In this episode of Retire with Style, hosts Alex Murguia and Wade Pfau tackle a range of financial planning questions in a lively Q&A session. They explore Social Security strategies, the role of single premium immediate annuities (SPIAs) in retirement income, and investment approaches for managing required minimum distributions (RMDs). The discussion also covers the pros and cons of bond ladders versus Treasury bonds, along with how Roth conversions can affect adjusted gross income and Medicare premiums. Throughout the conversation, Alex and Wade highlight how thoughtful, strategic planning can help retirees maximize their income and minimize their tax burden. Listen now to learn more!

Takeaways

• Delaying social security can lead to increased spending throughout retirement.
• A social security delay bridge can mitigate sequence of returns risk.
• Single premium immediate annuities provide longevity protection and mortality credits.
• Investing RMDs for beneficiaries can allow for more aggressive strategies.
• Roth conversions impact adjusted gross income and potential IRMA surcharges.
• Tax-efficient planning can help manage future tax liabilities.
• Bond ladders are useful for meeting specific spending needs in retirement.
• Treasury bonds can be a simpler alternative to bond ladders.
• Understanding the nuances of annuities is crucial for retirement planning.
• Engaging with audience questions enhances the relevance of financial discussions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Pickleball Paddle Reveal 04:30 Diving into Financial Planning Questions 05:44 Social Security Strategies and Their Impact 11:10 Building a Social Security Delay Bridge 16:11 Exploring Single Premium Immediate Annuities 22:45 Investment Strategies for RMDs 24:40 Bond Ladders vs. Treasury Bonds 26:59 Understanding Roth Conversions and IRMA

Links

Our new Retire With Style podcast website is officially LIVE! Submit questions for future episodes, learn more about us and our affiliates, and more to come! Visit RetireWithStyle.com to check it out now!

Visit our YouTube channel and watch this episode and see the new custom limited edition Retire With Style Pickleball Paddles! Follow the instructions in the comments of that video to enter for your chance to win of your very own: https://www.youtube.com/@retirewithstylepodcast

The Retirement Planning Guidebook: 2nd Edition has just been updated for 2025! Visit your preferred book retailer or simply click here to order your copy today: https://www.wadepfau.com/books/

This episode is sponsored by McLean Asset Management. Visit https://www.mcleanam.com/retirement-income-planning-llm/ to download McLean’s free eBook, “Retirement Income Planning”