Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

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26. 3 IRA Tax Rules From Ed Slott Every Retiree Must Know

In today’s episode of the Retirement Income School™, I’m sharing the three biggest rules I learned at Ed Slott’s Elite IRA Advisor Group training — using Ed’s exact quotes and simple, practical steps you can use to reduce your lifetime tax bill.

I just returned from a multi-day intensive workshop with financial planners, CPAs, estate attorneys, and insurance professionals like me — all focused on helping YOU avoid the biggest retirement tax traps.

You’ll learn:

Why delaying taxes can cost you more later

Why your IRA is really an IOU to the IRS

And why long-term planning is the key to avoiding RMD surprises, IRMAA surcharges, the widow’s penalty, and inherited IRA taxes

Plus, exciting news: Ed Slott himself will be joining us early next year for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

If you want to retire financially relaxed with a plan that protects your wealth and creates predictable, guaranteed income, this episode is for you.

📕 Link to Ed Slott's Book: The Retirement Savings Time Bomb Ticks Louder

00:00 — Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor Training Recap | Why Dr. Amanda attends this high-level tax workshop
01:15 — What You’ll Learn Today | Ed Slott’s 3 core rules for lowering lifetime retirement taxes
02:00 — Retirement Tax Strategy: Pay at the Lowest Rates | Why delaying taxes can cost you more later
03:00 — Roth Conversion Timing in Your 60s | Using low-tax years to reduce future RMDs
04:30 — RMD Planning in Your 70s | How forced withdrawals increase your tax bill
05:00 — Annuities for Roth Conversions | How to convert safely using Roth-friendly annuity contracts
06:00 — IRA Tax Truth: “Your IRA Is an IOU to the IRS” | Understanding how much of your IRA is really yours
06:45 — Hidden Tax Triggers: IRMAA, Social Security Taxation, Widow’s Penalty | The chain reaction retirees miss
07:30 — Reducing Your IOU | Moving money from tax later to tax never with Roth conversions + QCDs
08:00 — Long-Term Retirement Tax Planning | Why year-by-year decisions create 30-year tax problems
09:00 — Multi-Year Planning Across Your 40s–80s | Mapping RMDs, Medicare, survivor income, and inheritance taxes
10:30 — Recap of Ed Slott’s 3 Rules | Pay early, understand your IOU, and plan long-term
11:00 — Work With Dr. Amanda | How to schedule a Retirement Income Q&A Call
12:00 — Final Thoughts | Learn safe money strategies so you can retire financially relaxed

📅 Want to Find Out More?:
Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
www.RetirementIncome.School

📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-444-2997
LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

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25. Live Annuity Comparison: MYGA vs FIA with Income Rider for Retirement Income

If you had $500,000 to put into an annuity for retirement income, would you choose a guaranteed 5.5% rate for 10 years — or a guaranteed paycheck for life?

In this Retirement Income School™ lesson, Dr. Amanda walks you through a live side-by-side comparison between a MYGA (Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity) and a Fixed Indexed Annuity with an income rider. You’ll see how each one performs for a 65-year-old couple, what kind of income each produces, and which approach might fit your retirement income plan best.

Learn how both protect your principal, how they differ in fees, liquidity, and payout structure — and why the right choice depends on your personal income goals.

00:00 – Intro: $500K Annuity Comparison Setup
01:00 – What a MYGA Is and How It Works
02:00 – Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) with Income Rider Explained
03:00 – Feature Comparison: Growth Type, Fees, Liquidity, Income
06:00 – Case Study Setup: 65-Year-Old Couple, $500K Investment
08:00 – FIA Income Example – $39,097 Lifetime Income
10:00 – MIGA Income Example – $27,500 Interest-Only Income
12:00 – Understanding Principal Protection & Ratings
15:00 – Key Differences Between MYGA and FIA Strategies
16:30 – How to Combine or Ladder Annuities for Flexibility
18:00 – Recap: Which One Fits Your Plan?
19:00 – Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

📅 Want to Find Out More?:
Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
www.RetirementIncome.School

📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-444-2997
LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

///////////////

24. Annuity Fees Explained: SPIA, DIA, MYGA, FIA vs. Variable Annuities

In this Retirement Income School™ lesson, Dr. Amanda tackles one of the biggest misconceptions about annuities — that they all come with high fees.
She breaks down the four main types of annuities — SPIAs, DIAs, MYGAs, and FIAs — and explains which ones truly have fees (and why).
You’ll learn how to spot hidden costs, understand what you’re actually paying for, and discover why some of the best income strategies for retirees come with no fees at all.

