How Collecting Social Security Early Can Impact Your Affordable Care Act Subsidy #302
Release Date: 04/21/2026
How To Avoid Taxes On The Sale Of Your Primary Residence, #315
Retire With Ryan
For many retirees, their home isn't just a place of comfort, it’s one of the largest assets on their balance sheet. However, beyond the emotional value and the years of accumulated equity, there's an often-overlooked reality: selling your primary residence can bring an unexpected tax bill. If you’re contemplating a sale or want to ensure you’re planning wisely, understanding the IRS’s primary residence capital gains exclusion is essential. On the show this week, I break down what this exclusion means, who qualifies, how to maximize its benefits, and the critical planning steps to avoid...
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Give Your Child or Grandchild A Head Start On Retirement With a Trump Account, #314
Retire With Ryan
On July 4, 2026, a groundbreaking opportunity opened for parents and guardians aiming to give their children a head start on their financial journey: Trump Accounts. Created as part of the OBBA Tax Act (“One Big Beautiful Bill” Tax Act) of 2025, these tax-advantaged investment vehicles provide a unique way to grow wealth for minors. In this episode, I break down what Trump Accounts are, who’s eligible for generous bonuses, how to get started, and how they compare to other common savings options like 529 plans. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00]...
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Avoid These 7 Scenarios to Keep Your Medicare Premiums Lower In Retirement, #313
Retire With Ryan
Medicare brings peace of mind to millions of retirees, but for those with higher incomes, there’s an added layer of complexity called IRMAA—the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount. If your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) crosses certain thresholds, you may end up paying substantially more for your Medicare Part B and Part D coverage. In this article, we break down how IRMAA works, outline common scenarios that may unexpectedly raise your premiums, and offer actionable strategies to help you avoid unnecessary costs during your retirement years. You will want to hear this...
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Do Actively Managed Funds Perform Better Than Index Funds In Volatile Markets? #312
Retire With Ryan
When it comes to planning for retirement, one of the most commonly faced decisions is how to invest for long-term growth and stability. In turbulent times, market volatility often generates renewed debate on whether index funds, or their actively managed counterparts, offer the better path for accumulating wealth. On this episode of the show, I’m unpacking what index funds are, how they stack up against actively managed funds, and what the latest data reveals about performance during both quiet and volatile markets. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... ...
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Is Your Money Safe With Schwab or Fidelity? #311
Retire With Ryan
This week, I’m tackling a question that’s on the minds of many investors: How safe is your money with major brokerage firms like Fidelity and Charles Schwab? In light of recent high-profile bank collapses and widespread concerns about financial security, I discuss how banks and brokerage firms operate differently, what protections exist for your investments, and what would happen if a major brokerage firm were to collapse. Whether you’re considering how best to safeguard your assets or wondering about the real risks of brokerage failures, this episode will provide the clarity and peace...
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How To Make Your Brokerage Account Work Like A Roth IRA, #310
Retire With Ryan
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5 Reasons To Not Invest Your Retirement Savings In Variable Annuities, #309
Retire With Ryan
Variable annuities are often promoted as a secure way to generate guaranteed income during retirement, drawing the attention of retirees seeking stability for their nest eggs. But beneath the surface, these products frequently come with complications and costs that can erode your savings and limit your financial flexibility. In this episode, I share the details of the often-overlooked downsides of variable annuities and give you some important insights every investor should consider. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [03:14] What is a Variable Annuity?...
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Retire With Ryan
This week, we tackle the alarming rise in financial scams targeting retirees and their hard-earned savings. With insights straight from the FBI and real-world examples of scam attempts, I break down the key tactics used by fraudsters and reveal the subtle ways they can gain access to your retirement accounts. From sophisticated account takeovers to fake invoice emails, you'll learn the warning signs to watch for—and, most importantly, practical strategies to protect yourself and your financial future. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [00:00] How...
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What Is The Required Minimum Distribution On A $1,000,000 Retirement Account, #307
Retire With Ryan
Retirement planning extends well beyond simply saving enough during your working years—it plays out with every decision you make once you stop working. One crucial, sometimes overlooked, aspect is managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your retirement accounts. If you have a retirement account approaching your RMD age, this episode breaks down the essential rules based on your birth year, how to calculate your distribution using the IRS tables, and key tax implications to keep in mind. You’ll also get actionable tips to help minimize your future RMDs, from optimizing your...
