IRMAA Brackets, Social Security, Annuity Inflation, QCDs, Listener PSAs: Q&A #2636

IRMAA Brackets, Social Security, Annuity Inflation, QCDs, Listener PSAs: Q&A #2636

September 5, 2026 · 1h 26m

About this episode

Jim and Chris address various listener questions regarding IRMAA brackets, Social Security benefits, annuities, and charitable distributions.

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on IRMAA brackets after a spouse’s death, Social Security claiming and spousal benefits, annuities and inflation for a Minimum Dignity Floor shortfall, and a Qualified Charitable Distributio (QCD) funding a charitable gift annuity, followed by listener PSAs on expense tracking, home sale timing, and annuity flexibility. (10:00) A listener asks which year’s tax brackets and which filing status apply to the IRMAA two-year look-back following a spouse’s death, and whether remarrying later would change the result. (18:30) George asks whether claiming Social Security at Full Retirement Age rather than 70 makes more sense when a spouse is already receiving a small benefit that would step up to a spousal benefit. (32:15) The guys respond to a question about how to account for future inflation when purchasing an annuity to cover a Minimum Dignity Floor (MDF) shortfall. (1:02:15) Jim and Chris address a question about using a QCD from a traditional IRA that contains basis to fund a charitable gift annuity. The listener asks how the basis affects the reportable QCD amount, any charitable deduction, and the taxation of the lifetime…

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Hosts: Jim Saulnier, Chris Stein

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