Social Security, HSA, and Annuities: Q&A #2603

The Retirement and IRA Show

Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

Business, Investing

4.3 • 729 Ratings

🗓️ 17 January 2026

⏱️ 86 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security survivor benefits and divorce rules, a listener PSA on spousal benefits, HSA contribution limits, and whether annuities make sense versus Treasury bonds.

(8:45) A listener asks whether someone who is newly widowed can claim survivor Social Security now, keep working part time, and later switch to their own benefit, and also asks whether you still offer a “coffee and second opinion” or an a la carte Social Security review.

(23:00) The guys field a question from someone with two ex-spouses asking if it’s possible to combine their own Social Security with part of either (or both) ex-spouses’ benefits.

(33:30) George shares a PSA on how filing for Social Security online triggered a spousal-benefit eligibility notice for their spouse, and how the follow-up phone appointment worked without needing an in-person visit or marriage certificate.

(45:15) Jim and Chris answer a question about 2026 HSA contribution limits for two spouses on an ACA family plan who each opened their own HSA and want to avoid overfunding.

(54:45) One writer asks why they should consider annuities given fees and insurer risk when they can buy 20-year Treasury bonds, and adds a quick note about simplifying word choice from a prior email discussion.

The post Social Security, HSA, and Annuities: Q&A #2603 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.
0:07.0	All information is believed to be from reliable sources. However, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
0:12.1	All economic and performance information is historical in nature and is not indicative of any future results.
0:16.5	Any indices mentioned on the show are unmanaged and cannot be invested indirectly.
0:20.0	Diversification and asset allocation strategies do not assure profit or protect against loss.
0:23.9	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.
0:29.8	Financial planning services offered through Jim Solnior and Associates LLC, a registered investment advisor.
0:38.7	This is the retirement and IRA show coming to you from beautiful Northern Colorado.
0:44.1	Join us as certified financial planner Jim Sonier, as well as Colorado State University
0:49.1	finance instructor and certified financial planner Chris Stein, teach you abouts, 401k's, annuities,
0:56.5	social security, pension plans, and estate planning in a fun and enjoyable show.
1:01.7	Whether you are listening live in Colorado or streaming from their website or iTunes podcast,
1:07.0	Jim and Chris want you to know that they're available to help you plan for your retirement.
1:11.6	Just visit their website at Jimhelps.com.
1:14.7	That's Jim H-E-L-P-S.com and click the Meet the Team button on the homepage.
1:21.0	Now here's Jim and Chris with today's show.
1:26.3	Hello, everybody, and welcome to the Retirement and IRA show, Q&A edition for this week.
1:32.1	So you've got questions you've sent us and we hopefully will have some answers for you today.
1:37.6	That's kind of how a Q&A show works.
1:40.8	So I think pretty standard show today.
1:44.1	That's the sense I get from conversations with Jim.
	...

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