Buy Back Military Time and Keep Retirement Pay, Is It Possible?
Hey, I am retired Air Force 22 years a combat injury related 100 % disabled veteran. I am working civil ServiceNow. I am going to retire after 15 years of civil service. Just found out about the military buyback. But I understand if I buy my military time back to get the years, I lose […]
#136 Maximizing Your Social Security: The Insider’s Guide
Listen to the Full Episode: Social Security is one of the most misunderstood parts of retirement planning. For federal employees and their families, it’s not about whether to take it early or late; it’s about how to coordinate Social Security with your pension, TSP, survivor benefits, and taxes. In this episode, Micah and advisor John […]
What Medicare Part B Covers That FEHB Doesn’t
Do I need Medicare Part B if I have FEHB? I find it hard to believe Medicare Part B covers something that my FEHB does not so please provide some specific examples of the “gaps” and “Medical Surprises” where my FEHB does not cover something and it is covered by Medicare Part B – Russel https://youtu.be/SJCD78iJCiY […]
#135 Your Last Year Before Retirement: The Ultimate Prep Guide
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you a year away from retirement? The final 12 months before you retire from federal service are some of the most exciting — and most critical — months of your career. This is when decisions get real, timelines matter, and small mistakes can cost you big in the long […]
Timing is Everything: When to Claim Social Security as a Federal Employee
What age can I start collecting Social Security retirement benefits? What is my full retirement age, and how does it change if I delay or file early? – Jerry https://youtu.be/6Pc7uC4uYXs For federal employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), deciding when to claim Social Security benefits is an important financial decision that can have a […]
#134 Retirement Readiness: The Secrets to Knowing You’re Truly Ready
Listen to the Full Episode: What does real retirement readiness look like? In this episode, Micah is joined by his father and mentor, Floyd, to reveal the most overlooked aspects of retirement planning that can cause major regrets later. Drawing from years of experience, they share essential insights on mental readiness, investment strategies, the Retirement […]
Approaching Retirement: How to Check If You’re Prepared
Hello, I have a question. I’m a few years out from retiremen, how can I be sure I’m financially ready to stop working when the time comes? What to consider? Thank you. – Gerald https://youtu.be/mx31kx4QZmc Federal employees working under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) need to understand how their retirement benefits work. This article […]
Changes in the Retirement Process
Listen to the Full Episode: Facing the New Challenges of Federal Retirement: What 2025 Means for You Federal retirement in 2025 requires thoughtful consideration of not only financial numbers but also personal readiness and changing workplace conditions. Recent shifts in policy and evolving job satisfaction levels mean that each federal employee’s retirement journey is unique […]
#133 Smart Retirement Planning in Volatile Markets: Cash Flow, TSP, and Taxes
Listen to the Full Episode: Are today’s market swings making you nervous about your retirement? You’re not alone but the good news is, there are steps you can take to feel confident and in control. Tune in and learn how to build a resilient plan with cash reserves & smart spending, avoid common tax mistakes […]
Are You Able to Combine State and Federal Retirement Contributions?
I have 2 years state retirement contributions, 10 years military (7 years federal 3 years guard). Can I combine state and federal retirement contributions? Do I have to be a current federal employee to participate in the buyback program? Can reserve military service retirement points be used? – Tee https://youtu.be/uZPgEHLDx1s Many people who have worked in […]
#132 Understanding How the Economy and Your Retirement Portfolio Are Related
Listen to the Full Episode: In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski and Christian Sakamoto dive deep into the relationship between the economy and your retirement portfolio. Markets are unpredictable. Your retirement doesn’t have to be. Learn how the economy & your retirement portfolio work together, and how to protect […]
Does Retiring at the End of the Month Affect TSP Contributions?
Question about TSP matching Contributions.If I retire at the end of a month, which happens to be the middle of a pay period, do I still get matching TSP contributions? – Kenhttps://youtu.be/XUjumWtBQPc Many federal employees wonder if retiring at the end of the month will affect their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions. This is a […]