About this episode

Jim and Chris answer listener questions about Social Security benefits, using annuities for RMDs, and strategies for annuity laddering.

Jim and Chris discuss listener emails on Social Security survivor and ex-spouse benefits, using annuity income to satisfy RMDs, and annuity laddering strategies for both SPIAs and DIAs and MYGAs. (6:30) George writes in about a cousin who turns 62 in November 2026 and whose ex-spouse recently passed away — he wants to know what survivor and ex-spouse Social Security claiming options may be available. (19:45) A listener asks whether annuity income payments from a qualified annuity can be used to satisfy the RMD requirement on a separate IRA, potentially eliminating the need to take distributions from the IRA altogether. 43:15) The guys hear from a long-term buy-and-hold investor at the start of his transition from accumulation to decumulation who is drawn to the idea of purchasing SPIAs or DIAs in multiple chunks rather than a single lump sum and is curious about tradeoffs as well as how to apply a dollar-cost averaging mindset to annuity income. (1:01:00) Jim and Chris take a question from a listener about 2.5 years from retirement who is considering laddering MYGAs through his 401(k) and wants to know whether the yield advantage of A-rated carriers is worth the added risk…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jim Saulnier, Chris Stein

Topics covered

• Social Security
• Annuity RMDs
• Annuity Laddering
• Retirement Planning
• Income Strategies

Keywords

• Social Security
• Annuity RMDs
• Annuity Laddering
• SPIAs
• DIAs
• MYGAs
• Retirement
• Income Planning

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: 401(k)

More episodes of The Retirement and IRA Show

• Understanding Forced Annuitization: EDU #2623 · June 10, 2026 · 1h 9m
• Social Security, Rule of 55, QLAC Timing, SPIAs: Q&A #2623 · June 6, 2026 · 1h 26m
• Annuity Basics: EDU #2622 · June 3, 2026 · 1h 39m
• Income Annuities in Retirement: EDU #2621 · May 27, 2026 · 1h 30m
• Social Security, Withdrawal Strategy, HSAs, 4% Rule, Roths, Retirement Trust: Q&A #2621 · May 23, 2026 · 1h 35m
• Delay Period Funding Strategy: EDU #2620 · May 20, 2026 · 1h 20m

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