Social Security, HSA Strategy, and Cost Basis: Q&A #2520

May 17, 2025

Social Security, HSA Strategy, and Cost Basis: Q&A #2520

With Jim away at a conference, Chris is joined by Jake and Jacob to answer listener questions on child-in-care spousal benefits, the Earnings Test, HSA strategy, reconstructing cost basis, and Social Security timing concerns.

(6:00) A listener asks whether reaching full retirement age makes him ineligible for child-in-care spousal benefits, and what steps he can take to appeal the denial.

(21:30) George questions whether excess earnings prevent payment of family Social Security benefits when the worker’s own benefit is offset

(34:00) The guys address how inheritance and medical spending may influence HSA strategy and if it’s possible to overfund an HSA.

(50:00) “Chris and the Jacobs” respond to a couple trying to reconstruct the cost basis of mutual funds purchased in the 1980s without access to their records.

(1:02:15) Georgette wonders if divorce should be considered while deciding when a lower-earning spouse should claim Social Security, as well as whether pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce reported earnings for benefit calculations.

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