Social Security, Annuity RMDs, Annuity Laddering: Q&A #2622

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security survivor and ex-spouse benefits, using annuity income to satisfy RMDs, and annuity laddering strategies for both SPIAs and DIAs and MYGAs.

(6:30) George writes in about a cousin who turns 62 in November 2026 and whose ex-spouse recently passed away — he wants to know what survivor and ex-spouse Social Security claiming options may be available.

(19:45) A listener asks whether annuity income payments from a qualified annuity can be used to satisfy the RMD requirement on a separate IRA, potentially eliminating the need to take distributions from the IRA altogether.

43:15) The guys hear from a long-term buy-and-hold investor at the start of his transition from accumulation to decumulation who is drawn to the idea of purchasing SPIAs or DIAs in multiple chunks rather than a single lump sum and is curious about tradeoffs as well as how to apply a dollar-cost averaging mindset to annuity income.

(1:01:00) Jim and Chris take a question from a listener about 2.5 years from retirement who is considering laddering MYGAs through his 401(k) and wants to know whether the yield advantage of A-rated carriers is worth the added risk compared to sticking with A+ or higher, and whether CD laddering might be a simpler alternative.