Social Security, IRMAA, Medicare, Roth Contribution Rules, Roth Conversions: Q&A #2549

December 6, 2025

Social Security, IRMAA, Medicare, Roth Contribution Rules, Roth Conversions: Q&A #2549

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security family maximum and suspending benefits, a listener PSA on IRMAA premiums, a listener PSA on Medicare premiums, a listener PSA on Social Security claiming strategies, Roth contribution rules, and Roth conversion disadvantages.
(4:30) George asks how the combined family maximum benefit works when two retirement records are combined to increase the family limit for auxiliary benefits paid to a spouse and two minor children.
(16:00) A listener asks what additional factors should be considered when suspending a Social Security benefit at full retirement age and restarting at 70 after previously claiming early.
(30:15) The guys share a PSA in which a listener states that IRMAA is a premium rather than a tax because Medicare enrollment is optional.
(37:45) Georgette shares her objections to Chris describing the base Medicare premium as “free” and explains why she feels that is misleading.
(44:30) A listener offers a couple of PSAs, first sharing their thoughts on Nokbox, then sharing an article on a Social Security claiming strategy they believe could help people concerned about sequence of returns.
(51:00) The guys answer a question about how a 529-to-Roth IRA transfer affects the annual Roth contribution limit when part of the rollover is gains.
(56:30) Jim and Chris address what disadvantages exist when choosing a Roth conversion instead of a non-RMD IRA withdrawal when both would be taxable.

Show Notes:
NokBox

Social Security | Readjust your claiming strategy | Fidelity

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:24:54 — 38.9MB)

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