The Retirement and IRA Show

Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP® · theretirementandirashow.com

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 FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional, offer real-world knowledge on a diverse range of topics including Social Security planning, investing for your retirement, the fundamentals of 401(k) and IRA accounts. Jim and Chris make learning about your retirement both educational and entertaining!

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Episodes 100

Social Security, Social Security, Home Purchase, Fun Spending: Q&A #2635
yesterday · 1:31:06
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security survivor benefits and earnings records, financing a home purchase, and using a fixed indexed annuity (FIA) for discretionary spending. (11:15) A listener asks why a Social Security estimate lists a $3,944 survivor benefit rather than the projected $5,101 age-70 benefit and which amount would actually be paid. (21:45) The guys consider whether adding previously omitted stock option income to a 2017 earnings record could result in higher Social Security benefits and back pay. (31:30) Jim and Chris weigh using a 60-day IRA or Roth IRA rollo
Spending Retirement Savings: EDU #2634
4d ago · 56:26
Chris’s Summary Jim and I continue our discussion on the Fun Number, this time as a dialogue episode built around one listener’s hesitation around spending retirement savings and how growth and legacy positioning and establishing his SEAL Reserve helped him work through it. We revisit the seesaw framework for undeployed assets, clarify how the SEAL Reserve consolidated the old reserve positions, and explain why the Fun Vision is never set in stone and can and should be revisited. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary Chris and I are picking the Fun Number conversation back up in dialogue form this week, worki
Social Security, Early Withdrawals, SPIAs, QLACs, Retirement Strategy: Q&A #2634
8d ago · 1:17:34
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on spousal Social Security timing, a listener PSA on the super catch-up contribution rule, early withdrawals from a Roth 457(b) plan, Minimum Dignity Floor coverage using SPIAs, QLACs as a hedge against potential Social Security cuts, and a couple’s retirement strategy. (10:00) — A listener asks whether a wife nearing full retirement age can claim her own smaller Social Security benefit now, then switch to a spousal benefit once her husband files at his full retirement age. (18:15) — A listener PSA offers clarification on a previous Q&A episode’s super cat
Extending Your Go-Go Years: EDU #2633
11d ago · 1:05:19
Chris’s Summary Jim and I are joined again by Dr. Philip Snyder as we continue looking at narrowing the gap between healthspan and lifespan and extending your go-go years. We discuss a listener-submitted article on health-adjusted life expectancy, which argues for concentrating retirement spending in the first decade of retirement rather than following a static, Monte Carlo-based safe withdrawal rate. Dr. Snyder updates his coronary artery calcium scoring correction, introduces the CCTA angiogram for non-calcified plaque, and outlines the four components of exercise, cardio, strength, balance,
Social Security, IRMAA, Roth Conversions, Roth Contributions, TEFRA: Q&A #2633
15d ago · 1:20:41
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on the Social Security Fairness Act, an IRMAA question involving deferred compensation, Roth conversions before and after key age milestones, Roth contributions for high-income catch-up savers, and how TEFRA affects an inherited annuity. (9:45) — A listener disagrees with the show’s characterization of the Social Security Fairness Act as unfair, explaining that after paying into both a government pension and Social Security for 40 quarters, she believes receiving both without penalty is fair for her situation. (27:45) — The guys field a question from a ret
Investment Positioning Part 2: EDU #2632
18d ago · 1:17:19
Chris’s Summary Jim and I are joined by Jacob Vonloh as we continue our discussion on investment positioning, wrapping up asset placement for emergency, aging, and long-term care reserves and the fun spending that flows from your Fun Number, across the Go-Go and Slow-Go/No-Go phases. Jacob also outlines the guaranteed inheritance set-aside and closes with the growth and legacy position, the leftover dollars not assigned elsewhere. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary Chris and I are joined by Jacob Vonloh as we pick back up right where we left off last week on investment positioning, finishing up the fun spe
Spousal Benefits, HSA Tax Strategies PSA, Inherited IRAs: Q&A #2632
22d ago · 1:22:00
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security spousal benefits, a listener PSA on HSA tax strategies and treasuries, and inherited IRA RMD rules for minor beneficiaries. (9:00) A listener asks about qualifying for spousal benefits after a lengthy separation, since both spouses are now retired but remain legally married. (28:15) The guys share a listener PSA on tax strategies involving harvesting HSA-eligible expenses, including Medicare B and D premiums, as a tax-free funding source, and on laddering treasury bills through Fidelity or Schwab instead of TreasuryDirect. (40:15) George
Investment Positioning Explained: EDU #2631
25d ago · 1:21:20
If you’d like to skip past Jim, Chris, and Jacob’s opening chat about Jacob relocating to Iowa, Jim’s hiking plans, weather, office dog Apollo, and generational pop culture gaps, skip ahead to (10:00). Chris’s Summary Jim and I continue our discussion on the Fun Number, joined this time by Jacob as we turn to investment positioning of those pieces. Jacob walks through tracking positions without professional software, using individual fund assignments, spreadsheets, and a two-credit-card approach, plus the liquidity account and fall tax planning. We then cover delay period and post-delay Minimu
