Social Security, IRMAA, IRA Distributions, Roth Contributions, Catch-up Contributions, and Inherited IRA RMDs: Q&A #2507
February 15, 2025

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...
Listen NowA Smart Approach to Retirement: EDU #2507
February 12, 2025

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 strategies, like the 4% rule, fail to adequately balance...
Listen NowSurvivor Benefits, Social Security Disability, and Donor Advised Funds: Q&A #2506
February 8, 2025

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 also...
Listen NowA Discussion on Simplified Retirement Planning: EDU #2506
February 5, 2025

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. They also consider potential...
Listen NowSocial Security, QLACs, and ETFs: Q&A #2505
February 1, 2025

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. (16:00) The guys respond to a listener with...
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