Social Security, IRMAA, ETFs, Private Investments: Q&A #2547
The Retirement and IRA Show
Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®
4.3 • 730 Ratings
🗓️ 22 November 2025
⏱️ 84 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Jim and Chris discuss listener questions on Social Security spousal benefits, IRMAA’s classification, concerns about buffer-style funds, the growing push toward private investments, and moving from mutual funds to ETFs.
(22:30) A listener presents a hypothetical asking whether the repeal of WEP/GPO could allow Georgette to receive a spousal benefit based on her ex-husband’s Federal Employee record.
(28:30) Jim and Chris review a listener’s question about when his spouse can file for her spousal Social Security benefit after he submitted his own application.
(37:30) The guys address a listener’s challenge to the explanation that IRMAA is an insurance premium rather than a tax.
(43:45) George asks about a recent AQR paper evaluating the effectiveness of buffer funds.
(1:01:45) A listener wonders whether the growing push toward private investments—such as private equity and private debt—means they should consider using them.
(1:10:45) Jim and Chris review a listener’s question on whether long-held mutual funds can be moved into ETFs without triggering large capital gains.
The post Social Security, IRMAA, ETFs, Private Investments: Q&A #2547 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.
Transcript
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| 0:39.1 | This is the retirement and IRA show coming to you from beautiful Northern Colorado. |
| 0:44.5 | Join us as certified financial planner Jim Sonier, as well as Colorado State University |
| 0:49.5 | Finance instructor and certified financial planner Chris Stein, teach you about IRAs, 401ks, annuities, |
| 0:56.9 | Social Security, pension plans, and estate planning in a fun and enjoyable show. |
| 1:02.1 | Whether you are listening live in Colorado or streaming from their website or iTunes podcast, |
| 1:07.4 | Jim and Chris want you to know that they're available to help you plan for your retirement. |
| 1:12.0 | Just visit their website at Jimhelps.com. |
| 1:15.2 | That's Jim H-E-L-P-S dot com and click the Meet the Team button on the homepage. |
| 1:21.4 | Now here's Jim and Chris with today's show. |
| 1:28.1 | Hello, everybody, and welcome to the Retirement |
| 1:30.5 | Naira show, Q&A edition for this week. |
| 1:34.5 | I want to welcome everybody who's tuned in, if you will, to listen to our answers to the |
| 1:40.7 | questions that are submitted. |
| 1:42.4 | If you want to send in your own questions for consideration |
... |
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