What do you get when you combine two knowledgeable CFP® PROFESSIONALS (one also a well-informed COLLEGE FINANCE INSTRUCTOR)? If you mix in relevant financial information and a healthy dose of humor you get the Retirement and IRA Radio Show! JIM SAULNIER, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional with Jim Saulnier and Associates who specializes in retirement planning for clients across the country, CHRIS STEIN, a Finance Instructor at Colorado State University who is also a CERTIFIED FINANC ...
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Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security strategies, spousal benefits, Roth conversions, and annuities. (8:15) George asks whether a widow who was widowed before age 60 has two Social Security claiming strategies available based on the FRA benefit of each spouse. (20:30) The guys address a question about how spousal bene…
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Chris’s Summary: This week’s EDU show is a throwback to an old favorite—things that make you go “hmm.” Jim brought back a list of oddities from the latest Ed Slott training, covering everything from RMD rules the IRS only recently addressed to real-world court cases involving bankruptcy, lottery tickets, and IRA self-dealing gone wrong. Turns out, …
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Social Security records, GPO, QCD Timing, Annuity Costs, and Excess IRA Contributions: Q&A #2511
1:19:10
Jim and Chris answer listener questions on Social Security records, GPO, QCD timing, annuity costs, and excess IRA contributions. (10:30) Georgette asks about fixing gaps in her Social Security record. (19:30) The guys discuss how a listener’s spousal Social Security benefits work after the repeal of GPO. (28:30) George seeks clarification on the t…
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Chris’s Summary: Jim’s back from his conference and Jake joined the show again this week as we tackled the latest Ed Slott quiz. Unlike last time, Jim didn’t give us the book to reference—so Jake and I were going in cold. Jim also decided to test ChatGPT by giving it the entire quiz and the manual. With all that information, the AI was still imperf…
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Jim and Chris are joined by Paul Neiffer, CPA to answer listener questions on qualified dividends, gifting strategies, Roth conversions, and trust taxation. (09:00) George wonders if frequent rebalancing in his taxable brokerage account is causing more of his dividends to be classified as unqualified. (21:30) A listener asks for guidance on which a…
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Chris’s Summary: Jim is at yet another industry conference, so Jake is stepping in to join me this week. We pick up where Jim and I left off last time, discussing misleading financial articles. This time, we take a critical look at an article from Moneywise that claims to lay out the “standard” order for withdrawing retirement funds—but seems more …
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Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, 529 plans, Fun Vision, and Annuities. (Intro – 12:00) Chris provides a Social Security PSA. (19:00) A listener wonders whether her husbands Social Security benefits have been getting a COLA since his passing or if they’ve been frozen. (26:00) A listener wonders if mis…
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Chris’s Concise Summary: Jim and Chris examine a recent Suze Orman article on inherited IRA rules, identifying key errors that could mislead readers. They clarify the nuances of the 10-year rule, explain how the required beginning date determines whether annual RMDs are necessary and why Roth IRAs don’t have required minimum distributions. The guys…
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While Jim is attending a conference, Chris is joined by Jake to discuss listener questions relating to Social Security benefits, RMD taxes, IRMAA, and taxability considerations for claiming Social Security. (5:00) Georgette asks whether her survivor benefit will be reduced since her husband passed away at age 71. (13:30) The guys address whether cl…
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Chris flies solo for this long promised, very special, EDU episode where he describes our retirement planning philosophy and approach in just 30 minutes. The post Our Retirement Planning Philosophy and Approach, Condensed Version: EDU #2508 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.由Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®
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Social Security, IRMAA, IRA Distributions, Roth Contributions, Catch-up Contributions, and Inherited IRA RMDs: Q&A #2507
1:11:49
Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security benefits, IRMAA, IRA distributions, Roth contributions, catch-up contributions, and inherited IRA RMDs. (6:30) George asks how inflation adjustments apply when a reduced Social Security benefit converts to a spousal benefit. (13:45) The guys address whether the end of non-qualifie…
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In this EDU episode Jim and Chris review and discuss an article sent in by a listener after their critique of the safe withdrawal rate approach to retirement. Some of the points made in the article should sound familiar to listeners… Nobel laureates William F. Sharpe and Robert C. Merton argue that traditional retirement withdrawal strategies, like…
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Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Survivor Benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Donor Advised Funds. Before diving into listener questions, Jim shares insights from his recent trip to an industry conference, where he investigated financial planning software options that might align with their Secure Retirement Inco…
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While Jim is at a conference, Jake joins Chris to discuss a listener’s simplified retirement planning approach. They examine their straightforward strategy, focusing on key points like living within your means, how finances often simplify in the mid-70s after covering the Minimum Dignity Floor, and the impact of passing the delay period for larger …
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Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, QLACs, TIPS ETFs, and buffered ETFs. (9:00) A listener who worked in Australia in the late 1980s asks how the U.S.-Australia Totalization Agreement might affect their Social Security benefits. Jim and Chris discuss whether their earnings record can be adjusted and what steps to t…
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Jim, Chris, and Jake share their thoughts on a recent Morningstar study that lowers the industry-standard safe withdrawal rate to 3.7%. They review a MarketWatch article discussing the study, highlighting points of agreement and disagreement. Throughout the conversation, they explore their approach to retirement planning, including the Minimum Dign…
