Podcast Summary: Suze Orman’s Women & Money (And Everyone Smart Enough to Listen)

Episode: Can My Spouse Fund My Roth?
Date: January 15, 2026
Hosts: Suze Orman, KT Travis

Episode Overview

In this engaging "Ask KT and Suze Anything" episode, Suze Orman and KT answer listener questions ranging from spousal Roth IRA contributions, the ins-and-outs of Roth rules, executor responsibilities, Social Security for divorced spouses, and practical tips for making the most of your retirement accounts. The episode shines through its approachable tone, insightful deep-dives, and Suze’s signature mix of candor and encouragement, making complex financial topics accessible for all.

Key Discussion Points

1. Personal Updates and Listener Engagement

• [02:00-04:40] Road Trip & Product Recommendation
  • Suze and KT banter about their recent road trip to Amelia Island, describing a visit with friends and their obsession with Sicilian lemon white balsamic vinegar from Olive Amelia.
  • For the first time on the show, Suze actively recommends a product, ensuring listeners it’s not a paid placement.
  • Memorable moment: “I think this is the first time in the history of the Suze Orman show ... I’ve ever asked someone to buy something.” (Suze, 04:58)

2. Listener Letters and Q&A

a. Executor Duties and Estate Planning

• [06:44-09:18]: Andrea’s Question
  • Being an executor of multiple wills is a “big, big job,” especially if assets aren’t in a trust.
  • Suze advises considering a living revocable trust to avoid probate and suggests using musthavedocs.com for comprehensive legal documents.
  • Notable advice: “$99 will save you thousands of dollars in probate fees, maybe one or two years in settling the estate.” (Suze, 08:27)
  • Resource: Must Have Docs package allows sharing among family for one fee.

b. Roth IRA Flexibility & Rules

• [10:31-12:13]: Angel’s Roth Buying/Selling Concern
  • Clarification: “There are no rules when it comes to buying and selling within your Roth.” (KT, 10:56)
  • Suze reiterates the importance of Roth vehicles: “...the reason I want you all to have Roth IRAs, Roth 401ks, Roth… is there are no taxes when you buy or sell following a few simple rules...” (Suze, 11:03)
  • She references her podcast “Don’t Be Partners with Uncle Sam” (April 21, 2024) for more on Roth value.

c. Social Security after Divorce (Multiple Spouses)

• [12:13-16:15]: Sharon’s Dual Divorce Dilemma
  • Suze clarifies requirements: age 62+, married 10+ years, divorced 2+ years.
  • Sharon can claim on ex-spouse 1 if eligible, regardless of time since divorce from recent ex.
  • Possible to switch to ex-spouse 2’s benefit after qualifying period if it’s higher.
  • Suze: “You get the higher of them if, in fact, you've met the qualification.” (15:49)
  • Inclusivity Note: Suze emphasizes the importance of legal marriage for LGBTQ+ couples to access benefits. (16:30-17:17)

d. Tagging Roth Contributions to Tax Years

• [17:20-18:40]: Deborah’s Roth Contribution Timing
  • Clarification on designating contributions to specific tax years when funding Roth IRAs, especially if making both current and prior year contributions on the same day. Be explicit with custodians about which year each deposit is for.

e. Long-Term Roth 401k Planning with International Retirement

• [18:52-21:19]: Belle’s International Retirement Q
  • Suze assures Roth 401k withdrawals remain tax-free after 59½ regardless of country of residence, addressing Belle’s concern about retiring in Korea.
  • Encourages maximizing Roth 401k, 415C (for mega backdoor contributions), and listening to a recent episode for optimizing after-tax contributions.
  • Memorable encouragement: “That is why I want you to do a Roth. A Roth is tax free when you withdraw the money … it doesn’t matter where you go, where you live, anything.” (Suze, 20:01)

