Can Elon Musk and Doge Take Away My Social Security Benefit? #247
Release Date: 04/01/2025
Understanding HSA Changes for 2026, #268
Retire With Ryan
The power of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as a tool for both managing health expenses and building your retirement savings is often overlooked. On this episode, I’m sharing the basics of HSAs, highlighting their triple tax-free advantage, and explaining why they might be one of the best ways to maximize your retirement savings, even compared to more familiar accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s. I also unpack some important upcoming changes to HSAs thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, set to take effect in 2026. These changes expand HSA eligibility, especially for those on healthcare...
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Surviving the ACA Subsidy Cliff, #267
Retire With Ryan
The future of Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies is a pressing issue for retirees and anyone shopping for health insurance on the ACA marketplace. With the generous subsidies brought by the American Rescue Plan Act set to expire at the end of 2025, I break down exactly how these subsidies work, what changes are coming in 2026, and what that means for your wallet. We’re talking eligibility thresholds, how income is calculated, why premiums might rise, and—most importantly—shares practical strategies for lowering your adjusted gross income to continue qualifying for subsidies...
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Understanding the New Charitable Contribution Rules from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, #266
Retire With Ryan
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act affects charitable contributions for retirees and individuals considering their tax strategies. I’m walking you through three major changes: the restoration of the charitable cash deduction for non-itemizers, new limitations on how much can be deducted for larger contributions, and a cap on itemized deductions for high earners. Whether you give to charity every year, are planning a large gift, or just want to maximize your tax benefits, I’m sharing practical tips about when and how to make your contributions in light of these updates. You will want to hear...
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Should You Open a Trump Account for Your Child’s Future? #265
Retire With Ryan
The brand-new “Trump account” is a tax-deferred savings option for American children created by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. I break down who’s eligible for up to $1,000 in free government contributions, how these accounts work, and how they stack up against other popular savings vehicles like 529 plans, IRAs, custodial accounts, and regular brokerage accounts. If you’re a parent or grandparent thinking about the best way to jumpstart your child’s financial future, you’ll want to tune in for my honest comparison of the Trump account's pros, cons, and quirks, plus tips on making...
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How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Impacts Retirees, #264
Retire With Ryan
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4th, brings about several important tax changes. I’m discussing what these updates mean, especially for retirees, and sharing practical advice on how to take advantage of new deductions and avoid unexpected tax hits. From permanent adjustments to tax brackets and an increased standard deduction, to special benefits for those aged 65 and older, I cover everything you need to know to optimize your retirement strategy. Whether you're curious about Social Security taxation, itemized deductions in high-tax states, or planning smart...
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Required Minimum Distributions Explained, #263
Retire With Ryan
This week on the show, we’re discussing the specifics of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) as we head into the second half of 2025. Whether you’re approaching your first year of RMDs or have been taking them for a while, I break down everything you need to know, from when you need to start taking distributions based on your birth year, to how RMDs are calculated, which accounts are affected, and the potential tax consequences for missing a withdrawal. I’m also sharing eight practical strategies you can use to lower your future RMDs, including asset diversification, Roth conversions,...
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How the Big Beautiful Bill Impacts Solar & EV Tax Credits, #262
Retire With Ryan
With the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, also known as the Big Beautiful Bill, significant changes are coming to both solar panel and electric vehicle tax credits. I break down what these changes mean, how they can affect your savings, and what steps you might want to take before these credits disappear. From figuring out if solar panels make sense for your home to understanding how electric vehicle credits work (and when they’re expiring), this episode is packed with actionable insights and tips, especially for those planning for retirement or looking to cut down on...
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Risk and Reward of Withdrawing Social Security Benefits to Invest Them, #261
Retire With Ryan
This week, I’m addressing a listener's question: Should you collect Social Security at age 62 and invest the money, or wait until your full retirement age, or even age 70, for a bigger benefit? I break down the math and the risks, weighing the advantages of guaranteed annual increases and cost-of-living adjustments against the potential (and pitfalls) of stock market returns. I also explain key rules, such as the earnings limit for early filers, tax implications, and who might benefit from collecting early. Whether you’re eager to take Social Security as soon as you can or are...
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Five Reasons a Brokerage Account Might Be Better Than an Annuity for Your Investments, #260
Retire With Ryan
I’m exploring a common dilemma for anyone coming into a lump sum of money, whether from an inheritance, the sale of a business, or another windfall: Should you invest in a traditional brokerage account or opt for an annuity? On this week's episode, I discuss the key differences between annuities and brokerage accounts, highlighting the five major pitfalls of annuities that are often overlooked. You'll learn why transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency make brokerage accounts a better fit for many investors, especially those seeking to beat inflation and maintain control of their funds....
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Facts vs. Fiction in Retirement Planning, #259
Retire With Ryan
From the truths about making large purchases in retirement to whether you really need to pay off your mortgage before you stop working, I’m sharing years of financial expertise to challenge a few retirement myths so you can make balanced, informed decisions. We’re talking strategies for charitable giving, clearing up misconceptions about reverse mortgages, and explaining why inflation may be your biggest risk in retirement. If you’re looking for practical advice on enjoying your savings while still planning for the long run, or if you want to protect yourself from financial scams...
info_outlineIn this episode, I address listener concerns about the future of Social Security, especially given recent changes under President Trump's administration and the involvement of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
I’ll dive into the current state of Social Security, the potential impact on your benefits, and how you can maximize those benefits moving forward. With solvency concerns looming, I’ll help you better understand what’s at stake and how to make smart decisions for your retirement.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
- (0:00) Can Elon Musk and Doge Take Away My Social Security Benefit?
- (1:33) Please rate and review the Retire with Ryan podcast!
- (2:21) What is Doge and how it could impact Social Security
- (3:55) The role of Congress in controlling Social Security
- (5:38) What is the future of Social Security solvency?
- (8:26) Why waiting to collect Social Security could increase your benefits
- (10:20) The earnings limits when collecting Social Security early
Resources Mentioned
- Retirement Readiness Review
- Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel
- Download my entire book for FREE