Chris’s SummaryJim and I review a recent article featuring Robert Merton’s views on retirement income versus savings, using it as a springboard to unpack income planning fundamentals and annuity projections. While we agree with many of Merton’s framing points—especially the focus on secure income—we also note several key areas where academic theory diverges from real-world […]

The post Retirement Income Versus Savings: EDU # 2532 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris discuss Jim’s relocation experience to Ohio, a listener PSA on Medicare, questions about Social Security payment timing and divorce eligibility, Roth 401k withdrawals under the rule of 55, and close with an annuity comparison answer so long it practically qualifies as a mini EDU. (17:00) A listener PSA reminds others that Medicare […]

The post Ohio, Medicare, Social Security, Roth 401k, and Annuities: Q&A #2531 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris’s SummaryJim and I are joined by Matt Kaufman, Senior Vice President and Head of ETFs at Calamos Investments, to discuss buffered ETFs vs stocks and cash, focusing on AQR’s recent critiques. We examine the flaws in AQR’s methodology, the broader history of buffered products, and why these tools can offer certainty in retirement planning. […]

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Chris is joined by Jake and Jacob to answer listener questions on Social Security, followed by a PSA about unexpected Social Security payment timing, then additional questions on transition planning, asset positioning across account types, weighing Roth conversions against the senior deduction, and planning around IRMAA.(6:15) George asks what percentage of taxes he should have […]

The post Social Security, Transition Planning, Positioning, Roth Conversions, IRMAA: Q&A #2530 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris’s SummaryJim and I explain living benefits on annuities, covering how guaranteed income riders work and why they can appeal to those hesitant to annuitize. We describe what we call noun annuities (pre-annuitization) and verb annuities (post-annuitization), then unpack how living benefit riders like guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefits provide income without giving up access to […]

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Chris and Jake address listener questions on Social Security, single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) taxation, IRMAA impacts from NQDC payments, and Roth conversions. (9:45) George asks whether the restricted application strategy for Social Security spousal benefits is still possible, and if so, whether birth year requirements apply, along with what changed after the 2015 law […]

The post Social Security, SPIA Taxation, IRMAA, Roth Conversions: Q&A #2529 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Jim and Chris answer listener questions on Social Security filing and its effect on HSA eligibility, Social Security means testing, the timing of annuity purchases in IRAs, the Roth and Roth TSP 5-year rule.(7:30) Georgette asks whether the six-month Medicare Part A lookback is triggered by her husband’s Social Security application date or benefit eligibility […]

The post Social Security, Annuities, Roth and Roth TSP 5-Year Rule: Q&A # 2528 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Chris’s SummaryI am joined by Jake and Paul to discuss OBBBA tax changes and retiree impacts from the Inflation Reduction Act. We cover changes to brackets, deductions, personal exemptions, and estate limits. Paul explains how new SALT caps, Social Security deductions, and ACA credit rollbacks affect planning opportunities for retirees, especially those near income phaseouts […]

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