By the end, you’ll know how to confidently evaluate annuities, compare options side by side, and understand exactly how each type fits into your retirement plan.

00:00 – Introduction: “Do all annuities have high fees?”
01:00 – The four main annuity types explained
02:00 – Why SPIAs, DIAs, and MYGAs have no ongoing fees
03:00 – How FIAs work and when an income rider adds value
05:00 – Why variable annuities carry the highest fees (and the biggest risks)
07:00 – Inside an FIA with income rider: how fees are calculated
08:00 – Comparing SPIA/DIA vs. FIA with income rider
10:00 – The benefits and tradeoffs of guaranteed lifetime income
12:00 – Understanding MYGAs and tax-deferred safe growth
13:00 – Variable annuity layers of fees (M&E, subaccounts, riders)
17:00 – Hidden costs and compounding fee impact
18:30 – Recap: which annuities charge fees — and which don’t
20:00 – How to evaluate annuities and ask the right questions
21:00 – Key takeaways and next steps for your retirement plan

🔗 Show Links

📅 Want to Find Out More?:
Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
www.RetirementIncome.School

📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-444-2997
LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

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23. Q&A: Annuities, LTC, Roth & Social Security Featuring Roy Snarr

In this Retirement Income School™ lesson, Dr. Amanda sits down with nationally recognized LTC and safe-money strategist Roy Snarr to show how annuities and long-term care planning work together. You’ll hear Roy’s personal “why,” what most retirees get wrong about LTC, and when to use MYGAs, FIAs with income riders, DIAs/SPIAs to build a guaranteed income floor. We also dig into asset-based LTC, tax-free benefits under the Pension Protection Act, Social Security timing, and how Roth conversions can be staged inside annuities to control taxes and IRMAA.

Timestamps:
00:00 — Welcome and why LTC + annuities belong in the same plan
01:00 — Roy’s backstory and “safe money first” mission
03:30 — The biggest retirement risk: extended care and what Medicare actually covers
06:30 — How modern LTC works: traditional vs. asset-based vs. annuity/LTC benefits
09:30 — Using annuities to build an income floor: MYGA, FIA + rider, DIA/SPIA basics
12:30 — Inflation resilience: COLA options, indexing, and laddering strategies
15:00 — Pension Protection Act strategy: repurposing old non-qualified annuities for tax-free LTC benefits
17:30 — Coordinating Social Security timing with a guaranteed annuity paycheck
19:30 — Roth conversions: using a MYGA/FIA as a safe staging area to manage brackets and IRMAA
22:00 — Due diligence checklist: carrier strength, surrender schedule, rider costs, liquidity
24:00 — Common myths and red flags in annuity/LTC proposals
26:00 — Roy’s #1 takeaway: guarantee enough lifetime income to cover your fixed expenses
28:30 — Wrap and next steps

🔗 Show Links

📅 Want to Find Out More?:
Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
www.RetirementIncome.School

📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-444-2997
LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

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22. Retirement Income Paychecks & Playchecks | Tom Hegna #Annuities

In this episode of the Retirement Income School™, Dr. Amanda sits down with Tom Hegna — economist, author, and one of the most respected voices in retirement income planning. Together they discuss Tom’s books Paychecks and Playchecks and Don’t Worry, Retire Happy, covering the must-know strategies for creating guaranteed lifetime income, why longevity risk is “the mother of all risks,” and how to think about your go-go, slow-go, and no-go years. You’ll hear Tom explain why he personally owns 13 annuities, how annuity laddering can hedge against inflation, why life insurance is the most efficient way to pass wealth, and the four pillars of a financially relaxed retirement.

📚Purchase Tom Hegna's Books: 
Paychecks & Playchecks
Don't Worry Retire Happy
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & why Tom inspired Dr. Amanda’s work
02:00 – The “every day is Saturday” mindset in retirement
03:00 – Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years explained
04:00 – Why Tom owns 13 annuities and how he uses them
05:00 – Annuity laddering as an inflation hedge
06:00 – Research backing guaranteed lifetime income
08:00 – “Just in case” retirement vs. spending with confidence
09:30 – Why leave life insurance, not money, to your kids
11:00 – How much of your portfolio belongs in annuities
12:00 – Using whole life and Roth annuities for tax-free income
14:00 – IRMAA, Medicare premiums, and tax planning mistakes
15:00 – Insurance company safety and state protections
17:00 – Mortality credits: the “secret sauce” of annuities
19:00 – Why annuities often outperform bonds
20:00 – Understanding fees and spread products
23:00 – Longevity risk: the risk multiplier
25:00 – Seven steps to retire happy (book overview)
28:00 – Use your home equity wisely + wealth transfer with life insurance
29:00 – Tom’s takeaway: the four-step retirement formula
30:00 – Tom’s latest book for young adults: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

