Social Security, TIPS Ladder, Investment Positioning, Buffered ETFs: Q&A #2638

September 19, 2026

Social Security, TIPS Ladder, Investment Positioning, Buffered ETFs: Q&A #2638

Chris and Jacob discuss listener emails on Social Security survivor benefits, a TIPS ladder paired with a QLAC, investment positioning across taxable, tax deferred, and tax-free accounts, and buffered ETFs for sequence of returns risk.

(12:30) A listener whose spouse recently died asks whether they can claim child in care survivor benefits now while caring for their young daughter, and whether claiming now would affect their own survivor benefit at full retirement age.

(25:00) George asks for feedback on a TIPS ladder that runs only to age 79, with an extra amount set aside at 75 to buy a QLAC that begins paying at 80 and covers the Minimum Dignity Floor™ from there.

(48:15) The guys take a question on how to position a $2.8 million portfolio split evenly between taxable, tax deferred, and tax free accounts when funding spending and weighing tax implications.

(1:05:15) Chris and Jacob respond to a question about using buffered ETFs to help manage sequence of returns risk.

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