The Retirement and IRA Show

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security family maximum and suspending benefits, a listener PSA on IRMAA premiums, a listener PSA on Medicare premiums, a listener PSA on Social Security claiming strategies, Roth contribution rules, and Roth conversion disadvantages.(4:30) George asks how the combined family maximum benefit works when two retirement records are combined to increase the family limit for auxiliary benefits paid to a spouse and two minor children.(16:00) A listener asks what additional factors should be considered when suspending a Social Security benefit at full retirement age and restarting at 70 after previously claiming early.(30:15) The guys share a PSA in which a listener states that IRMAA is a premium rather than a tax because Medicare enrollment is optional.(37:45) Georgette shares her objections to Chris describing the base Medicare premium as “free” and explains why she feels that is misleading.(44:30) A listener offers a couple of PSAs, first sharing their thoughts on Nokbox, then sharing an article on a Social Security claiming strategy they believe could help people concerned about sequence of returns.(51:00) The guys answer a question about how a 529-to-Roth IRA transfer affects the annual Roth contribution limit when part of the rollover is gains.(56:30) Jim and Chris address what disadvantages exist when choosing a Roth conversion instead of a non-RMD IRA withdrawal when both would be taxable. Show Notes: NokBox Social Security | Readjust your claiming strategy | Fidelity The post Social Security, IRMAA, Medicare, Roth Contribution Rules, Roth Conversions: Q&A #2549 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's SummaryJim and I review the QLAC 1098-Q and walk through how this form reports premiums, fair market value, and contract status. We compare it to Form 5498, outline how the fair market value and excess annuity payments can be used under Secure Act 2 Section 205 with other IRAs, explore the age-85 and surviving-spouse reporting rules, and touch on listener PSAs about using QLACs as part of a broader self-funded long-term care approach. Jim's “Pithy” SummaryChris and I use the QLAC 1098-Q as a way to show how the IRS keeps tabs on your QLAC and why that little form matters more than people think. I talk about it as the “kissing cousin” of Form 5498, walk through how box 3 tracks cumulative premiums against the current $210,000 lifetime limit, and explain how the fair market value and projected income give the IRS what it needs while also giving you the data to run the Section 205 strategy after Secure Act 2. Then I get into the strange rule that says the company only has to send 1098-Qs until age 85 or death for the original owner, contrast that with the different rule for a surviving spouse, and spell out why it could be a real problem if the insurer stops providing a usable fair market value once income has been turned on. We kick around how that interacts with the prohibition on DIY fair market value calculations, the inability to get a QLAC quote after age 85, and why advisors and clients are going to care which companies keep sending this information even when they technically don't have to. On top of that, I read listener emails about using QLACs alongside self-funding long-term care and push back on the idea that you only insure things you are “sure” you'll need. The post The QLAC 1098-Q: EDU #2549 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on IRMAA brackets and several QLAC topics including RMD interaction, suitability, payout values, and purchase timing. (19:30) A listener wonders if their lower 2024 income will automatically reduce their 2026 IRMAA even though it doesn't qualify for an SS-44, or if they must contact the SSA.(25:15) George asks whether going above certain income thresholds in 2025 could keep IRMAA lower in 2027 because of inflation adjustments.(34:30) The guys weigh whether QLAC income, once it begins, can offset RMDs on other IRA holdings.(54:00) Georgette wants to know who is a good candidate for a QLAC, how it is purchased, and which features to consider.(1:05:00) A listener seeks guidance on determining early- and late-start payout values for a QLAC and whether those values are fixed or variable.(1:10:15) Jim and Chris consider whether buying a QLAC earlier leads to higher payments at the same deferral age and what factors affect purchase timing. The post IRMAA Brackets and QLACs: Q&A #2548 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's SummaryJim and I discuss QLAC use cases in the context of retirement income planning and how the Treasury Department designed these annuities to function. We walk through when someone might consider using one, how the absence of cash value affects planning decisions, differences among providers on turning income on early, the impact of mortality credits on later-life payouts, and how QLACs can help stabilize the post-delay period for people focused on long-term secure income. Jim's “Pithy” SummaryChris and I take a deeper dive into QLACs by taking what we talked about last week and looking closer at where these things might fit into a retirement plan. The Treasury Department set QLACs up with no cash value, which locks them straight into that verb-annuity world we often talk about. That design wasn't about selling a new product—it came out of watching people's IRAs get hammered in 2008 and realizing some retirees needed secure income for the older version of themselves. Like so much in retirement planning I see these products as part of the negotiation between the younger you and the older you. The younger you has to decide how much certainty you want in the years when your body and your mind aren't running at full speed. I talk about that all the time: we are degrading, and it doesn't take much—like me tripping on a hike—to be reminded of it. A QLAC is one way to make life easier for the older you by guaranteeing income that covers the Minimum Dignity Floor when you may not want to be making complex decisions. Some insurers let you turn income on earlier, some don't, and those differences matter. Chris brings in sample quotes, and when you see what mortality credits can do in your 80s, you understand why people might actually consider using one. Not everyone needs a QLAC. A lot of you value flexibility and liquidity, and that’s exactly what you give up when you commit to something with no cash value. What I point out here is how easily the conversation around these annuities drifts into investment comparisons when that's not what they're built on. QLACs are insurance products, tied to longevity and mortality credits, and that's the context they belong in. Understanding them inside that framework—what they can do, what they can't, and how their structure differs from account-based assets—is the real goal of this discussion. The post QLAC Use Cases and Planning: EDU #2548 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security spousal benefits, IRMAA's classification, concerns about buffer-style funds, the growing push toward private investments, and moving from mutual funds to ETFs. (22:30) A listener presents a hypothetical asking whether the repeal of WEP/GPO could allow Georgette to receive a spousal benefit based on her ex-husband's Federal Employee record.(28:30) Jim and Chris review a listener's question about when his spouse can file for her spousal Social Security benefit after he submitted his own application.(37:30) The guys address a listener's challenge to the explanation that IRMAA is an insurance premium rather than a tax.(43:45) George asks about a recent AQR paper evaluating the effectiveness of buffer funds.(1:01:45) A listener wonders whether the growing push toward private investments—such as private equity and private debt—means they should consider using them.(1:10:45) Jim and Chris review a listener's question on whether long-held mutual funds can be moved into ETFs without triggering large capital gains. The post Social Security, IRMAA, ETFs, Private Investments: Q&A #2547 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

