Chris’s SummaryJim and I continue discussing funding discretionary spending in Robert Merton’s three bucket retirement income framework from last week’s article, focusing on how his flexible and aspirational spending categories compare with our philosophy. We explore why annuities are insurance products, where TIPS fit into income planning, and why funding Go-Go years demands liquidity and […]

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Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security timing strategies, Roth conversions in an RMD year, annuity return calculations, account sourcing for SPIA purchases, and Rule of 55 withdrawal rules.(12:30) A listener asks whether his brother should delay claiming Social Security to age 70 for better longevity protection despite a narrow breakeven.(35:15) George asks […]

The post Social Security, Roth Conversions, Annuities, and Rule of 55: Q&A #2532 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

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 […]

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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.