Social Security, Estate Planning, Annuity Safety: Q&A #2631
29d ago · 1:30:02
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security survivor benefits after the GPO repeal, estate planning for minor children, and annuity safety. (10:00) A listener asks whether the repeal of GPO permits the survivor in a mixed Social Security and non-covered pension couple to keep both Social Security benefits rather than only the higher benefit, and where this rule appears in the POMS. (37:00) The guys review whether a revocable living trust should remain the contingent beneficiary of retirement accounts while the couple’s children are minors, despite the potential for higher taxes, a
Covering Retirement Income Gaps: EDU #2630
1mo ago · 1:33:52
Chris’s Summary Jim and I continue our discussion on the Fun Number, this time tackling what comes out first and how we plan for covering retirement income gaps. We look at funding both the delay period and post-delay period, including how a SPIA quote helps determine how much to set aside today to close a future gap. We also address aging and long-term care, and the smaller, less common carve-out for a guaranteed inheritance tied to a special needs dependent. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary Chris and I pick up the Fun Number conversation right where we left off, and this time we’re finally cracking ope
Social Security, Roth 401k, HSA Reimbursement, Pension Options, Trust Planning: Q&A #2630
1mo ago · 1:26:19
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security survivor benefit strategies, a Roth 401(k) catch-up rule loophole, HSA reimbursement for Medicare premiums, pension options including a lump sum rollover, and trust titling versus individual beneficiaries. (13:00) — George asks whether his brother can claim his own Social Security benefit at 62 and switch to the higher survivor benefit at full retirement age. (22:45) — A listener asks whether starting a new job in 2026 could exempt him from the new mandatory Roth 401(k) catch-up rule. (28:45) — The guys field a question about using HSA f
Retirement Budgeting – The Fun Number: EDU #2629
1mo ago · 1:06:46
Chris’s Summary “Jim and I begin a multi-part discussion on the Fun Number, a retirement budgeting concept for how much someone can spend on what they want rather than what they need once other obligations are covered. Jim traces how the idea originated from a client hesitant to follow through with his retirement dreams despite having more than enough saved to do so. In response, a single undifferentiated portfolio evolved over time into separately identified reserve positions. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary Chris and I are kicking off a series on the Fun Number, the concept, along with the Minimum Dig
Social Security, Pension RMDs, Interest Taxation, Portfolio Strategy: Q&A #2629
1mo ago · 1:28:05
Jim and Chris discuss the new PROMISE Act’s potential impact on Social Security before covering listener emails on pension RMD timing, interest taxation versus capital gains indexing, and portfolio strategy around Social Security survivor benefits and multi-account allocation. (5:30) — Chris discusses the new PROMISE Act and how it may impact Social Security. (17:15) — George asks how long he can delay pension distributions without violating RMD rules, given his 73rd birthday falls in February 2027. (29:45) — A listener asks whether interest income should be inflation-indexed the same way some
A Potpourri of Beneficiary Disputes and Tax Laws: EDU #2628
1mo ago · 1:01:11
Chris’s Summary Jim and I dig into two beneficiary disputes as part of what we’re calling a “potpourri” EDU show: the 1930s Goodman Triangle life insurance gift tax dispute and a recent Montana Supreme Court ruling on an uncashed cashier’s check. We also discuss a bipartisan proposal to raise the home sale capital gains exclusion and a separate proposal to index capital gains for inflation more broadly. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary Chris and I dig into a variety of topics, starting with a court fight that traces back nearly a hundred years, something folks in the industry call the Goodman Triangle. P
Healthspan and Retirement Planning for Longevity with Dr. Snider: Q&A #2628
1mo ago · 1:07:04
Jim and Chris welcome back returning guest Dr. Phillip Snider for a Q&A episode that plays a little differently than usual. Listener emails open a broader discussion of healthspan and lifespan, (including how wealth, genetics, and lifestyle factors shape longevity), retirement planning for longevity, and Dr. Snider’s recommendation for additional tests to help assess your health risks. (5:15) — George cautions that median longevity statistics are heavily influenced by wealth, genetics, and individual behavior, and shares CDC data showing life expectancy rises significantly once someone reaches
Funding Essential Expenses in Retirement: EDU #2627
1mo ago · 1:12:26
Chris’s Summary Jim and I review a reader-submitted article on funding essential expenses in retirement, examining how one engineer split his portfolio into what we would call the Minimum Dignity Floor and Fun Number, using Social Security and a TIPS ladder. We compare that approach to our own income-based framework, discuss mortality credits from income annuities, and address reader emails about how long an essentials-only spending floor should realistically last. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary Chris and I get into a short piece a listener sent us, written by an engineer who approached retirement spen
Social Security, 403b Variable Annuities, Converting Inherited IRAs: Q&A #2627
1mo ago · 1:14:16