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Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Medicare enrollment, Social Security benefits, and estate taxes. (6:00) George asks about Medicare’s special enrollment period and the impact of large Roth conversions on IRMAA thresholds after retirement. (18:30) A listener wonders about the impact of the Social Security (Un)Fairness Act on spou…
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Jim, Chris, and guest Paul Neiffer, CPA, continue their discussion on Charitable Remainder Trusts. They also answer listener questions related to CRTs, CRATs and CRUTs. The post Charitable Remainder Trusts Part 2: EDU #2504 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.由Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®
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Jim, Chris, and Jake sit down to discuss listener questions relating to contributions, Social Security, 415 limits, and beneficiaries. PSA: Chris and Jake review several questions from this weeks EDU show relating to 415 limits, new age 60-63 “super” catch-up contributions effective under SECURE 2.0. (10:30) A listener looks for clarification on hi…
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Chris and Jake discuss the new “Super-Catchup” retirement plan contributions, explaining who qualifies and how they work. The post “Super-Catchup” Retirement Plan Contributions: EDU #2503 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.由Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®
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Jim and Chris sit down to discuss Social Security, inherited Roth IRAs, an inherited IRA RMD case, and reporting Roth withdrawals. (12:45) The guys answer a question about earning enough Social Security credits while working overseas and how this impacts Medicare eligibility and spousal benefits. (22:45) Georgette asks whether taking a Child-in-Car…
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In this EDU dialogue show, Jim and Chris are joined by Jake to explore listener questions about Social Security, income annuities, strategies for deploying dollars in retirement, and other Retirement Planning related topics. Mentioned JP Morgan Article The post Retirement Planning Dialogue: EDU #2502 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.…
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Spousal Benefits, IRMAA, Step-Up Basis, Family Maximums, Beneficiaries, and Inheritances: Q&A #2501
1:32:54
Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security spousal benefits, IRMAA planning, step-up in basis rules, family maximums, IRA beneficiaries, and factoring inheritances into retirement planning. (12:00) George asks how his wife’s spousal Social Security benefit will be calculated, specifically regarding COLA increases to his PI…
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Jim and Chris, once again joined by Jake, a fellow planner at Jim Saulnier & Associates, discuss a recent Wall Street Journal article about why retirees often hesitate to spend in retirement. The guys share some tips to build retirement spending confidence. The post Developing Confidence With Retirement Spending: EDU #2501 appeared first on The Ret…
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Jim and Chris discuss listener and forum questions relating to Social Security benefits, IRMAA, RMDs, annuities, and beneficiaries. Chris kicked off the episode with a bold dare, promising listeners the “best show of the year” since it’s the last one for 2024. Jim took the challenge seriously, turning it into a record-breaking two-hour extravaganza…
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Jim and Chris continue discussing different approaches to retirement planning, focusing on a listener’s DIY strategy. They cover key topics like withdrawal strategies, risk management, and tax considerations, emphasizing personalized solutions to fit individual goals. The post Individualized Retirement Planning Strategies: EDU #2452 appeared first …
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Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to IRMAA, Social Security benefits, 457B plans, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and Roth conversions. (8:30) The guys address a listener question about using form SSA-44 to appeal IRMAA surcharge. (20:45) George seeks clarity on whether and how his wife’s 457 plan distributions will impact their…
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Jim and Chris welcome on another member of the JSA team – Paul Neiffer, CPA – to discuss Charitable Remainder Trusts. They dive into what they are and how you might use them. The post Charitable Remainder Trusts Part 1: EDU #2451 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.由Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®
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Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to IRMAA, SS Spousal Benefits, IRA withdrawals, Qualified Charitable Donations, and Roth contributions. (6:45) A listener looks for assistance filling out form SSA-44 to have his IRMMA surcharge reevaluated. (24:15) George wonders if his wife claiming her Social Security benefits early will reduce h…
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Jim and Chris once again welcome their colleague, Jake Turner, EA, and Candidate for CFP® certification, to the show. Together, they address listener questions and take a deeper dive into their retirement planning philosophy and process. The post Retirement Planning Philosophy and Process Dialog: EDU #2450 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA S…
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Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to the Family Maximum Benefit, Means Test, Qualified Charitable Donations, tax strategies for pension benefits, and spreadsheet tracking of SPIA income. (10:00) Georgette asks about factoring in the Family Maximum Benefit while deciding when to start taking Social Security (19:30) A listener looks f…
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Chris is joined by estate planning attorney Shelley Thompson while Jim is traveling. Chris and Shelley discuss common mistakes people make with their Wills. The post Common Estate Planning Mistakes: EDU #2449 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.由Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®
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Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, Annuity RMDs, and next steps after passing the CFP exam. (5:30) George asks if you’re required to claim Social Security as soon as you turn 70. (13:00) The guys are asked for their input on Social Security claiming strategy. (21:00) Jim and Chris discuss whether there are differe…
