hr 32 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I continue our focus for Annuity Awareness Month by explaining how fixed indexed annuities work and the regulatory nuances that distinguish them from other fixed products. We walk through their structure, common misconceptions, when they can be appropriate, and how to compare them to MYGAs and buffered ETFs. We also highlight the […] The post Fixed Indexed Annuities: EDU #2525 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 32 min
Jim and Chris address questions on Social Security survivor benefits, unreimbursed HSA expenses, SPIA funding from multiple accounts, and Fixed Indexed Annuity details. (7:45) Georgette asks whether drawing her own reduced Social Security benefit at 62 will affect her ability to switch to her deceased husband’s full survivor benefit at age 67. (23:15) A listener […] The post Social Security, HSA Rules, SPIA Funding, and FIA Details: Q&A #2524 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Jun 14, 2025•1 hr 22 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I discuss annuity types and features during Annuity Awareness Month, focusing on immediate vs. deferred annuities and fixed vs. variable structures. We cover how each type works, what they offer, and where caution is warranted. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary:Chris and I continue our Annuity Awareness Month series by diving into the foundational aspects […] The post Understanding Annuity Types and Features: EDU #2524 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 22 min
Jim and Chris answer questions on defined maturity bond ETFs, Social Security account linking and spousal offsets, 401k annuities vs IRA Annuities, and annuitization definitions.(14:30) Jacob joins the guys to explain how estimated net acquisition yield works for defined maturity bond ETFs, including how to interpret it and evaluate risk when holding through maturity.(38:30) A […] The post Bond ETFs, Social Security, 401k Annuities, and Annuitization: Q&A #2523 appeared first on The Retireme...
Jun 07, 2025•1 hr 25 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I kick off our annual Annuity Awareness Month series by explaining how using annuities in retirement planning can help manage longevity risk and provide guaranteed income. We cover when they’re worth considering, what they actually solve for, and how they might fit into a plan—if at all. We also explain why many […] The post Annuities in Retirement Planning: EDU #2523 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 9 min
Jim and Chris answer listener questions on Social Security filing, a PSA on SSA’s online application process, the Roth 5-Year Rule, HSA strategy, and bond principal risk. (8:00) A listener asks whether Social Security’s claim that delayed retirement credits aren’t applied until the end of the following year is accurate, and whether anyone receives them […] The post Social Security Filing, Roth 5-Year Rule, HSA Strategy, and Bond Principal: Q&A #2522 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA S...
May 31, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim, Jake, and I use this Dialogue EDU episode to explore how we approach flexible retirement spending. We respond to listener emails about DIY simplicity, budgeting for irregular expenses, and how we assign assets to spending needs. The conversation highlights why we prioritize adaptability over rigid withdrawal rules. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary:Chris, Jake, and I […] The post Flexible Retirement Spending: EDU #2522 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
May 28, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Jim and Chris answer listener questions on Social Security timing, the Earnings Test, nondeductible IRA basis, and the Roth 5-Year Rule. (16:15) Georgette asks whether filing retroactively in December, with Social Security payments issued in January, ensures that all income—including the retroactive amount—will be reported on the following year’s tax return. (28:00) A listener working […] The post Social Security, IRA Basis, and Roth 5-Year Rule: Q&A #2521 appeared first on The Retirement an...
May 24, 2025•1 hr 36 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I are joined again this week by Kevin Sebesta from the Rock Retirement Club in this EDU episode. We explore what helps retirees start spending confidently—especially when markets are volatile or the saver mindset is hard to shake. Kevin shares how structure, support, and community all play a role, and why building confidence […] The post Spending Confidently in Retirement with Kevin Sebesta: EDU #2521 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
May 21, 2025•1 hr 20 min
With Jim away at a conference, Chris is joined by Jake and Jacob to answer listener questions on child-in-care spousal benefits, the Earnings Test, HSA strategy, reconstructing cost basis, and Social Security timing concerns. (6:00) A listener asks whether reaching full retirement age makes him ineligible for child-in-care spousal benefits, and what steps he can take […] The post Social Security, HSA Strategy, and Cost Basis: Q&A #2520 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
May 17, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I welcome Kevin Sebesta from the Rock Retirement Club in this Dialogue EDU episode to explore the retirement mindset and why preparing for life after work goes beyond just the numbers. Kevin shares lessons from his own journey and the broader retirement community about identity, purpose, and what makes a fulfilling transition. Jim’s […] The post Exploring the Retirement Mindset with Kevin Sebesta: EDU #2520 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
May 14, 2025•58 min
Jim and Chris respond to listener emails on Social Security record accuracy, IRMAA repayment options, naming a Trust as an IRA beneficiary, and the Roth 5-year Rule. (12:00) Georgette shares five important Social Security lessons from her family’s experience, prompting a PSA-style discussion on earnings record errors, divorce and remarriage rules, survivor benefit delays, and […] The post Social Security, IRMAA, IRA Beneficiary, and the Roth 5-Year Rule: Q&A #2519 appeared first on The Retir...
