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,...
Listen NowWhat to Know About Jointly Owned Annuities: EDU #2626
July 1, 2026
Chris’s Summary Jim and I continue our discussion on annuity insurer failures and state guarantee fund protections before turning to jointly owned annuities, examining how they differ from other jointly titled assets. We cover credited versus uncredited interest, mortality table calculations for annuitized contracts, and how a jointly owned annuity’s death benefit passes to named...
Listen NowSocial Security, SPIA, SPIA Timing, QLAC: Q&A #2626
June 27, 2026
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security benefits for a disabled adult child, SPIA timing and funding, longevity assumptions, and QLAC planning. (15:15) A listener asks why Social Security appears to be paying a disabled adult child benefit and child-in-care spousal benefit as a combined 50% of the worker’s PIA rather than 50% each, and how they might address the issue. (32:45)...
Listen NowAnnuity Collapse: EDU #2625
June 24, 2026
Chris’s Summary Jim and I examine an Annuity Collapse involving PHL Variable Insurance Company, a $99,000 annuity, private equity ownership, state guarantee funds, and the limits of what the article explains. We separate fixed annuities, variable annuities, general accounts, separate accounts, insurer insolvency risk, market risk, and rating history, while noting why the missing annuity...
Listen NowSocial Security, Annuities, Income, Annuities: Q&A #2625
June 20, 2026
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on delayed Social Security credits, annuity provider ratings, DIA versus QLAC income planning, and fixed indexed annuity (FIA) recommendations. (10:30) A listener shares a long delay in receiving additional Delayed Retirement Credits on their Social Security benefit and asks whether there are any further steps to take or whether patience is the best option....
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