Best Jim Saulnier Podcasts (2025)

1
Social Security Benefits, IRMAA, and QCD Timing: Q&A #2517 1:05:39

1h ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security spousal benefits, IRMAA relief, suspending Social Security for tax planning, and QCD timing with RMDs. (3:00) A listener enquires whether her 85-year-old mother, who recently remarried, must remain on her ex-spouse’s record for one year before switching to spousal benefits on her …

1
Transition Period Strategy and Positioning: EDU #2517 1:18:00

3d ago1:18:00

1:18:00

Chris’s Summary: Jim and I are again joined by Jacob as we continue exploring transition period strategy—the years just before retirement when you’re not yet withdrawing but want to prepare. We cover how near-retirees can manage emotional reactions to volatility while positioning assets to support early retirement spending. For those using our Mini…

1
Tax Planning, Minus-One Method, Inherited Roth RMDs, and Early Social Security: Q&A #2516 1:37:30

4d ago1:37:30

1:37:30

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to tax planning at full retirement age, the minus-one method for RMDs, inherited Roth RMDs, and early Social Security. (9:10) A listener jokes about the state trivia and offers a suggestion for Chris’s benefit. (11:10) Another listener shares a PSA about delays in online Social Security applications…

1
Asset Positioning in the Transition Period: EDU #2516 1:24:55

7d ago1:24:55

1:24:55

Chris’s Summary: Jim and I are joined by Jake and Jacob to discuss listener emails related to asset positioning for retirement and the transition period leading up to it. We break down how we think about asset allocation across account types, what a liquidity account is and why we use it, and how we handle year-end tax planning. It’s all part of ho…

1
Social Security, RMD age, Tax Planning, and Inherited Roth IRAs: Q&A #2515 1:13:29

11d ago1:13:29

1:13:29

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, origins of the RMD age, the tax planning window, and RMDs from Inherited Roth IRAs. (11:00) Georgette asks how to qualify for child-in-care survivor benefits if her ex-husband, who has been missing for seven years, is legally declared deceased. (23:00) A listener wonders when to …

1
Defining Unicorn Status in Retirement: EDU #2515 1:12:15

14d ago1:12:15

1:12:15

Chris’s Summary: Jim and I are joined again by Jacob as we discuss listener emails about “unicorn” status—our term for retirees whose Minimum Dignity Floor and Fun Number are both covered by secure income. We clarify what qualifies as secure income and explore whether a very low withdrawal rate from a conservative portfolio might serve as a substit…

1
Social Security, Roth Conversion Tax Strategy, and Identity Theft PSA: Q&A #2514 1:43:11

18d ago1:43:11

1:43:11

This week’s is a bit of a non-traditional Q&A episode where Jim and Chris address two listener questions on Social Security but then move into Public Service Announcement mode. For the first PSA they discuss a listener email about a potential state-level Roth conversion tax saving strategy. Then, to wrap up the episode, Jim shares a continuation of…

1
Weathering Market Downturns: EDU #2514 1:05:05

21d ago1:05:05

1:05:05

Chris’s Description Jim and I talk about how market downturns—like the one we’re seeing now—can cause people to second-guess their plans, even when they’re well prepared. We walk through how our Secure Retirement Income Process is designed to provide structure and clarity during volatile times, and explain how proper positioning can help you mainta…

1
Identity Theft, Spousal Benefits, RMD Taxes, IRA Withdrawals, and 401(k) Contribution Limits: Q&A #2513 1:16:40

25d ago1:16:40

1:16:40

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to spousal Social Security benefits, RMD tax withholding, IRA withdrawals, and 401(k) contribution limits. Jim also shares a PSA about a recent attempt at identity theft. (20:15) Jim shares a PSA about a fraudulent payday loan application attempted in his name and what he learned about credit freeze…

1
Roth 5-Year Rules and the Tax Planning Window: EDU #2513 1:16:49

28d ago1:16:49

1:16:49

Chris’s Summary Jim and I continue our review of interesting and sometimes confusing retirement planning facts, mostly drawn from Jim’s recent Ed Slott conference. We focus on the two Roth five-year rules and how they apply to Roth IRAs versus Roth 401(k)s. I explain the key distinctions between tax-free earnings and penalty-free access. Jim goes f…

