Social Security, 403b Variable Annuities, Converting Inherited IRAs: Q&A #2627

July 4, 2026

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security spousal benefit calculations, variable annuities in a 403(b), converting Inherited IRAs, and the Social Security child-in-care provision’s effect on spousal benefits.

(10:00) — A listener asks Chris to explain why his additional high-earning years increased his own benefit so little, due to Social Security’s bend point formula, and how that translated into only a small spousal benefit adjustment for his wife. He also asks whether Social Security stops recalculating a worker’s PIA once they reach age 70.

(28:00) — Georgette asks why her 403(b) funds are classified as variable annuities rather than mutual funds, and whether they function like other variable annuities sold on the open market.

(54:30) — The guys field a question about a non-spouse inherited IRA, where the account holder wants to know whether the required RMD must be taken before completing a separate Roth conversion.

(1:05:15) — Jim and Chris address whether the child-in-care provision removes the early-claiming reduction to a wife’s spousal benefit, in a case where she claims at 62 and her husband, the higher earner, waits until 65.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:14:16 — 34.0MB)

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