Social Security, Spendthrift Trust, Living Trust: Q&A #2613

March 28, 2026

Social Security, Spendthrift Trust, Living Trust: Q&A #2613

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security timing, whether you can “leave” your Social Security benefit to a spouse who doesn’t independently qualify, having a spendthrift trust purchase an annuity, and using a revocable living trust to manage aging parents’ complex financial affairs.

(13:15) A listener born in November asks what their Social Security benefit would be if they begin claiming now, before full retirement age, while still earning $100,000, and when the earnings penalty would lift.

(25:15) Jim and Chris field a question on whether you can “leave” your Social Security benefit to a spouse who does not independently qualify for Social Security.

(34:00) George asks how to structure his estate so that one child receives an inheritance in installments over 20 years rather than as a lump sum, and whether a trust purchasing an annuity could accomplish that goal.

(1:11:30) The guys hear from a listener who explains how being added as co-trustee on his aging parents’ revocable living trust resolved the recurring problem of financial institutions refusing to honor their power of attorney.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:27:18 — 40.0MB)

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