1
Social Security Benefits, Roth Conversions, and Annuities: Q&A #2512 1:15:07

1M ago1:15:07

1:15:07

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security strategies, spousal benefits, Roth conversions, and annuities. (8:15) George asks whether a widow who was widowed before age 60 has two Social Security claiming strategies available based on the FRA benefit of each spouse. (20:30) The guys address a question about how spousal bene…

1
Things That Make You Go Hmm – RMD Rules, IRA Mistakes, and Tax Court Surprises: EDU #2512 1:09:21

1M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Chris’s Summary: This week’s EDU show is a throwback to an old favorite—things that make you go “hmm.” Jim brought back a list of oddities from the latest Ed Slott training, covering everything from RMD rules the IRS only recently addressed to real-world court cases involving bankruptcy, lottery tickets, and IRA self-dealing gone wrong. Turns out, …

1
Social Security records, GPO, QCD Timing, Annuity Costs, and Excess IRA Contributions: Q&A #2511 1:19:10

1M ago1:19:10

1:19:10

Jim and Chris answer listener questions on Social Security records, GPO, QCD timing, annuity costs, and excess IRA contributions. (10:30) Georgette asks about fixing gaps in her Social Security record. (19:30) The guys discuss how a listener’s spousal Social Security benefits work after the repeal of GPO. (28:30) George seeks clarification on the t…

1
IRA Rules Quiz: EDU #2511 59:52

2M ago59:52

59:52

Chris’s Summary: Jim’s back from his conference and Jake joined the show again this week as we tackled the latest Ed Slott quiz. Unlike last time, Jim didn’t give us the book to reference—so Jake and I were going in cold. Jim also decided to test ChatGPT by giving it the entire quiz and the manual. With all that information, the AI was still imperf…

1
Qualified Dividends, Gifting Strategies, Roth Conversions, and Trust Taxation: Q&A #2510 1:20:45

2M ago1:20:45

1:20:45

Jim and Chris are joined by Paul Neiffer, CPA to answer listener questions on qualified dividends, gifting strategies, Roth conversions, and trust taxation. (09:00) George wonders if frequent rebalancing in his taxable brokerage account is causing more of his dividends to be classified as unqualified. (21:30) A listener asks for guidance on which a…

1
Setting the Record Straight on Clickbait vs Reality: EDU #2510 59:00

2M ago59:00

59:00

Chris’s Summary: Jim is at yet another industry conference, so Jake is stepping in to join me this week. We pick up where Jim and I left off last time, discussing misleading financial articles. This time, we take a critical look at an article from Moneywise that claims to lay out the “standard” order for withdrawing retirement funds—but seems more …

1
Social Security, 529 Plans, Fun Vision, and Annuities: Q&A #2509 1:21:29

2M ago1:21:29

1:21:29

Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, 529 plans, Fun Vision, and Annuities. (Intro – 12:00) Chris provides a Social Security PSA. (19:00) A listener wonders whether her husbands Social Security benefits have been getting a COLA since his passing or if they’ve been frozen. (26:00) A listener wonders if mis…

1
False Facts and Real Consequences: EDU #2509 57:19

2M ago57:19

57:19

Chris’s Concise Summary: Jim and Chris examine a recent Suze Orman article on inherited IRA rules, identifying key errors that could mislead readers. They clarify the nuances of the 10-year rule, explain how the required beginning date determines whether annual RMDs are necessary and why Roth IRAs don’t have required minimum distributions. The guys…

1
Social Security Benefits, RMD Taxes, IRMAA, and Social Security Taxation: Q&A #2508 1:14:01

2M ago1:14:01

1:14:01

While Jim is attending a conference, Chris is joined by Jake to discuss listener questions relating to Social Security benefits, RMD taxes, IRMAA, and taxability considerations for claiming Social Security. (5:00) Georgette asks whether her survivor benefit will be reduced since her husband passed away at age 71. (13:30) The guys address whether cl…

