Social 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!
Listen NowSocial Security, Annuities, Roth and Roth TSP 5-Year Rule: Q&A # 2528
July 12, 2025

Jim and Chris answer listener questions on Social Security filing and its effect on HSA eligibility, Social Security means testing, the timing of annuity purchases in IRAs, the Roth and Roth TSP 5-year rule.(7:30) Georgette asks whether the six-month Medicare Part A lookback is triggered by her husband’s Social Security application date or benefit eligibility date, and how that affects HSA...
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