If you would prefer to miss Jim's update on his broken-down truck and recent travels you can skip ahead to (12:45). Chris's SummaryJim and I walk through QLAC rules and explain how qualified longevity annuity contracts fit into our Secure Retirement Income Process™ for people who want reliable income later in life. We look at […] The post QLAC Rules and Uses: EDU #2547 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security claiming timing with a listener PSA on application details, Social Security earnings rules at FRA, estate planning organization systems, and restrictions for annuity payments. (15:30) Georgette shares a PSA about the Social Security application process and asks whether applying for benefits to start the month she […] The post Social Security,Estate Planning PSA, Annuity Payments: Q&A #2546 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's SummaryWith Jim away this week, I review the 2026 Social Security changes from the recently released SSA Fact Sheet covering the 2.8% COLA, the new taxable maximum, quarters-of-coverage earnings, and earnings test limits. I also walk through projected Medicare Part B premiums and the deductible, explain the hold harmless provision, and outline 2026 IRMAA […] The post 2026 Social Security Changes: EDU #2546 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

With Jim is away at a conference, Chris is joined by Jake to discuss listener questions on Social Security survivor benefits, and Roth conversion strategies. (6:30) A listener asks how a widow can maximize her Social Security benefit when her late husband had not yet claimed his. (14:15) George seeks guidance on figuring out if […] The post Social Security and Roth Conversion Strategies: Q&A #2545 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's SummaryJim and I explore retirement preparedness through a listener's experience navigating a sudden medical diagnosis, relocation for care, and the challenges of bringing an uninvolved spouse up to speed. His reflections on estate planning, account access, and survivorship highlight how fragile assumptions can be—especially around health and timelines. The story reinforces our emphasis on […] The post Retirement Preparedness and Planning Lessons: EDU #2545 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security COLA timing, spousal claiming strategy, IRMAA tax treatment, Roth IRA rollovers from 529 plans, and a listener PSA on deferred annuity RMD rules. (8:00) Georgette asks whether her initial Social Security benefit—approved in September for a December start—will reflect the January COLA increase. (15:30) A listener […] The post Social Security, IRMAA Taxation, 529 Rollover, Deferred Annuities: Q&A #2544 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