1
Our Retirement Planning Philosophy and Approach, Condensed Version: EDU #2508 31:19

2M ago31:19

31:19

Chris flies solo for this long promised, very special, EDU episode where he describes our retirement planning philosophy and approach in just 30 minutes. The post Our Retirement Planning Philosophy and Approach, Condensed Version: EDU #2508 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.By Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

1
Social Security, IRMAA, IRA Distributions, Roth Contributions, Catch-up Contributions, and Inherited IRA RMDs: Q&A #2507 1:11:49

2M ago1:11:49

1:11:49

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security benefits, IRMAA, IRA distributions, Roth contributions, catch-up contributions, and inherited IRA RMDs. (6:30) George asks how inflation adjustments apply when a reduced Social Security benefit converts to a spousal benefit. (13:45) The guys address whether the end of non-qualifie…

1
A Smart Approach to Retirement: EDU #2507 1:13:19

3M ago1:13:19

1:13:19

In this EDU episode Jim and Chris review and discuss an article sent in by a listener after their critique of the safe withdrawal rate approach to retirement. Some of the points made in the article should sound familiar to listeners… Nobel laureates William F. Sharpe and Robert C. Merton argue that traditional retirement withdrawal strategies, like…

1
Survivor Benefits, Social Security Disability, and Donor Advised Funds: Q&A #2506 1:10:15

3M ago1:10:15

1:10:15

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Survivor Benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Donor Advised Funds. Before diving into listener questions, Jim shares insights from his recent trip to an industry conference, where he investigated financial planning software options that might align with their Secure Retirement Inco…

1
A Discussion on Simplified Retirement Planning: EDU #2506 59:20

3M ago59:20

59:20

While Jim is at a conference, Jake joins Chris to discuss a listener’s simplified retirement planning approach. They examine their straightforward strategy, focusing on key points like living within your means, how finances often simplify in the mid-70s after covering the Minimum Dignity Floor, and the impact of passing the delay period for larger …

1
Social Security, QLACs, and ETFs: Q&A #2505 1:29:07

3M ago1:29:07

1:29:07

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, QLACs, TIPS ETFs, and buffered ETFs. (9:00) A listener who worked in Australia in the late 1980s asks how the U.S.-Australia Totalization Agreement might affect their Social Security benefits. Jim and Chris discuss whether their earnings record can be adjusted and what steps to t…

1
Safe Withdrawal Rate: EDU #2505 1:28:54

3M ago1:28:54

1:28:54

Jim, Chris, and Jake share their thoughts on a recent Morningstar study that lowers the industry-standard safe withdrawal rate to 3.7%. They review a MarketWatch article discussing the study, highlighting points of agreement and disagreement. Throughout the conversation, they explore their approach to retirement planning, including the Minimum Dign…

1
Medicare Enrollment, Social Security, and Estate Taxes: Q&A #2504 1:34:17

3M ago1:34:17

1:34:17

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Medicare enrollment, Social Security benefits, and estate taxes. (6:00) George asks about Medicare’s special enrollment period and the impact of large Roth conversions on IRMAA thresholds after retirement. (18:30) A listener wonders about the impact of the Social Security (Un)Fairness Act on spou…

1
Charitable Remainder Trusts Part 2: EDU #2504 1:28:34

3M ago1:28:34

1:28:34

Jim, Chris, and guest Paul Neiffer, CPA, continue their discussion on Charitable Remainder Trusts. They also answer listener questions related to CRTs, CRATs and CRUTs. The post Charitable Remainder Trusts Part 2: EDU #2504 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.By Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

1
Contributions, Social Security, 415 Limits, and Beneficiaries: Q&A #2503 1:05:47

3M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

Jim, Chris, and Jake sit down to discuss listener questions relating to contributions, Social Security, 415 limits, and beneficiaries. PSA: Chris and Jake review several questions from this weeks EDU show relating to 415 limits, new age 60-63 “super” catch-up contributions effective under SECURE 2.0. (10:30) A listener looks for clarification on hi…

1
“Super-Catchup” Retirement Plan Contributions: EDU #2503 56:25

3M ago56:25

56:25

Chris and Jake discuss the new “Super-Catchup” retirement plan contributions, explaining who qualifies and how they work. The post “Super-Catchup” Retirement Plan Contributions: EDU #2503 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.By Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