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security spousal benefit calculations, variable annuities in a 403(b), converting Inherited IRAs, and the Social Security child-in-care provision’s effect on spousal benefits. (10:00) — A listener asks Chris to explain why his additional high-earning years increased his own benefit so little, due to Social Security’s bend point formula, and how that translated into only a small spousal benefit adjustment for his wife. He also asks whether Social Security stops recalculating a worker’s PIA once they reach age 70. (28:00) — Georgette asks why her 4
What to Know About Jointly Owned Annuities: EDU #2626
2mo ago · 1:12:26
Chris’s Summary Jim and I continue our discussion on annuity insurer failures and state guarantee fund protections before turning to jointly owned annuities, examining how they differ from other jointly titled assets. We cover credited versus uncredited interest, mortality table calculations for annuitized contracts, and how a jointly owned annuity’s death benefit passes to named beneficiaries rather than the surviving owner. Contract language varies by insurer on how the surviving joint owner is treated relative to named beneficiaries. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary Chris and I pick up where we left o
Social Security, SPIA, SPIA Timing, QLAC: Q&A #2626
2mo ago · 1:36:43
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security benefits for a disabled adult child, SPIA timing and funding, longevity assumptions, and QLAC planning. (15:15) A listener asks why Social Security appears to be paying a disabled adult child benefit and child-in-care spousal benefit as a combined 50% of the worker’s PIA rather than 50% each, and how they might address the issue. (32:45) The guys discuss whether to buy a SPIA now or wait until age 70, along with the pros and cons of purchasing one with pre-tax, Roth, or brokerage assets. They also address where a DIY investor may be able
Annuity Collapse: EDU #2625
2mo ago · 1:11:50
Chris’s Summary Jim and I examine an Annuity Collapse involving PHL Variable Insurance Company, a $99,000 annuity, private equity ownership, state guarantee funds, and the limits of what the article explains. We separate fixed annuities, variable annuities, general accounts, separate accounts, insurer insolvency risk, market risk, and rating history, while noting why the missing annuity details matter. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary Chris and I dig into Annuity Collapse coverage that had a lot of listeners understandably worked up, but also left out some details that matter. The headline says a woman p
Social Security, Annuities, Income, Annuities: Q&A #2625
2mo ago · 1:42:07
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on delayed Social Security credits, annuity provider ratings, DIA versus QLAC income planning, and fixed indexed annuity (FIA) recommendations. (10:30) A listener shares a long delay in receiving additional Delayed Retirement Credits on their Social Security benefit and asks whether there are any further steps to take or whether patience is the best option. (26:00) Another listener passes along Kiplinger reader survey results on annuity providers and asks whether the information may be useful in a broader discussion about choosing an insurance company. (45
Forced Annuitization: EDU #2624
2mo ago · 1:06:18
Chris’s Summary Jim and I continue our discussion on Forced Annuitization in a highly appreciated non-qualified variable annuity owned by a 90-year-old listener’s mother. We examine LIFO taxation, IRD, IRMAA, period certain annuitization, beneficiary options, IOVAs, and the difference between a codified annuitization approach and the less certain non-qualified stretch. The distinction between a noun annuity and a verb annuity does a lot of work here. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary Chris and I pick back up with a listener’s situation involving Forced Annuitization, a 90-year-old mother, and a non-qualif
Social Security, Annuities for LTC Planning: Q&A #2624
2mo ago · 1:15:54
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security earnings limits, and two emails relating to using annuities for LTC planning. (13:00) — A listener asks whether income from selling NSO stock counts as earned income for Social Security, potentially triggering the earnings limit before full retirement age. (21:00) — George asks about using a 1035 exchange to move variable annuities with guaranteed living benefits into a product offering long-term care benefits, and wants help weighing the tradeoffs of this approach. (49:45) — The guys help a listener think through annuity planning to fun
Understanding Forced Annuitization: EDU #2623
2mo ago · 1:09:14
Chris’s Summary: Jim and I continue our discussion on annuity basics before turning to a listener’s email centered on forced annuitization, a maturity date built into every annuity contract requiring annuitization or full distribution by a set age. A listener’s mother faces this deadline at 95 with a variable annuity that grew over 10x, creating a substantial IRD (Income in Respect of a Decedent) tax burden. We consider options including period-certain annuitization, adding a younger co-annuitant, a 1035 exchange, and charitable strategies. Jim’s “Pithy” Summary: Chris and I are picking back u
Social Security, Rule of 55, QLAC Timing, SPIAs: Q&A #2623
2mo ago · 1:25:47
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on whether Social Security should be compared to an annuity, Rule of 55 distribution rules, using period-certain annuities during the delay period, QLAC timing and taxes, and using a SPIA for Minimum Dignity Floor coverage. (5:20) The guys address a listener’s objection to describing Social Security as an annuity and whether that comparison is accurate. (32:00) A listener seeks clarification on Rule of 55 distributions after receiving conflicting information about whether plan-specific rules matter. (38:45) Georgette asks whether a 10-year period before he