If you would like to skip Jim and Chris discussing Jim's travel plans and the guys' frustration with low-cost airline pricing, you can skip ahead to (10:30). Chris's SummaryJim and I continue our discussion on Social Security claiming strategies, revisiting the debate between Professors Derek Tharp and Laurence Kotlikoff. We explore how academic disagreements overlook […] The post Social Security Claiming Strategies, Part 2: EDU #2544 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on how Medicare enrollment affects HSA contributions, Social Security survivor benefits and IRMAA adjustments, financial advisor fee disclosures, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) as a tool in retirement planning.(10:00) A listener asks whether enrolling in Medicare in December with coverage starting in January limits HSA contributions due to […] The post HSA Contributions, Social Security, Fee Disclosures, TSPs: Q&A #2543 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's Summary Jim and I examine a recent Social Security claiming strategies debate prompted by articles from Derek Tharp and Laurence Kotlikoff. The episode highlights how opposing valuation frameworks—economic modeling versus purpose-driven income planning—can lead to drastically different conclusions. We explain why assigning Social Security a clear job, such as covering your Minimum Dignity Floor™, […] The post Social Security Claiming Strategies: EDU #2543 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on spousal Roth IRA eligibility, backdoor Roth contributions using a solo 401k, Social Security timing, post-tax contributions to an IRA and 401k , and an HSA strategy coordinating withdrawals with Roth conversions.(9:30) George asks whether he can contribute to a spousal Roth IRA after his retirement if his wife […] The post Spousal Roth, Backdoor Roth, Social Security, Post-Tax Contributions, HSA Strategy: Q&A #2542 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

To skip over Jim and Chris chatting about the government shutdown delaying Social Security and Medicare announcements, and Jim's upcoming travel plans—including concerns about flight delays and his upcoming elk hunt in Utah you can skip ahead to (8:15). Chris's SummaryJim and I walk through common IRA rollover mistakes and clarify the once-per-year rollover rule, […] The post IRA Rollover Mistakes and Exceptions: EDU #2542 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss a listener PSA on estimating early retirement benefits, followed by questions on Social Security benefit calculations and reductions, HSA held annuities, and IRA annuity pro rata rule application.(14:45) George shares a PSA explaining how to input future earnings on the SSA site to better estimate early retirement benefits.(25:15) A listener asks […] The post Social Security, HSA Held Annuities, IRA Annuities: Q&A #2541 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's Summary:Jim and I are joined by Rear Admiral Brian Luther to discuss veterans benefits and military retirement planning. We explore how Navy Mutual supports service members, examine the survivor benefit plan, and talk about the role of annuities in managing longevity risk. Rear Admiral Luther also shares insights on TRICARE, VA health care, and […] The post Military Retirement Planning: EDU #2541 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security spousal benefits, a listener PSA on IRMAA repayment silence, IRMAA reduction eligibility and planning considerations, and a PSA on how 60-day rollover Roth conversions affect year-end RMD calculations.(7:45) A listener points out a possible error from a recent episode and looks for clarification whether delaying benefits […] The post Social Security, Roth Conversions, RMD Calculations: Q&A #2540 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's SummaryJim and I return for an EDU dialogue episode focused on a listener's delay period strategy. His plan includes laddered CDs, equity ETFs, delayed Social Security, and Roth conversions. We use his plan to discuss bracket drift, spending liquidity, and how rising markets can complicate a fixed glidepath. We also cover the tax planning […] The post Delay Period Strategy: EDU #2540 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security disability, dependent benefits for an adult child, a 60-day rollover nuance, inherited IRA RMD rules, and a deferred income annuity strategy.(15:00) George asks whether his brother, who is on SSDI and will transition to retirement benefits at 67, can suspend and restart his benefit to grow […] The post Social Security, 60-Day Rollover, Inherited IRA, and Deferred Income Annuity: Q&A #2539 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

