Social Security, RMDs, Money Market Earnings, QLACs: Q&A #2551

December 20, 2025

Social Security, RMDs, Money Market Earnings, QLACs: Q&A #2551

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security spousal eligibility and claiming coordination, a listener PSA on Social Security proof of marriage requirements, RMD planning while still working, money market earnings in brokerage accounts, and using QLACs for long-term care planning.
(16:15) Georgette asks whether the repeal of WEP and GPO affects her eligibility for a spousal benefit if her ex-husband worked for the federal government and she did not pay into Social Security.
(26:45) A listener asks how Social Security works when one spouse lacks enough work credits for their own benefit and only qualifies for a spousal benefit, including whether both spouses must claim at full retirement age to access that benefit.
(42:00) The guys address a PSA on why Social Security may already have proof of marriage on file for one spouse due to a name change but still requires documentation from the other spouse when benefits are claimed.
(49:30) Jim and Chris discuss whether maximizing pre-tax retirement contributions and rolling a SEP IRA into a 403(b) can reduce or eliminate RMDs under the still-working exception.
(1:06:45) A listener questions the statement that Money Market earnings are minimal, pointing to current yields in a fund they hold.
(1:12:00) The guys respond to feedback on whether a QLAC could be an effective way to address long-term care planning when self-funding alone does not feel sufficient.

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