Episodes

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Episodes 100

Social Security, Social Security, Home Purchase, Fun Spending: Q&A #2635

Spending Retirement Savings: EDU #2634

Social Security, Early Withdrawals, SPIAs, QLACs, Retirement Strategy: Q&A #2634

Extending Your Go-Go Years: EDU #2633

Social Security, IRMAA, Roth Conversions, Roth Contributions, TEFRA: Q&A #2633

Investment Positioning Part 2: EDU #2632

Spousal Benefits, HSA Tax Strategies PSA, Inherited IRAs: Q&A #2632

Investment Positioning Explained: EDU #2631

Social Security, Estate Planning, Annuity Safety: Q&A #2631

Covering Retirement Income Gaps: EDU #2630

Social Security, Roth 401k, HSA Reimbursement, Pension Options, Trust Planning: Q&A #2630

Retirement Budgeting – The Fun Number: EDU #2629

Social Security, Pension RMDs, Interest Taxation, Portfolio Strategy: Q&A #2629

A Potpourri of Beneficiary Disputes and Tax Laws: EDU #2628

Healthspan and Retirement Planning for Longevity with Dr. Snider: Q&A #2628

Funding Essential Expenses in Retirement: EDU #2627

Social Security, 403b Variable Annuities, Converting Inherited IRAs: Q&A #2627

What to Know About Jointly Owned Annuities: EDU #2626

Social Security, SPIA, SPIA Timing, QLAC: Q&A #2626

Annuity Collapse: EDU #2625

Social Security, Annuities, Income, Annuities: Q&A #2625

Forced Annuitization: EDU #2624

Social Security, Annuities for LTC Planning: Q&A #2624

Understanding Forced Annuitization: EDU #2623

Social Security, Rule of 55, QLAC Timing, SPIAs: Q&A #2623

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Episodes 100

Social Security, Social Security, Home Purchase, Fun Spending: Q&A #2635

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Social Security, Early Withdrawals, SPIAs, QLACs, Retirement Strategy: Q&A #2634

Extending Your Go-Go Years: EDU #2633

Social Security, IRMAA, Roth Conversions, Roth Contributions, TEFRA: Q&A #2633

Investment Positioning Part 2: EDU #2632

Spousal Benefits, HSA Tax Strategies PSA, Inherited IRAs: Q&A #2632

Investment Positioning Explained: EDU #2631

Social Security, Estate Planning, Annuity Safety: Q&A #2631

Covering Retirement Income Gaps: EDU #2630

Social Security, Roth 401k, HSA Reimbursement, Pension Options, Trust Planning: Q&A #2630

Retirement Budgeting – The Fun Number: EDU #2629

Social Security, Pension RMDs, Interest Taxation, Portfolio Strategy: Q&A #2629

A Potpourri of Beneficiary Disputes and Tax Laws: EDU #2628

Healthspan and Retirement Planning for Longevity with Dr. Snider: Q&A #2628

Funding Essential Expenses in Retirement: EDU #2627

Social Security, 403b Variable Annuities, Converting Inherited IRAs: Q&A #2627

What to Know About Jointly Owned Annuities: EDU #2626

Social Security, SPIA, SPIA Timing, QLAC: Q&A #2626

Annuity Collapse: EDU #2625

Social Security, Annuities, Income, Annuities: Q&A #2625

Forced Annuitization: EDU #2624

Social Security, Annuities for LTC Planning: Q&A #2624

Understanding Forced Annuitization: EDU #2623

Social Security, Rule of 55, QLAC Timing, SPIAs: Q&A #2623

Podcast 森辺一樹のグローバル・マーケティング〜すべてはアジアで売るために〜