Social Security, RMDs, Money Market Earnings, QLACs: Q&A #2551

The Retirement and IRA Show

Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

Business, Investing

4.3 • 730 Ratings

🗓️ 20 December 2025

⏱️ 87 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security spousal eligibility and claiming coordination, a listener PSA on Social Security proof of marriage requirements, RMD planning while still working, money market earnings in brokerage accounts, and using QLACs for long-term care planning.
(16:15) Georgette asks whether the repeal of WEP and GPO affects her eligibility for a spousal benefit if her ex-husband worked for the federal government and she did not pay into Social Security.
(26:45) A listener asks how Social Security works when one spouse lacks enough work credits for their own benefit and only qualifies for a spousal benefit, including whether both spouses must claim at full retirement age to access that benefit.
(42:00) The guys address a PSA on why Social Security may already have proof of marriage on file for one spouse due to a name change but still requires documentation from the other spouse when benefits are claimed.
(49:30) Jim and Chris discuss whether maximizing pre-tax retirement contributions and rolling a SEP IRA into a 403(b) can reduce or eliminate RMDs under the still-working exception.
(1:06:45) A listener questions the statement that Money Market earnings are minimal, pointing to current yields in a fund they hold.
(1:12:00) The guys respond to feedback on whether a QLAC could be an effective way to address long-term care planning when self-funding alone does not feel sufficient.

The post Social Security, RMDs, Money Market Earnings, QLACs: Q&A #2551 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 advisor.
0:38.4	This is the retirement and IRA show coming to you from beautiful Northern Colorado.
0:43.8	Join us as certified financial planner Jim Sondier, as well as Colorado State
0:48.2	University 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.
1:01.3	Whether you are listening live in Colorado or streaming from their website or iTunes podcast,
1:06.7	Jim and Chris want you to know that they're available to help you plan for your retirement.
1:11.3	Just visit their website at Jimhelps.com.
1:14.4	That's Jim H-E-L-P-S.com.
1:18.0	And click the Meet the Team button on the homepage.
1:20.7	Now here's Jim and Chris with today's show.
1:27.0	Hello, everybody, and welcome to the Retirement and IRA show Q&A edition.
1:32.9	This will be, I believe, the second to last Q&A show for 2025 as we rapidly approach the end of 2025.
1:44.6	So I want to thank everybody once again for both sending in questions and also listening to
1:51.6	our answers.
1:53.5	I think we have a pretty straightforward Q&A show here today, lined up for you.
1:59.9	We are going to, even though the normal recording day for these Q&A shows being Friday,
2:08.0	next Friday will be the day after Christmas.
2:11.9	And Jim and I aren't going to record that day,
	...

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