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.

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 Retirement and IRA Show.

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.

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 Show.

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.

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 and IRA Show.

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.

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.

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.

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 Retirement and IRA Show.

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.

Jim and Chris are joined by Jake to discuss listener questions related to 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, and Jake respond to a […] The post IRA Contributions, Special Needs Trusts, Roth Conversions, and Cost Basis: Q&A #2518 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

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.

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.

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 and Positioning: EDU #2517 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

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 Retirement and IRA Show.

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 Asset Positioning in the Transition Period: EDU #2516 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Retirement and IRA Show.

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.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security strategies, spousal benefits, Roth conversions, and annuities. (8:15) George asks whether a widow who was widowed before age 60 has two Social Security claiming strategies available based on the FRA benefit of each spouse.(20:30) The guys address a question about how spousal benefits are calculated […] The post Social Security Benefits, Roth Conversions, and Annuities: Q&A #2512 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's Summary:This week's EDU show is a throwback to an old favorite—things that make you go “hmm.” Jim brought back a list of oddities from the latest Ed Slott training, covering everything from RMD rules the IRS only recently addressed to real-world court cases involving bankruptcy, lottery tickets, and IRA self-dealing gone wrong. Turns out, […] The post Things That Make You Go Hmm – RMD Rules, IRA Mistakes, and Tax Court Surprises: EDU #2512 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris answer listener questions on Social Security records, GPO, QCD timing, annuity costs, and excess IRA contributions. (10:30) Georgette asks about fixing gaps in her Social Security record. (19:30) The guys discuss how a listener's spousal Social Security benefits work after the repeal of GPO. (28:30) George seeks clarification on the timing of […] The post Social Security records, GPO, QCD Timing, Annuity Costs, and Excess IRA Contributions: Q&A #2511 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's Summary: Jim's back from his conference and Jake joined the show again this week as we tackled the latest Ed Slott quiz. Unlike last time, Jim didn't give us the book to reference—so Jake and I were going in cold. Jim also decided to test ChatGPT by giving it the entire quiz and the […] The post IRA Rules Quiz: EDU #2511 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris are joined by Paul Neiffer, CPA to answer listener questions on qualified dividends, gifting strategies, Roth conversions, and trust taxation. (09:00) George wonders if frequent rebalancing in his taxable brokerage account is causing more of his dividends to be classified as unqualified. (21:30) A listener asks for guidance on which accounts to […] The post Qualified Dividends, Gifting Strategies, Roth Conversions, and Trust Taxation: Q&A #2510 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's Summary: Jim is at yet another industry conference, so Jake is stepping in to join me this week. We pick up where Jim and I left off last time, discussing misleading financial articles. This time, we take a critical look at an article from Moneywise that claims to lay out the “standard” order for […] The post Setting the Record Straight on Clickbait vs Reality: EDU #2510 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, 529 plans, Fun Vision, and Annuities. (Intro – 12:00) Chris provides a Social Security PSA. (19:00) A listener wonders whether her husbands Social Security benefits have been getting a COLA since his passing or if they've been frozen. (26:00) A listener wonders […] The post Social Security, 529 Plans, Fun Vision, and Annuities: Q&A #2509 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris's Concise Summary: Jim and Chris examine a recent Suze Orman article on inherited IRA rules, identifying key errors that could mislead readers. They clarify the nuances of the 10-year rule, explain how the required beginning date determines whether annual RMDs are necessary and why Roth IRAs don't have required minimum distributions. The guys also […] The post False Facts and Real Consequences: EDU #2509 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

While Jim is attending a conference, Chris is joined by Jake to discuss listener questions relating to Social Security benefits, RMD taxes, IRMAA, and taxability considerations for claiming Social Security. (5:00) Georgette asks whether her survivor benefit will be reduced since her husband passed away at age 71. (13:30) The guys address whether claiming early […] The post Social Security Benefits, RMD Taxes, IRMAA, and Social Security Taxation: Q&A #2508 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris flies solo for this long promised, very special, EDU episode where he describes our retirement planning philosophy and approach in just 30 minutes. The post Our Retirement Planning Philosophy and Approach, Condensed Version: EDU #2508 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security benefits, IRMAA, IRA distributions, Roth contributions, catch-up contributions, and inherited IRA RMDs. (6:30) George asks how inflation adjustments apply when a reduced Social Security benefit converts to a spousal benefit. (13:45) The guys address whether the end of non-qualified deferred compensation qualifies as a life-changing […] The post Social Security, IRMAA, IRA Distributions, Roth Contributions, Catch-up Contributions, and Inherited IRA RMDs: Q&A #2507 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