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Jim and Chris received an email from a listener asking about completing a Roth conversion using a 60-day rollover. In response, they decided to take a dive deep into the topic, exploring what they call the “60-day rollover conversion” strategy. The post 60-day Rollover Conversion Strategy: EDU #2448 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.…
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Jim and Chris sit down to answer listener questions related to Social Security, 529 Plans, and SPIA payments… (6:30) A listener wonders if they will be subject to the Social Security earnings test. (14:30) The guys weigh in on if/how a Roth conversion would impact an IRMAA appeal. (30:30) Chris answers whether there is a time limit to apply for Sur…
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Jim and Chris sit down for a Discussion edition of the EDU series to talk through some listener questions on RMDs in relation to Roth Conversions (’tis the season!). The post Roth Conversions and RMDs: EDU #2447 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.由Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®
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Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, Roth conversions, and RMDs. (11:00) George wonders if his wife is eligible for Social Security benefits while taking care of an adult disabled child even if he is still working and has not applied for SS yet. (19:00) Chris tackles an interesting Social Security survivor benefits …
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Jim and Chris sit down for another EDU show discussing updates to the SECURE Act that Jim brought back from the recent Ed Slott conference. The post SECURE Act Updates: EDU #2446 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.由Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®
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Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listeners questions relating to Social Security, RMDs, QLACs, and Buffered ETFs… (12:30) The guys are asked if dual citizenship will affect Social Security benefits. (20:30) George looks for clarity on Social Security’s family maximum rules. (30:00) Chris explains the reduction factor when claiming a spousal Social…
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Jim and Chris sit down to discuss a few things Jim brought back from his recent Ed Slott conference including a discussion of ALAR (10-year RMD rule) and stretch IRAs. The post Stretch IRA Rules and More: EDU #2445 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.由Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®
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Jim and Chris (and Jake too!) sit down to answer some listener questions about Medicare, Roth conversions, Social Security, and 401k catch up contributions… (10:00) George wonders how his wife’s ACA premium tax credits will be affected for the first part of the year if he increases his income after she turns 65 and enrolls in Medicare. (23:45) The …
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On this week’s EDU Discussion edition Jim and Chris welcome back Jake Turner, a fellow planner from the JSA team, as they take some time to opine on how some listeners are implementing their own versions of our retirement planning process. The post How Listeners are Implementing Our Planning Process: EDU #2444 appeared first on The Retirement and I…
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With Jim attending an Ed Slott conference, Chris takes some time to answer a WEP and GPO question before offering listeners general information on Social Security changes for 2025 and a detailed walkthrough of the WEP and GPO provisions of Social Security. (6:30) George asks for more information on whether Social Security offsets are adjusted due t…
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Jim and Chris first talk about the “Qualified Annuity Stretch” before starting a deep dive into the IRA portion of “The Retirement and IRA Show” with a discussion of 9 of Ed Slott’s “top 23 questions advisors ask”. The post Qualified Annuities and IRA Deep Dive: EDU #2443 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.…
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Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listeners questions relating to Qualified Accounts, Social Security, Medicare, HSAs, and Roth Conversions. (6:45) The guys clarify the meaning of the word qualified when it applies to retirement accounts as pointed out by a listener to their podcast (13:00) Georgette is curious how child-in-care family max is affec…
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With Medicare open enrollment season here, Jim and Chris welcome a special guest, Brad Grier, who volunteers with the Nebraska State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Brad talks with the guys about what SHIP is and how it might be helpful to you in your state. The post Medicare Enrollment Assistance Special Episode: EDU #2442 appeared fir…
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Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listener questions relating to Social Security benefits then return to a question from last week to take a deeper look at Roth IRA Annuity payments… (18:00) A listener asks if he might be able to collect full Social Security benefits while working part-time for a local government job. (25:45) Georgette hopes for so…
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With Medicare open enrollment season approaching, Jim and Chris welcome a special guest, Tyler Haskell, CFP. Tyler has been a Medicare Insurance Broker for 12 years, helping people navigate the complexities of the Medicare system. The post Medicare Insurance Special: EDU #2441 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.…
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Social Security, Retirement Planning, 529 Savings Accounts, Roth Losses, and FIAs: Q&A #2440
1:25:24
Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listener questions relating to Social Security benefits, planning with the potential for an SO, funding a 529 savings account, losses in a Roth IRA, and Fixed Indexed Annuities… (9:00) A listener hopes Chris can tell him if having a different name on his Birth Certificate and Social Security card is going to be an …
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Jim and Chris sit down for another EDU show dedicated to our retirement planning process. In this episode the guys dialog with listeners, answering questions and expounding on key ideas. The post Our Retirement Planning Process: EDU #2440 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.由Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®
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