Our Past Shows
Here you will find a year's worth of our past radio shows. Please understand, due to compliance and supervisory guidelines, there is a lag time from when a show first broadcasts to when it can be listed here for later playback. If the show you want is not available, please check back again soon.
Although Jim and Chris strive to make their show ─ and the information presented − topical and pertinent at the time of original broadcast, please recognize the financial world is constantly changing and evolving. These recorded broadcasts may contain outdated or obsolete information. Never make any financial, tax or investment decisions with information contained on these shows without first consulting with your legal, tax and/or financial advisor(s).
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Understanding Forced Annuitization: EDU #2623
June 10, 2026
Chris’s Summary: Jim and I continue our discussion on annuity basics before turning to a listener’s email centered on forced annuitization, a maturity date built into every annuity contract requiring annuitization or full distribution by a set age. A listener’s mother faces this deadline at 95 with a variable annuity that grew over 10x, creating a substantial IRD (Income in...
Listen NowSocial Security, Rule of 55, QLAC Timing, SPIAs: Q&A #2623
June 6, 2026
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on whether Social Security should be compared to an annuity, Rule of 55 distribution rules, using period-certain annuities during the delay period, QLAC timing and taxes, and using a SPIA for Minimum Dignity Floor™ coverage. (5:20) The guys address a listener’s objection to describing Social Security as an annuity and whether that comparison is...
Listen NowAnnuity Basics: EDU #2622
June 3, 2026
Chris’s Summary Jim and I tackle annuity basics to start off another National Annuity Awareness Month. We cover what annuities are as insurance contracts, the four parties to a contract, the accumulation and distribution phases, and the key differences among the major annuity types. We also touch on tax deferral rules, LIFO treatment, and the historical and industry context behind why...
Listen NowSocial Security, Annuity RMDs, Annuity Laddering: Q&A #2622
May 30, 2026
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security survivor and ex-spouse benefits, using annuity income to satisfy RMDs, and annuity laddering strategies for both SPIAs and DIAs and MYGAs. (6:30) George writes in about a cousin who turns 62 in November 2026 and whose ex-spouse recently passed away — he wants to know what survivor and ex-spouse Social Security claiming options may be...
Listen NowIncome Annuities in Retirement: EDU #2621
May 27, 2026
Chris’s Summary Jim and I discuss income annuities in retirement as a lead-in to National Annuity Awareness Month, using a Fidelity Viewpoints article to frame the discussion. We walk through the article’s points on essential expenses, paycheck-like income, and management simplicity later in retirement. We also distinguish traditional income annuities from more complex annuity products and...
Listen NowSocial Security, Withdrawal Strategy, HSAs, 4% Rule, Roths, Retirement Trust: Q&A #2621
May 23, 2026
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security spousal benefits, portfolio withdrawal strategy for early retirement, HSA and Medicare premiums, the 4% rule, Roth self-employed 401(k)s, Roth conversions, and retirement trusts. (10:45) A listener asks whether her husband claiming Social Security on his own record before she files at 70, including as early as 62, would reduce his eventual...
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