f. Employer Plan Non-Discrimination Rules

• [22:13-24:00]: Mary’s Mega Backdoor Roth Hurdle
  • Explanation of why some employers limit after-tax contributions due to compliance with non-discrimination testing, which ensures fairness between high and low wage employees.
  • Suze: “Yes, it’s reasonable. ...It may provide discrimination against the lower paid employees.” (23:36)

g. Spousal IRA Contributions While Not Working

• [24:31-26:09]: Nancy’s “Can My Spouse Fund My Roth?”
  • KT assumes only personal earned income qualifies; Suze corrects her, emphasizing the concept of spousal IRAs.
  • Suze: “There’s something known as a non-working spousal retirement account… your spouse can fund it not only for themselves, but for the spouse as well.” (25:21)
  • Both spouses’ contributions can be made from the working spouse’s income as long as the household’s earned income covers both.

h. Inherited Roth 401k for Non-Spousal Beneficiaries

• [26:19-29:16]: Lynn’s Inheritance Query
  • Roth 401k inherited by non-spousal beneficiaries must be emptied within 10 years; the key difference is withdrawals are tax-free (if 5-year rule is met).
  • For maximum advantage, let funds grow and withdraw in the 10th year.
  • Suze: “They have 10 years to wipe it clean and it will be 100% tax free to them.” (Suze, 29:01)
  • KT: “You can take any amount in any year as long as it’s wiped clean within 10 years.” (29:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the emotional side of money:
  “If you don’t have control over who you are, it doesn’t matter what I tell you to buy, you will buy at the wrong time and sell at the wrong time.” — Suze (06:01)

• First Time Endorsing a Product:
  “I think this is the first time in the history of the Susie Orman show ... I’ve ever asked someone to buy something.” — Suze (04:58)

• Roth Powerhouse:
  “Roth, Roth, Roth, Roth—everything! ...There are no taxes when you buy or sell following a few simple rules…” — Suze (11:04)

• Spousal IRA Revelation:
  “There’s something known as a non-working spousal retirement account… your spouse can fund it not only for themselves, but for the spouse as well.” — Suze (25:21)

• Inclusive Financial Planning:
  “...that is why it’s so seriously important for gay couples…to be able to be legally married...” — Suze (16:30)

Important Timestamps & Segments

• [02:01-04:43] — Personal anecdotes & Suze’s rare product recommendation
• [06:44-09:18] — Executor responsibilities explained
• [10:31-12:13] — Roth account trade flexibility and why Suze loves Roths
• [12:13-16:15] — Social Security for multiple ex-spouses
• [17:20-18:40] — Roth contributions and IRS reporting
• [18:52-21:19] — Roth 401k and international retirement
• [22:13-24:00] — Employer plan discrimination testing
• [24:31-26:09] — Can a working spouse fund a Roth for a non-working spouse?
• [26:19-29:16] — Inheriting a Roth 401k: 10-year rule for non-spousal beneficiaries

Episode Takeaways

• Roth IRAs and Roth 401ks offer unparalleled tax-free growth and withdrawal, even internationally.
• Spousal IRAs permit contributions for non-working spouses using the working spouse’s earned income.
• Executor roles can be overwhelming—utilize trusts and proper documentation to ease the process.
• Social Security divorce benefits have strict qualification rules, but can be maximized with planning.
• Inherited Roth IRAs/401ks go to beneficiaries tax-free if the 5-year rule is met, but must be emptied in 10 years.
• Always explicitly designate IRA contributions for the correct tax year.
• Employer plan rules are complex & meant to ensure fairness for all wage levels.

Tone, Style & Closing

The episode balances vibrant, personal storytelling with precise, actionable advice. Suze’s passion for empowering listeners—especially women—shines at each turn. The rapport with KT keeps the show light and relatable even as the financial mechanics get intricate.

Closing Reminder:
“There’s only one thing we want you to remember, everybody, and it’s this: people first, then money, then things. Now you stay safe.” — Suze (30:50)

This summary captures all substantial content from the episode (ads, intros, outros omitted) and provides a useful guide for those who wish to absorb the main messages without listening in full.