Retirement Lessons Learned: EDU #2614
In this episode, certified financial planners Jim Saulnier and Chris Stein discuss retirement planning through the lens of a listener’s mother’s experience, focusing on survivor benefits, pension options, and secure income for spouses. They emphasize the importance of electing full survivor options on pensions to avoid income gaps for widows, noting that Social Security already reduces benefits after a spouse’s death. The hosts also share personal anecdotes about travel, family obligations, and the emotional impact of losing loved ones, illustrating how real‑life events shape retirement decisions.
Buffered ETF Mechanics: EDU #2613
In this episode, Jim Saulnier and Chris Stein dive deep into how buffered ETFs work, focusing on 100% and 20% buffer products during a recent market downturn. Guest Jacob explains the concept of mark‑to‑market pricing, why the fund’s value can...
Ed Slott IRA Quiz Continued: EDU #2612
In this episode, Jim Saulnier and Chris Stein continue the Ed Slott IRA quiz, testing their knowledge on IRA rules and nuances. They explain recharacterizing IRA contributions, clarifying that the deadline is October 15 of the year after the contribution,...
Retirement Planning With a Defined Benefit Pension: EDU #2610
In this episode, Chris Stein and Jake discuss how to incorporate a defined benefit pension into retirement planning, using a listener’s scenario of a law‑enforcement employee with a non‑covered pension and a spouse’s Roth 401(k) contributions. They explain that the...
Cash Balance Plans Part 2: EDU #2606
In this episode, hosts Jim Saulnier and Chris Stein field listener questions about cash balance pension plans, focusing on their suitability for self‑employed owners and businesses with fluctuating but potentially large future income, such as farmers. Guest expert Steve explains...