OBBBA Tax Changes Explained: EDU #2528
July 9, 2025
Chris’s SummaryI am joined by Jake and Paul to discuss OBBBA tax changes and retiree impacts from the Inflation Reduction Act. We cover changes to brackets, deductions, personal exemptions, and estate limits. Paul explains how new SALT caps, Social Security deductions, and ACA credit rollbacks affect planning opportunities for retirees, especially those near income phaseouts or considering Roth...
Listen NowSocial Security, Pension Buyouts, and Managed Payout Funds: Q&A #2527
July 5, 2025
Jim and Chris answer listener questions on Social Security family maximum rules, spousal and disabled child benefits, defined benefit pension concerns, and 401k managed payout funds.(7:45) A listener is trying to understand how the Family Maximum Benefit might reduce the amounts paid to his spouse and disabled adult child once he claims his own retirement benefit.(16:45) Jim and Chris respond to...
Listen NowBroker vs Advisor Sold RILAs: EDU #2527
July 2, 2025
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I examine broker vs advisor sold RILAs using real cap rate comparisons from 2024 to highlight how identical contracts can offer different outcomes. We explain how six-year outcome periods work, what locking in gains actually does, and when fees can reduce returns more than commissions. This episode is less about product bias and more about understanding the trade-offs...
Listen NowPSAs, Spousal Benefits, Annuity Use Cases, and FIAs: Q&A #2526
June 28, 2025
Jim and Chris shares listener PSAs on IRMAA and Delayed Retirement Credits, and answer questions on Social Security Spousal Benefits, annuity use cases, and fixed indexed annuity payout concerns. (13:00) A listener shares a PSA about a positive Medicare and IRMAA reduction experience at a Central Florida SSA office. (19:00) Georgette follows up with a PSA confirming her husband received all...
Listen NowRILAs vs Buffered ETFs: EDU #2526
June 25, 2025
Chris’s Summary:Jim and I explore registered index-linked annuities and compare RILAs vs buffered ETFs across liquidity, taxation, and cap rate dynamics. We walk through how the insurance and investment structures differ, where principal protection varies, and how commission-based and advisory products compare from a fiduciary standpoint. I also explain the tax treatment of qualified versus...
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