🔗 Show Links

📅 Want to Find Out More?:
Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
www.RetirementIncome.School

📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-444-2997
LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

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In this episode of Retirement Income School™, I sit down with Steve Hutchinson — creator of the Roth Blueprint software — to dive deep into Roth conversions. We cover why the 2018 tax law changes made conversions riskier, how phantom gains can devastate your retirement, why the 4% rule breaks down during conversion years, and how annuities can create stability and protect against losses. If you’re serious about building tax-free income in retirement, this lesson is a must-listen.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Welcome + Why Roth Conversions Are Hot Right Now
1:00 – Meet Steve Hutchinson & The Roth Blueprint
2:00 – Why Roths Provide Certainty in Uncertain Tax Futures
3:00 – The $37 Trillion Debt Problem & The 8-Year Conversion Window
5:00 – Why Steve Built Roth-Specific Software
6:00 – The 4% Rule & Why It Fails During Conversions
8:00 – Abigail vs. Melinda: Stable vs. Volatile Market Conversion Case Study
12:00 – Sequence of Returns Risk Magnified in Conversions
13:00 – The Phantom Gains Problem After TCJA 2018
16:00 – Why You Can’t Afford Losses During Conversions
17:00 – How Simplified Accumulation Annuities Create Safe Growth
19:00 – Locking in Gains & Eliminating Downside Risk
20:00 – Marginal Tax Bracket Management Explained
22:00 – Converting Without Out-of-Pocket Costs
24:00 – The Widow’s Penalty & Ease of Annuities in Roth Planning
25:00 – Why Annuities Guarantee Tax-Free Lifetime Income
27:00 – Why NOW Is the Roth Conversion Window of Opportunity
28:00 – Closing Thoughts & How to Book a Roth Blueprint Call

🔗 Show Links

📅 Want to Find Out More?:
Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
www.RetirementIncome.School

📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-444-2997
LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? 🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with Dr. Amanda:
calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

///////////////

Can an insurance company actually go bankrupt — and take your money with it? The short answer is yes, but the full story is very different from what most people think. In today’s lesson, I’ll walk you through the history of life insurance and annuities, how insurance companies are regulated, and the multiple layers of protection that make them some of the safest financial institutions in the world. If you’ve ever wondered whether your retirement paycheck is truly secure, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Can insurance companies really go bankrupt?
01:00 – Why safety matters for retirement income
02:00 – Annuities: predictable, lifetime cash flow
02:30 – Dividend-paying whole life and Infinite Banking
03:00 – Life insurance’s 150+ year legacy of stability
03:45 – Annuities: from Rome to modern retirement income
05:00 – Safe money vs risky money: how contracts guarantee security
06:00 – Regulation, reserves, and how insurers stay solvent
07:00 – Oversight, guaranty associations, and protection layers
08:00 – Why annuities and whole life are “stay-rich” tools
09:00 – My mom’s story: why safety is non-negotiable
11:00 – The bottom line: safe money solutions you can trust
12:00 – How to explore your options at Retirement Income School

🔗 Show Links

📅 Want to Find Out More?:
Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
www.RetirementIncome.School

📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-444-2997
LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? Schedule a Q&A Call:
🗓️ Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with me:
calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

///////////////

Sally retired at 65 with a $1M IRA and felt proud—until she realized how much the IRS could eventually claim. In this lesson, I walk through her real case using my Roth Blueprint software to show how a smart, staged Roth conversion can protect your wealth, reduce future RMDs, and head off IRMAA surprises. You’ll also learn what the OBBBA tax brackets mean for planning and why rising national debt matters for IRA millionaires.

Timestamps:
00:00 — $1M IRA and the “tax time bomb”
01:05 — Why consider a Roth conversion now (OBBBA update)
03:10 — National debt and why IRA millionaires are exposed
05:15 — Case study setup: Sally (65, MFJ, AGI $150k, $1M IRA)
06:45 — Live software walkthrough: guardrails and bracket choices
10:30 — Year-by-year conversion path and tax impact
12:40 — IRMAA tradeoffs vs long-term RMD relief
14:20 — Pairing Roth with A-rated annuities for safety
16:00 — How to take the next step with your own plan

Other Episode Referenced:  17. Roth Conversions for IRA Millionaires: Avoid These 6 RMD Tax Traps

🔗 Show Links

📅 Want to Find Out More?:
Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
www.RetirementIncome.School

📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-444-2997
LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? Schedule a Q&A Call:
1. Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with me:
calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

///////////////

IRMAA might sound like just another government acronym — but it’s a hidden cost that can quietly drain thousands from your retirement income. It’s based on your income, deducted from your Social Security check, and it increases your Medicare premiums without ever being called a tax.

