Buffered ETFs vs Stocks and Cash: EDU #2531
July 30, 2025
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. Matt explains how buffered ETFs differ from...
Listen NowSocial Security, Transition Planning, Positioning, Roth Conversions, IRMAA: Q&A #2530
July 26, 2025
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 withheld from his...
Listen NowLiving Benefits on Annuities: EDU #2530
July 23, 2025
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 principal....
Listen NowSocial Security, SPIA Taxation, IRMAA, Roth Conversions: Q&A #2529
July 19, 2025
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 change. (22:15)...
Listen NowEDU Will Be Back Next Week!
July 16, 2025
Unfortunately, there’s no EDU episode this week—life got in the way! But not to worry, Chris and Jake will be back on Saturday for a Q&A episode. And Jim and Chris will be back on track with a full EDU episode next week. We appreciate your patience and, as always, thanks for listening!
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