#143 Tax-Saving Strategies for the Year-End: What You Need to Do Now
Listen to the Full Episode: A year-end retirement checkup is one of the most valuable things a federal employee can do, and most never take the time to complete it. In this episode, Micah and Floyd Shilanski review the critical planning areas federal employees should revisit before entering 2026, including cash flow analysis, tax […]
Viral Finance: Should You Trust Trends?
https://youtu.be/aXGJ0TL-QC4 From Magazines To TikTok Financial “trends” are nothing new; only the platforms have changed. Decades ago, investors chased the latest ideas from glossy money magazines and weekly newsletters, often reshuffling mutual funds or allocations every time a new “must-do” strategy hit the stands. Today, viral videos, short reels, and flashy social posts have taken […]
#142 Year End – What Planning You Need to Do
Listen to the Full Episode: Year-end is one of the most strategic times for Federal Employees to review their financial picture, retirement timeline, and tax exposure. In this episode, Micah Shilanski, CFP®, and John Raleigh, CFP®, walk you through the essential steps you should take before December 31st to stay on track and avoid […]
Is YOUR Social Security Taxable?
https://youtu.be/xIjeO–32Lc Most federal employees are surprised to learn that up to 85% of their Social Security benefits may be taxable in retirement. In this episode, Floyd Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, explains how Social Security taxation works, what counts as “provisional income,” and why proper planning is essential to avoid unexpected tax bills. This is a critical […]
FERS Pension Going Down in 2026
https://youtu.be/M_e4Sfc8vvk We’re all feeling the impact of inflation. Groceries, gas, utilities… everything costs more. Unfortunately, federal retirees may soon feel it even more directly. For many, their FERS pension income will actually go down in 2026. Let’s break down why that’s happening and what you can do about it. Rising Health Insurance Costs Hit Hard […]
#141 Furloughed! What Federal Employees Can Do When Paychecks Stop
Listen to the Full Episode: In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Jamie C. Shilanski, RFC®, talks about one of the most stressful situations federal employees face: a furlough. Whether this is your first or fifth time experiencing one, Jamie breaks down practical, real-world strategies to help you stay financially stable, protect your […]
Wait, FEHB Is Auto-Enrolling You in Medicare Part D? Here’s What You Need to Know
https://youtu.be/eMUJ7_5dMU0 Are Federal Employees Being Auto-Enrolled in Medicare Part D? If you’re enrolled in a Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan that now offers Medicare Part D coverage, you might be automatically enrolled when eligibleeven if you didn’t actively sign up. The question our advisors at Plan Your Federal Retirement are getting most often right […]
#140 What Federal Employees Are Really Asking About Retirement
Listen to the Full Episode: Ever wonder what questions other federal employees are asking as they plan for retirement? In this special episode, we’re taking you inside our recent in-person workshop, where we spent the day with federal employees diving deep into their benefits, tax planning, and retirement strategies. From understanding the 2026 TSP Roth […]
Do Trusts Pay Higher Taxes on Inherited TSPs and IRAs Than Individual Beneficiaries?
Real Question from a Federal Employee I am a widow and own an inherited TSP from my husband. Currently, I listed our Living Trust as primary beneficiary for the TSP. From what I’ve gathered recently, the trust is taxed the highest at around 40%. If this is true, would it be better to designate my […]
Should I Stay Or Should I Go
Federal Employment has perhaps never been more uncertain. The Cross Roads When we visit with Federal Employees, we usually run into two groups of people. Group 1: A Former military member who is now having a second career as a civilian fed. Group 2: Someone who started Federal Service in their 20s and has stayed […]
2025 Shutdown: What This Means for Your Federal Retirement
Feds are facing yet another extended furlough in 2025. A furlough is when an employer, in this case the federal government, places employees on an extended unpaid period of leave. A furlough occurs because funding for the work is not available. In this case, Congress has not approved a budget to keep non-essential workers employed. […]
How Should I Allocate My TSP For Retirement Security?
Real Question from a Federal Employee As I approach retirement, what are the safest and best TSP investment and allocation strategies, any suggestions? – Andrew https://youtu.be/L3ZI3aqat2k When it comes to retirement planning, one of the biggest questions federal employees face is: How should I allocate my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to make sure I don’t […]