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Are You Receiving Your Full Spousal Social Security Benefit? #306
Retire With Ryan
Are you getting your full entitlement, spousal Social Security, or—like one of my recent clients—missing out on hundreds, even thousands, of dollars each year? This week, I discuss how spousal benefits work, what the eligibility requirements are, and the critical steps you need to take to ensure you aren't leaving money on the table. If you or your spouse are nearing retirement or already collecting benefits, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to maximize your Social Security income and avoid common mistakes. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in......
info_outlineFor many Americans approaching retirement, financial planning means more than just maximizing savings and deciding when to claim Social Security. If you’re not yet eligible for Medicare and rely on health coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), your Social Security claiming decision at age 62 could have a dramatic effect on your insurance costs. On the show this week, I explore the nuances of how your income, and especially the timing of your Social Security benefits, can impact your eligibility for ACA premium tax credits—and what you can do to avoid costly surprises.
You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...
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[00:00] Retirement income and tax planning
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[03:35] Understanding ACA tax credits
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[07:44] Managing income for ACA tax credits
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[10:38] Social Security and tax calculations
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[14:57] Strategies for tax-free income access
Are ACA Premium Tax Credits, and Why Do They Matter?
Premium tax credits, often referred to as ACA subsidies, are financial incentives designed to make health insurance more affordable for individuals and families who purchase coverage through healthcare.gov or a state exchange. These credits are contingent on your income, specifically your household’s Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
For 2026, a single person can qualify for ACA subsidies if their MAGI is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL)—$62,600 in 2026 for an individual, and $84,600 for a couple. If you earn even $1 above this ceiling, you lose your entire premium subsidy—a phenomenon known as the “subsidy cliff”. With millions of Americans currently receiving subsidies, understanding how your retirement income decisions could threaten this benefit is essential for sound financial planning.
How Income Is Calculated for ACA Subsidies
Not all income is created equal when it comes to ACA subsidies. The government uses your MAGI, which is your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)—the number found on your tax return—plus certain items like tax-exempt bond interest and non-taxable Social Security benefits. This includes:
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Wages and self-employment income
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Social Security benefits (both taxable and non-taxable portions)
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Retirement account distributions (except Roth IRAs or Roth 401ks)
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Rental, interest, and dividend income
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Capital gains
Additionally, some deductions, like contributions to IRAs, HSAs, and student loan interest, can reduce your AGI, and thereby your MAGI, giving you potential tools for staying below the subsidy cliff.
The Social Security Timing Dilemma
Collecting Social Security early at age 62 may sound appealing, but it comes with strings attached for ACA recipients. A critical point is that not all of your Social Security benefits are necessarily taxable. However, when calculating MAGI for ACA purposes, you must add back even the non-taxable portion, which can push your income above the subsidy threshold. For example, if you take a modest IRA distribution and also begin Social Security, the cumulative MAGI could surprise you.
Strategies to Preserve Your ACA Subsidy
Given the high stakes, careful income planning is essential for anyone under 65 not covered by Medicare and receiving an ACA subsidy. You could delay Social Security, as waiting to claim benefits may help keep your income lower. You could also draw from Roth accounts or savings, withdrawals from Roth IRAs or 401(k)s—provided they’re qualified—don’t count as income. Likewise, using savings or HSA reimbursements has no impact on MAGI. IRA, HSA, and 401(k) contributions can reduce your MAGI, especially if you miscalculated and need to lower your income late in the year. The most important thing to do is plan withdrawals: Time your IRA or 401(k) distributions and capital gains so they don’t coincide with years when you’re dependent on ACA subsidies.
Avoiding the “Subsidy Cliff” Surprise
Perhaps the most important lesson is to monitor your income projections carefully throughout the year and to report your expected MAGI precisely when applying for coverage. Exceeding the threshold by even a small amount can cause you to lose your subsidy, resulting in thousands of dollars in unexpected premium costs come tax time.
Retirement planning requires a big-picture approach that balances income sources, tax implications, and healthcare costs. If you’re considering Social Security at 62 and not yet on Medicare, pay close attention to how your income choices will affect your ACA subsidy—because when it comes to the “subsidy cliff,” every dollar counts.
Resources Mentioned
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