Identity Theft, Spousal Benefits, RMD Taxes, IRA Withdrawals, and 401(k) Contribution Limits: Q&A #2513
March 29, 2025

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 and loan monitoring. (30:15) George asks...
Listen NowRoth 5-Year Rules and the Tax Planning Window: EDU #2513
March 26, 2025

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 into how “seasoning” from a...
Listen NowSocial Security Benefits, Roth Conversions, and Annuities: Q&A #2512
March 22, 2025

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 when one spouse took Social...
Listen NowThings That Make You Go Hmm – RMD Rules, IRA Mistakes, and Tax Court Surprises: EDU #2512
March 19, 2025

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, there are plenty of IRA mistakes you can...
Listen NowSocial Security records, GPO, QCD Timing, Annuity Costs, and Excess IRA Contributions: Q&A #2511
March 15, 2025

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 QCDs and RMDs. (53:30) Jim and...
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