This week, with Jim away at a conference, Chris is joined by Jake for an EDU episode that takes the shape of a Q&A, focusing on tax planning strategies. The guys cover a series of emails that highlight how different tax rules and opportunities intersect with retirement planning, income management, and financial decisions. (10:30), the […] The post Tax Planning Strategies: EDU #2539 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on IRMAA reductions and Roth-conversion effects, widow filing status and IRMAA, in-kind stock Roth conversions and RMD transfers, annuity RMD interactions, and 60-day rollover mail timing. (7:45) George asks whether an approved SSA Form 44 that reduced 2025 IRMAA will also govern next year, how a large 2026 Roth […] The post IRMAA, Widow Status, Roth Conversions, Annuity RMDs, and Rollovers: Q&A #2538 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

If you would like to skip over Chris and Jim chatting about a recent Colorado hail storm and Jim's garden while he's in Ohio, please skip to the 7:45 mark. Article discussed in today's show: https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/the-me-first-rule-of-retirement-spending Chris's Summary I chat with Jim about a recent article regarding retirement planning and compare how the article approaches […] The post Discussing An Article On Retirement Planning: EDU #2538 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss a listener PSA on WEP treatment for foreign pensions, followed by questions on Social Security strategies, benefit calculators, account consolidation, and MYGA selection.(13:00) Georgette shares a PSA on how a lump-sum superannuation payout impacted WEP treatment under the POMs rule and led to a successful Social Security appeal.(21:45) George outlines his […] The post Social Security, Account Consolidation, and MYGA Selection: Q&A #2537 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

If you would like to skip over Chris and Jake chatting about Jake's recent trip to Ireland you can go to 7:00. Chris's SummaryI am joined by Jake today, while Jim is traveling, to examine taxes in retirement. We look at why not all taxes belong in the Minimum Dignity Floor™. We also consider the […] The post Planning for Taxes in Retirement: EDU #2537 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on surviving spouse Social Security benefits and Roth conversions, SSDI and pensions, the Social Security Fairness Act, managing large HSA reimbursements, and choosing between MYGAs and the TSP G Fund.(7:45) George asks whether Roth conversions count toward the earnings test when planning to claim his surviving spouse Social Security […] The post Social Security, HSA Reimbursements, and MYGAs: Q&A #2536 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's SummaryJim and I look at behavioral finance in retirement planning, noting that spending from secure income feels safer while drawing from assets feels like a loss. People resist balances going down after decades of saving, even though the money was built to be spent. We highlight how framing savings as deferred spending and covering […] The post Behavioral Finance in Retirement Planning: EDU #2536 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security timing rules, retroactive benefits for an ex-spouse, investment strategy philosophy, fraternal benefit societies, and Roth conversions.(6:30) The guys address a listener's question about whether applying for Social Security at 70 requires enrolling in Part B or if retroactive filing is an option without losing payments.(16:00) A […] The post Social Security, Risk Philosophy, Fraternal Benefit Societies, Roth Conversions: Q&A #2535 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

