The Retirement and IRA Show · 2026-09-05 · 1h 26m
Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on IRMAA brackets after a spouse's death, Social Security claiming and spousal benefits, annuities and inflation for a Minimum Dignity Floor shortfall, and a Qualified Charitable Distributio (QCD) funding a charitable gift annuity, followed by listener PSAs on expense tracking, home sale timing, and annuity flexibility. (10:00) A listener asks which year's tax brackets and which filing status apply to the IRMAA two-year look-back following a spouse's death, and whether remarrying later would change the result. (18:30) George asks whether claiming Social Security at Full Retirement Age rather than 70 makes more sense when a spouse is already receiving a small benefit that would step up to a spousal benefit. (32:15) The guys respond to a question about how to account for future inflation when purchasing an annuity to cover a Minimum Dignity Floor (MDF) shortfall. (1:02:15) Jim and Chris address a question about using a QCD from a traditional IRA that contains basis to fund a charitable gift annuity. The listener asks how the basis affects the reportable QCD amount, any charitable deduction, and the taxation of the lifetime income stream.
Review of a DIY Retirement Plan: EDU #263671 / 100Social Security, Estate Planning, Annuity Safety: Q&A #263171 / 100Social Security, 403b Variable Annuities, Converting Inherited IRAs: Q&A #262769 / 100
Investment Positioning Questions: EDU #2635Social Security, Social Security, Home Purchase, Fun Spending: Q&A #2635