In this EDU episode Jim and Chris review and discuss an article sent in by a listener after their critique of the safe withdrawal rate approach to retirement. Some of the points made in the article should sound familiar to listeners… Nobel laureates William F. Sharpe and Robert C. Merton argue that traditional retirement withdrawal […] The post A Smart Approach to Retirement: EDU #2507 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Survivor Benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Donor Advised Funds. Before diving into listener questions, Jim shares insights from his recent trip to an industry conference, where he investigated financial planning software options that might align with their Secure Retirement Income Process™ and Fun Number™. The guys […] The post Survivor Benefits, Social Security Disability, and Donor Advised Funds: Q&A #2506 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

While Jim is at a conference, Jake joins Chris to discuss a listener's simplified retirement planning approach. They examine their straightforward strategy, focusing on key points like living within your means, how finances often simplify in the mid-70s after covering the Minimum Dignity Floor™, and the impact of passing the delay period for larger withdrawals. […] The post A Discussion on Simplified Retirement Planning: EDU #2506 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, QLACs, TIPS ETFs, and buffered ETFs. (9:00) A listener who worked in Australia in the late 1980s asks how the U.S.-Australia Totalization Agreement might affect their Social Security benefits. Jim and Chris discuss whether their earnings record can be adjusted and what steps to take. […] The post Social Security, QLACs, and ETFs: Q&A #2505 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim, Chris, and Jake share their thoughts on a recent Morningstar study that lowers the industry-standard safe withdrawal rate to 3.7%. They review a MarketWatch article discussing the study, highlighting points of agreement and disagreement. Throughout the conversation, they explore their approach to retirement planning, including the Minimum Dignity Floor™, See-Through Portfolio™, and Fun Number™ […] The post Safe Withdrawal Rate: EDU #2505 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Medicare enrollment, Social Security benefits, and estate taxes. (6:00) George asks about Medicare's special enrollment period and the impact of large Roth conversions on IRMAA thresholds after retirement. (18:30) A listener wonders about the impact of the Social Security (Un)Fairness Act on spousal and survivor benefits eligibility. […] The post Medicare Enrollment, Social Security, and Estate Taxes: Q&A #2504 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim, Chris, and guest Paul Neiffer, CPA, continue their discussion on Charitable Remainder Trusts. They also answer listener questions related to CRTs, CRATs and CRUTs. The post Charitable Remainder Trusts Part 2: EDU #2504 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim, Chris, and Jake sit down to discuss listener questions relating to contributions, Social Security, 415 limits, and beneficiaries. PSA: Chris and Jake review several questions from this weeks EDU show relating to 415 limits, new age 60-63 “super” catch-up contributions effective under SECURE 2.0. (10:30) A listener looks for clarification on his wife's spousal […] The post Contributions, Social Security, 415 Limits, and Beneficiaries: Q&A #2503 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris and Jake discuss the new “Super-Catchup” retirement plan contributions, explaining who qualifies and how they work. The post “Super-Catchup” Retirement Plan Contributions: EDU #2503 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris sit down to discuss Social Security, inherited Roth IRAs, an inherited IRA RMD case, and reporting Roth withdrawals. (12:45) The guys answer a question about earning enough Social Security credits while working overseas and how this impacts Medicare eligibility and spousal benefits. (22:45) Georgette asks whether taking a Child-in-Care benefit now will […] The post Social Security, Inherited Roth IRAs, Inherited IRA RMDs, and Roth Withdrawals: Q&A 2502 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

In this EDU dialogue show, Jim and Chris are joined by Jake to explore listener questions about Social Security, income annuities, strategies for deploying dollars in retirement, and other Retirement Planning related topics. Mentioned JP Morgan Article  The post Retirement Planning Dialogue: EDU #2502 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security spousal benefits, IRMAA planning, step-up in basis rules, family maximums, IRA beneficiaries, and factoring inheritances into retirement planning. (12:00) George asks how his wife's spousal Social Security benefit will be calculated, specifically regarding COLA increases to his PIA and his delayed filing at age 70. […] The post Spousal Benefits, IRMAA, Step-Up Basis, Family Maximums, Beneficiaries, and Inheritances: Q&A #2501 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris, once again joined by Jake, a fellow planner at Jim Saulnier & Associates, discuss a recent Wall Street Journal article about why retirees often hesitate to spend in retirement. The guys share some tips to build retirement spending confidence. The post Developing Confidence With Retirement Spending: EDU #2501 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.