In this episode, I explain:

What IRMAA is and how it’s calculated

The triple compounding effect that makes it so dangerous

And how Roth conversions, whole life insurance, and income planning can help you avoid it altogether

If you’re thinking about how to protect your income in retirement, this lesson is a must-listen.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – What IRMAA really is and why it’s called a stealth tax
01:00 – How IRMAA is calculated and which income sources count
03:00 – 2025 IRMAA income brackets (Married Filing Jointly)
04:00 – The real cost of IRMAA for high-income couples
05:00 – The triple compounding effect: how IRMAA grows over time
06:30 – Roth conversions, whole life, and how to reduce surcharges
07:30 – Why planning early makes all the difference
08:00 – How to get personalized help with your income strategy

🔗 Show Links

📅 Want to Find Out More?:
Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
www.RetirementIncome.School

📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-444-2997
LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.

Like what you heard in this episode? Here's how I can help:
1. Watch my free trainings on how to get PREDICTABLE RETIREMENT INCOME: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/predictable-income
2. Schedule a Retirement Income Q&A call with me:
calendly.com/rsf-dramanda/initial-consultation

🎥 The YouTube version of this video is here: www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool
✍🏼 The Blog Version of this video is here: www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/blog

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If you’ve saved $1 million or more in a traditional IRA — congratulations. But here’s the hidden truth: the IRS has already planned how and when they’ll collect taxes on that money. It’s called a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), and once it starts at age 73 or 75, it triggers a tax chain reaction that could quietly cost you hundreds of thousands over your lifetime — and leave your heirs with a massive tax bill.

In this episode, Dr. Amanda breaks down the six costly consequences of RMDs and explains why high-net-worth retirees should seriously consider a Roth conversion strategy before the RMD train leaves the station. You'll also learn how her Roth Conversion Blueprint™ can help you convert strategically — with no out-of-pocket tax costs, no account shrinkage, and no jumping tax brackets.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 – The IRS already has a plan for your IRA
01:00 – What RMDs are and how to calculate them
02:30 – Chain Reaction #1: Higher taxes every year
03:40 – Chain Reaction #2: Up to 85% of your Social Security gets taxed
04:50 – Chain Reaction #3: Medicare IRMAA surcharges
06:15 – Chain Reaction #4: Loss of tax deductions and credits
07:20 – Chain Reaction #5: The Widow’s (or Widower’s) Penalty
08:10 – Chain Reaction #6: Your heirs inherit a tax time bomb
09:00 – Recap of all 6 chain reactions
10:00 – Why a Roth conversion may be your best defense
Listen to this Episode: 16. Roth Conversion Deadline: Why 2025–2028 Could Save You Thousands
11:00 – How Roth-friendly annuities and strategic planning eliminate RMDs
13:00 – How to get your personalized Roth Conversion Blueprint™

🔗 Show Links

📅 Want to Find Out More?:
Schedule a Q&A Call with Dr. Amanda

💰 Join Us in the Retirement Income School™:
www.RetirementIncome.School

📽️ Watch Retirement Income School™ Content on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@RetirementIncomeSchool

💰 Watch The Guaranteed Income Blueprint™:
www.retirementsolutionsfinancial.com/guaranteed-income-blueprint

📬 Contact Dr. Amanda:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-444-2997
LinkedIn: @RetirementIncomeSchool

👩‍🏫 About Dr. Amanda

Dr. Amanda is the founder of Retirement Solutions Financial™ and creator of the Retirement Income School™ and Guaranteed Income Blueprint™. After losing her father and helping her mom navigate retirement, she felt called to help others avoid the stress and confusion of planning alone.

She specializes in safe money strategies using dividend-paying whole life insurance, fixed index annuities, long-term care coverage, and Social Security claiming strategy. Her mission? To help you protect your wealth and enjoy a secure, stress-free retirement with confidence.

⚠️ DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Retirement Income School™ and Dr. Amanda Barrientez do not provide individual investment recommendations. Always consult with a licensed advisor or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed.