IRMAA, Social Security, Tax Diversification, Delay Period, Inherited IRA: Q&A #2620

The Retirement and IRA Show

Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

Business, Investing

4.3 • 730 Ratings

🗓️ 16 May 2026

⏱️ 91 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on the SSA-44 and IRMAA process for a couple approaching Medicare, Social Security survivor benefit strategy, tax diversification for young investors, HSA vs. IRA prioritization and spending strategy during the delay period, and inherited IRA RMD rules for non-eligible beneficiaries.

(15:30) A listener approaching Medicare asks how the SSA-44 process applies when one spouse is retiring while the other continues to work, and whether their planned Roth conversions could complicate the IRMAA appeal filing.

(33:15) Georgette wonders whether she can start her own Social Security at 67, switch to a lower survivor benefit if her husband passes, and then return to her own larger benefit at 70.

(41:00) The guys hear from a parent helping his adult children decide whether to convert their traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs or preserve a mix of account types for tax diversification in retirement.

(57:45) Jim and Chris address two questions: (1) whether HSA contributions should be prioritized over IRA contributions for retirement savings, and (2) how to bridge a cash flow gap when brokerage funds run out during the delay period without undermining ongoing Roth conversions.

(1:26:15) A listener asks whether a non-eligible beneficiary who inherits a traditional IRA before the decedent’s required beginning date must still take RMDs, given that the decedent had already taken one RMD in the year they turned 73.

The post IRMAA, Social Security, Tax Diversification, Delay Period, Inherited IRA: Q&A #2620 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.

Transcript

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0:00.0	The retirement and IRA show represents the words and views of the show hosts exclusively and should not be construed as investment legal or tax advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. All economic and performance information is historical in nature and is not indicative of any future results. Any indices mentioned on the show are unmanaged and cannot be invested indirectly. Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure profit or protect against loss.
0:23.8	Never make any investment or financial decisions based on information offered on this show
0:26.9	without first consulting your financial legal or tax advisor.
0:29.7	Financial planning services offered through Jim Solnior and Associates LLC, a registered investment
0:33.4	advisor.
0:38.3	This is the retirement and IRA show coming to you from beautiful Northern Colorado.
0:43.7	Join us as certified financial planner Jim Sonier, as well as Colorado State University
0:48.7	Finance instructor and certified financial planner Chris Stein, teach you about IRAs, 401k's, annuities,
0:56.1	Social Security, pension plans, and estate planning in a fun and enjoyable show. Whether you
1:01.7	are listening live in Colorado or streaming from their website or iTunes podcast, Jim and Chris want
1:07.6	you to know that they're available to help you plan for your retirement.
1:14.0	Just visit their website at Jimhelps.com.
1:17.6	That's Jim H-E-L-P-S.com.
1:20.1	And click the Meet the Team button on the homepage.
1:23.0	Now here's Jim and Chris with today's show.
1:32.4	Hello, everybody, and welcome to the Retirement and IRA show Q&A edition for this week.
1:36.9	I'm kind of winding down at the university.
1:42.0	This was finals week, so my schedule is about to change fairly significantly.
1:50.8	And a lot of stress this week for students, a lot less stress for me as an instructor,
1:56.0	but that's just how it goes each and every semester.
2:03.5	So I've got Jim joining me from his home, his original home base back in Massachusetts.
2:06.8	He'll be here momentarily.
	...

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