If you are not in the mood for Jim and Chris's delightful banter, you can skip ahead to (5:45). It should be noted that of all the episodes to start sharing that information, it's the one in which Jim said “we didn't even banter!”. But, from now on, right here before the guys' summaries you […] The post Roth Catch Ups and the 60-Day Rollover Rule: EDU #2535 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security retroactive payments and delayed retirement credit timing, share a listener PSA on horse speed, and answer questions on fixed indexed annuity default credits, a living benefit rider with a proprietary index, and RMD rules for an inherited account. (15:45) A listener asks if the lack of […] The post Social Security, PSA, Annuities, RMD Rules: Q&A #2534 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's Summary Jim and I review catch up contributions across IRAs and workplace plans using questions from the Ed Slott training quiz. We clarify the $1,000 IRA catch up (now indexed), explain the age 60–63 super catch up in 401(k)/403(b) plans, and outline the Roth mandate that will require high earners' catch ups to go […] The post Catch Up Contributions: EDU #2534 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security spousal benefits, filing logistics and spousal eligibility with a disabled child, an inherited Roth IRA, and IRMAA concerns.(14:30) A listener asks why his spouse's Social Security spousal benefit is less than half of his primary benefit amount.(21:45) George asks about the process and documentation needed when […] The post Social Security, Inherited Roth, and IRMAA: Q&A #2533 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's SummaryJim and I continue discussing funding discretionary spending in Robert Merton's three bucket retirement income framework from last week's article, focusing on how his flexible and aspirational spending categories compare with our philosophy. We explore why annuities are insurance products, where TIPS fit into income planning, and why funding Go-Go years demands liquidity and […] The post Funding Discretionary Spending: EDU #2533 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security timing strategies, Roth conversions in an RMD year, annuity return calculations, account sourcing for SPIA purchases, and Rule of 55 withdrawal rules.(12:30) A listener asks whether his brother should delay claiming Social Security to age 70 for better longevity protection despite a narrow breakeven.(35:15) George asks […] The post Social Security, Roth Conversions, Annuities, and Rule of 55: Q&A #2532 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's SummaryJim and I review a recent article featuring Robert Merton's views on retirement income versus savings, using it as a springboard to unpack income planning fundamentals and annuity projections. While we agree with many of Merton's framing points—especially the focus on secure income—we also note several key areas where academic theory diverges from real-world […] The post Retirement Income Versus Savings: EDU #2532 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss Jim's relocation experience to Ohio, a listener PSA on Medicare, questions about Social Security payment timing and divorce eligibility, Roth 401k withdrawals under the rule of 55, and close with an annuity comparison answer so long it practically qualifies as a mini EDU. (17:00) A listener PSA reminds others that Medicare […] The post Ohio, Medicare, Social Security, Roth 401k, and Annuities: Q&A #2531 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's SummaryJim and I are joined by Matt Kaufman, Senior Vice President and Head of ETFs at Calamos Investments, to discuss buffered ETFs vs stocks and cash, focusing on AQR's recent critiques. We examine the flaws in AQR's methodology, the broader history of buffered products, and why these tools can offer certainty in retirement planning. […] The post Buffered ETFs vs Stocks and Cash: EDU #2531 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris is joined by Jake and Jacob to answer listener questions on Social Security, followed by a PSA about unexpected Social Security payment timing, then additional questions on transition planning, asset positioning across account types, weighing Roth conversions against the senior deduction, and planning around IRMAA.(6:15) George asks what percentage of taxes he should have […] The post Social Security, Transition Planning, Positioning, Roth Conversions, IRMAA: Q&A #2530 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's SummaryJim and I explain living benefits on annuities, covering how guaranteed income riders work and why they can appeal to those hesitant to annuitize. We describe what we call noun annuities (pre-annuitization) and verb annuities (post-annuitization), then unpack how living benefit riders like guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits provide income without giving up access to […] The post Living Benefits on Annuities: EDU #2530 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris and Jake address listener questions on Social Security, single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) taxation, IRMAA impacts from NQDC payments, and Roth conversions. (9:45) George asks whether the restricted application strategy for Social Security spousal benefits is still possible, and if so, whether birth year requirements apply, along with what changed after the 2015 law […] The post Social Security, SPIA Taxation, IRMAA, Roth Conversions: Q&A #2529 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris answer listener questions on Social Security filing and its effect on HSA eligibility, Social Security means testing, the timing of annuity purchases in IRAs, the Roth and Roth TSP 5-year rule.(7:30) Georgette asks whether the six-month Medicare Part A lookback is triggered by her husband's Social Security application date or benefit eligibility […] The post Social Security, Annuities, Roth and Roth TSP 5-Year Rule: Q&A # 2528 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's SummaryI am joined by Jake and Paul to discuss OBBBA tax changes and retiree impacts from the Inflation Reduction Act. We cover changes to brackets, deductions, personal exemptions, and estate limits. Paul explains how new SALT caps, Social Security deductions, and ACA credit rollbacks affect planning opportunities for retirees, especially those near income phaseouts […] The post OBBBA Tax Changes Explained: EDU #2528 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.