Listener Questions: Rapidfire Edition, Ep #139

<p>Listener questions have been piling up and a Q&A is LONG overdue. So in this episode of the Retirement Made Easy podcast, I’ll cover as many questions as I can. I’ll cover everything from Medicare Part B to SEP IRAs, and the impact of inflation to collecting Social Security benefits. Don’t miss this comprehensive episode! </p> <p> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<PLAYER CODE GOES HERE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>></p> <h2>You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...</h2> <ul> <li>[3:54] Question #1: Does Biden’s ESG veto impact your brokerage accounts?</li> <li>[7:17] Question #2: Why is my husband’s Medicare Part B premium so high?</li> <li>[10:00] Question #3: Why can’t I contribute to my Roth SEP IRA yet? </li> <li>[11:33] Question #4: Can you help us understand the impact of inflation?</li> <li>[16:07] Question #5: How should I invest my Roth IRA and 401k?</li> <li>[20:00] Question #6: Can you help manage a trust? </li> <li>[23:44] Question #7: What happens if you die before collecting social security?</li> </ul> <h2>Why is my husband’s Medicare Part B premium so high?</h2> <p>The listener’s husband turned 65 and applied for Medicare. They were shocked when his Medicare Part B premium was far higher than expected (and his Social Security benefit was reduced far more than they expected). She thought it would be $165 per month, which would cover 80% of his medical costs. Then he’d get a supplement to cover the rest. Why is his premium so high?</p> <p>The Part B Medicare premium is income-based. The amount you’re paying for the premium is based on your income <strong><em>two years prior</em></strong>. I bet if you go back and look at his earnings from two years ago, they were likely <em>over</em> the limit for the $165 premium. There’s a <a href= "https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11579-medicare-costs.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">premium table</a> that dictates the premiums you’re paying today. If you believe you’re being overcharged, there’s a special form you can submit to appeal the premium. It’s linked in the re