1
Social Security, Inherited Roth IRAs, Inherited IRA RMDs, and Roth Withdrawals: Q&A #2502 1:21:51

4M ago1:21:51

1:21:51

Jim and Chris sit down to discuss Social Security, inherited Roth IRAs, an inherited IRA RMD case, and reporting Roth withdrawals. (12:45) The guys answer a question about earning enough Social Security credits while working overseas and how this impacts Medicare eligibility and spousal benefits. (22:45) Georgette asks whether taking a Child-in-Car…

1
Retirement Planning Dialogue: EDU #2502 1:31:10

4M ago1:31:10

1:31:10

In this EDU dialogue show, Jim and Chris are joined by Jake to explore listener questions about Social Security, income annuities, strategies for deploying dollars in retirement, and other Retirement Planning related topics. Mentioned JP Morgan Article The post Retirement Planning Dialogue: EDU #2502 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.…

1
Spousal Benefits, IRMAA, Step-Up Basis, Family Maximums, Beneficiaries, and Inheritances: Q&A #2501 1:32:54

4M ago1:32:54

1:32:54

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security spousal benefits, IRMAA planning, step-up in basis rules, family maximums, IRA beneficiaries, and factoring inheritances into retirement planning. (12:00) George asks how his wife’s spousal Social Security benefit will be calculated, specifically regarding COLA increases to his PI…

1
Developing Confidence With Retirement Spending: EDU #2501 1:16:21

4M ago1:16:21

1:16:21

Jim and Chris, once again joined by Jake, a fellow planner at Jim Saulnier & Associates, discuss a recent Wall Street Journal article about why retirees often hesitate to spend in retirement. The guys share some tips to build retirement spending confidence. The post Developing Confidence With Retirement Spending: EDU #2501 appeared first on The Ret…

1
Social Security Benefits, IRMAA, RMDs, Annuities, and Beneficiaries: Q&A #2452 1:57:53

4M ago1:57:53

1:57:53

Jim and Chris discuss listener and forum questions relating to Social Security benefits, IRMAA, RMDs, annuities, and beneficiaries. Chris kicked off the episode with a bold dare, promising listeners the “best show of the year” since it’s the last one for 2024. Jim took the challenge seriously, turning it into a record-breaking two-hour extravaganza…

1
Individualized Retirement Planning Strategies: EDU #2452 1:03:55

4M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

Jim and Chris continue discussing different approaches to retirement planning, focusing on a listener’s DIY strategy. They cover key topics like withdrawal strategies, risk management, and tax considerations, emphasizing personalized solutions to fit individual goals. The post Individualized Retirement Planning Strategies: EDU #2452 appeared first …

1
IRMAA, 457b, QCDs, and Roth Conversions: Q&A #2451 1:37:47

4M ago1:37:47

1:37:47

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to IRMAA, Social Security benefits, 457B plans, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and Roth conversions. (8:30) The guys address a listener question about using form SSA-44 to appeal IRMAA surcharge. (20:45) George seeks clarity on whether and how his wife’s 457 plan distributions will impact their…

1
Charitable Remainder Trusts Part 1: EDU #2451 1:08:33

4M ago1:08:33

1:08:33

Jim and Chris welcome on another member of the JSA team – Paul Neiffer, CPA – to discuss Charitable Remainder Trusts. They dive into what they are and how you might use them. The post Charitable Remainder Trusts Part 1: EDU #2451 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.By Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

1
IRMAA, Spousal Benefits, IRA Withdrawals, QCDs, and Roth Contributions: Q&A #2450 59:35

5M ago59:35

59:35

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to IRMAA, SS Spousal Benefits, IRA withdrawals, Qualified Charitable Donations, and Roth contributions. (6:45) A listener looks for assistance filling out form SSA-44 to have his IRMMA surcharge reevaluated. (24:15) George wonders if his wife claiming her Social Security benefits early will reduce h…