May 10, 2025•1 hr 34 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I take a step back in this Dialogue EDU episode to explore how we design retirement plans for again. We talk through common misunderstandings around projections, explain how our See Through Portfolio™ helps people navigate retirement with more confidence, and clarify how simplicity is built into the process. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary: Chris […] The post Retirement Plans for Aging: EDU #2519 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
May 07, 2025•1 hr 32 min
Jim and Chris are joined by Jake and Paul to discuss tax-related listener questions on IRA contributions from self-employment income, special needs trusts, year-of-death Roth conversions, Cost Basis, and IRMAA. (9:00) George asks how QBI and self-employed health insurance deductions affect how much he can contribute to a traditional IRA.(20:00) Jim, Chris, Jake, and Paul […] The post IRA Contributions, Special Needs Trusts, Roth Conversions, and Cost Basis: Q&A #2518 appeared first on The Re...
May 03, 2025•1 hr 31 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I are joined once again by Jacob for the third and final part of our series on transition period strategy. This time, we focus on the practical side of asset positioning: how near-retirees can begin structuring spending reserves without overreacting to short-term volatility. We use an example case study to explain how […] The post Transition Period Strategy Part 3 – A Case Study: EDU #2518 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 27 min
Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security spousal benefits, IRMAA relief, suspending Social Security for tax planning, and QCD timing with RMDs. (3:00) A listener enquires whether her 85-year-old mother, who recently remarried, must remain on her ex-spouse’s record for one year before switching to spousal benefits on her new husband’s record.(12:15) […] The post Social Security Benefits, IRMAA, and QCD Timing: Q&A #2517 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show...
Apr 26, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I are again joined by Jacob as we continue exploring transition period strategy—the years just before retirement when you’re not yet withdrawing but want to prepare. We cover how near-retirees can manage emotional reactions to volatility while positioning assets to support early retirement spending. For those using our Minimum Dignity Floor™ and […] The post Transition Period Strategy Part 2 – Positioning and Repositioning: EDU #2517 appeared first on The Retirement and I...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to tax planning at full retirement age, the minus-one method for RMDs, inherited Roth RMDs, and early Social Security. (9:10) A listener jokes about the state trivia and offers a suggestion for Chris’s benefit.(11:10) Another listener shares a PSA about delays in online Social Security applications and recommends […] The post Tax Planning, Minus-One Method, Inherited Roth RMDs, and Early Social Security: Q&A #2516 appeared first on The Retire...
Apr 19, 2025•1 hr 38 min
Chris’s Summary: Jim and I are joined by Jake and Jacob to discuss listener emails related to asset positioning for retirement and the transition period leading up to it. We break down how we think about asset allocation across account types, what a liquidity account is and why we use it, and how we handle […] The post Transition Period Strategy Part 1 – Asset Positioning: EDU #2516 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 25 min
Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, origins of the RMD age, the tax planning window, and RMDs from Inherited Roth IRAs. (11:00) Georgette asks how to qualify for child-in-care survivor benefits if her ex-husband, who has been missing for seven years, is legally declared deceased. (23:00) A listener wonders when to […] The post Social Security, RMD age, Tax Planning, and Inherited Roth IRAs: Q&A #2515 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Apr 12, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I are joined again by Jacob as we discuss listener emails about “unicorn” status—our term for retirees whose Minimum Dignity Floor™ and Fun Number™ are both covered by secure income. We clarify what qualifies as secure income and explore whether a very low withdrawal rate from a conservative portfolio might serve as […] The post Defining Unicorn Status in Retirement: EDU #2515 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 12 min
This week’s is a bit of a non-traditional Q&A episode where Jim and Chris address two listener questions on Social Security but then move into Public Service Announcement mode. For the first PSA they discuss a listener email about a potential state-level Roth conversion tax saving strategy. Then, to wrap up the episode, Jim shares […] The post Social Security, Roth Conversion Tax Strategy, and Identity Theft PSA: Q&A #2514 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Apr 05, 2025•1 hr 43 min
Chris’s Description Jim and I talk about how market downturns—like the one we’re seeing now—can cause people to second-guess their plans, even when they’re well prepared. We walk through how our Secure Retirement Income Process™ is designed to provide structure and clarity during volatile times, and explain how proper positioning can help you maintain perspective. […] The post Weathering Market Downturns: EDU #2514 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to spousal Social Security benefits, RMD tax withholding, IRA withdrawals, and 401(k) contribution limits. Jim also shares a PSA about a recent attempt at identity theft. (20:15) Jim shares a PSA about a fraudulent payday loan application attempted in his name and what he learned about credit freezes […] The post Identity Theft, Spousal Benefits, RMD Taxes, IRA Withdrawals, and 401(k) Contribution Limits: Q&A #2513 appeared first on The Retir...
Mar 29, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Chris’s SummaryJim and I continue our review of interesting and sometimes confusing retirement planning facts, mostly drawn from Jim’s recent Ed Slott conference. We focus on the two Roth five-year rules and how they apply to Roth IRAs versus Roth 401(k)s. I explain the key distinctions between tax-free earnings and penalty-free access. Jim goes further […] The post Roth 5-Year Rules and the Tax Planning Window: EDU #2513 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show ....
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 17 min
