Episodes

  • Social Security, Roth Conversion Tax Strategy, and Identity Theft PSA: Q&A #2514
    Apr 5 2025

    This week’s is a bit of a non-traditional Q&A episode where Jim and Chris address two listener questions on Social Security but then move into Public Service Announcement mode. For the first PSA they discuss a listener email about a potential state-level Roth conversion tax saving strategy. Then, to wrap up the episode, Jim shares […]

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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • Weathering Market Downturns: EDU #2514
    Apr 2 2025

    Chris’s Description Jim and I talk about how market downturns—like the one we’re seeing now—can cause people to second-guess their plans, even when they’re well prepared. We walk through how our Secure Retirement Income Process™ is designed to provide structure and clarity during volatile times, and explain how proper positioning can help you maintain perspective. […]

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Identity Theft, Spousal Benefits, RMD Taxes, IRA Withdrawals, and 401(k) Contribution Limits: Q&A #2513
    Mar 29 2025

    Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to spousal Social Security benefits, RMD tax withholding, IRA withdrawals, and 401(k) contribution limits. Jim also shares a PSA about a recent attempt at identity theft. (20:15) Jim shares a PSA about a fraudulent payday loan application attempted in his name and what he learned about credit freezes […]

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Roth 5-Year Rules and the Tax Planning Window: EDU #2513
    Mar 26 2025

    Chris’s SummaryJim and I continue our review of interesting and sometimes confusing retirement planning facts, mostly drawn from Jim’s recent Ed Slott conference. We focus on the two Roth five-year rules and how they apply to Roth IRAs versus Roth 401(k)s. I explain the key distinctions between tax-free earnings and penalty-free access. Jim goes further […]

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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Social Security Benefits, Roth Conversions, and Annuities: Q&A #2512
    Mar 22 2025

    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 benefits are calculated […]

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Things That Make You Go Hmm – RMD Rules, IRA Mistakes, and Tax Court Surprises: EDU #2512
    Mar 19 2025

    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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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Social Security records, GPO, QCD Timing, Annuity Costs, and Excess IRA Contributions: Q&A #2511
    Mar 15 2025

    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 timing of […]

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • IRA Rules Quiz: EDU #2511
    Mar 12 2025

    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 […]

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    1 hr