1
Retirement Planning Philosophy and Process Dialog: EDU #2450 1:09:28

5M ago1:09:28

1:09:28

Jim and Chris once again welcome their colleague, Jake Turner, EA, and Candidate for CFP® certification, to the show. Together, they address listener questions and take a deeper dive into their retirement planning philosophy and process. The post Retirement Planning Philosophy and Process Dialog: EDU #2450 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA S…

1
Family Maximum Benefit, Means Test, QCDs, Tax Strategies, and SPIA Income: Q&A #2449 1:15:57

5M ago1:15:57

1:15:57

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to the Family Maximum Benefit, Means Test, Qualified Charitable Donations, tax strategies for pension benefits, and spreadsheet tracking of SPIA income. (10:00) Georgette asks about factoring in the Family Maximum Benefit while deciding when to start taking Social Security (19:30) A listener looks f…

1
Common Estate Planning Mistakes: EDU #2449 1:06:40

5M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

Chris is joined by estate planning attorney Shelley Thompson while Jim is traveling. Chris and Shelley discuss common mistakes people make with their Wills. The post Common Estate Planning Mistakes: EDU #2449 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.By Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

1
Social Security, Annuity RMDs, and Being a CFP: Q&A #2448 55:24

5M ago55:24

55:24

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, Annuity RMDs, and next steps after passing the CFP exam. (5:30) George asks if you’re required to claim Social Security as soon as you turn 70. (13:00) The guys are asked for their input on Social Security claiming strategy. (21:00) Jim and Chris discuss whether there are differe…

1
60-day Rollover Conversion Strategy: EDU #2448 1:00:08

5M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

Jim and Chris received an email from a listener asking about completing a Roth conversion using a 60-day rollover. In response, they decided to take a dive deep into the topic, exploring what they call the “60-day rollover conversion” strategy. The post 60-day Rollover Conversion Strategy: EDU #2448 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.…

1
Earnings Test, IRMAA, Survivor Benefits, 529 Plans, and SPIAs: Q&A #2447 1:24:09

5M ago1:24:09

1:24:09

Jim and Chris sit down to answer listener questions related to Social Security, 529 Plans, and SPIA payments… (6:30) A listener wonders if they will be subject to the Social Security earnings test. (14:30) The guys weigh in on if/how a Roth conversion would impact an IRMAA appeal. (30:30) Chris answers whether there is a time limit to apply for Sur…

1
Roth Conversions and RMDs: EDU #2447 1:10:18

5M ago1:10:18

1:10:18

Jim and Chris sit down for a Discussion edition of the EDU series to talk through some listener questions on RMDs in relation to Roth Conversions (’tis the season!). The post Roth Conversions and RMDs: EDU #2447 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.By Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

1
Social Security Benefits, Roth Conversions, and RMDs: Q&A #2446 1:11:15

5M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

Jim and Chris discuss listener questions relating to Social Security, Roth conversions, and RMDs. (11:00) George wonders if his wife is eligible for Social Security benefits while taking care of an adult disabled child even if he is still working and has not applied for SS yet. (19:00) Chris tackles an interesting Social Security survivor benefits …

1
SECURE Act Updates: EDU #2446 59:46

6M ago59:46

59:46

Jim and Chris sit down for another EDU show discussing updates to the SECURE Act that Jim brought back from the recent Ed Slott conference. The post SECURE Act Updates: EDU #2446 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.By Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

1
Social Security, RMDs, QLACs, and Buffered ETFs: Q&A 2445 1:25:52

6M ago1:25:52

1:25:52

Jim and Chris sit down to discuss listeners questions relating to Social Security, RMDs, QLACs, and Buffered ETFs… (12:30) The guys are asked if dual citizenship will affect Social Security benefits. (20:30) George looks for clarity on Social Security’s family maximum rules. (30:00) Chris explains the reduction factor when claiming a spousal Social…

1
Stretch IRA Rules and More: EDU #2445 1:00:29

6M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Jim and Chris sit down to discuss a few things Jim brought back from his recent Ed Slott conference including a discussion of ALAR (10-year RMD rule) and stretch IRAs. The post Stretch IRA Rules and More: EDU #2445 appeared first on The Retirement and IRA Show.By Jim Saulnier, CFP® & Chris Stein, CFP®

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Jim Saulnier Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen