Why Every SF-50 Matters for Your FERS Retirement
https://youtu.be/wBy8qWqJnaE When getting ready for federal retirement, many employees pay attention to eligibility dates, pension estimates, and benefit choices. One often missed and potentially expensive problem is incomplete service documentation. In this article, we explain why it is important to keep your own complete record of SF-50s (Notification of Personnel Action) and how mistakes in […]
Healthy Today, But Should You Still Get Medicare B?
Real Question from a Federal Employee Question 1695 from Swatti: I have FEHB BC/BS Basic plan and have to decide on Medicare Part B. I file taxes as married filing separately. My concern is IRMAA, my cost for Medicare Part B becomes quite high as my income most likely will be over $105,000. And my […]
#146 The COLA Mirage: Why Inflation Is Quietly Shrinking Your Retirement
Listen to the Full Episode: Inflation doesn’t always show up loudly, and for many federal employees and retirees, the biggest danger is assuming COLA will protect their retirement income. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down the “COLA […]
Does the Earnings Limit Still Apply When Your Supplement Stops at 62?
Real Question from a Federal Employee I’m currently retired from the postal service and have been receiving postal supplements. At the age of 61. I will be working full time. I will be over the allowed reduction amount. However the same year I will turn 62. So my question is since my supplement stops at […]
#145 Longevity vs. Living Today: The Retirement Balancing Act You Should Know
Listen to the Full Episode: Retirement isn’t just about making your money last, it’s about using it wisely while you still can. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, is joined by his father, Floyd Shilanski, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, to unpack one of the […]
Social Security: What YOU Need to Know
https://youtu.be/9Msn-e86wL8 Social Security is one of the most talked about and misunderstood parts of retirement planning. For many federal employees nearing retirement, online discussions, headlines, and casual advice can create confusion or unnecessary worry. Understanding what’s true and what’s not can help you make smarter decisions about your benefits. Common Questions Federal Employees Ask It’s […]
#144 Finish 2025 Strong, Start 2026 Smarter: Federal Retirement Planning
Listen to the Full Episode: As the year closes, federal employees can’t afford to miss critical planning opportunities that protect their retirement and avoid costly mistakes. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down real-world, end-of-year action items they are actively […]
Social Security: The Bridge Strategy!
https://youtu.be/9rU64rw2cbU When you hear the word “bridge,” you probably picture the Golden Gate or Brooklyn Bridge, not your retirement income. For federal employees, though, a bridge strategy can be a valuable way to help make sure you don’t outlive your money and to make better choices about when to start Social Security. A bridge strategy […]
#143 Tax-Saving Strategies for the Year-End: What You Need to Do Now
Listen to the Full Episode: A year-end retirement review can be a valuable step for federal employees who want to better understand their benefits and financial positioning heading into the new year. In this episode, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Floyd Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, discuss key planning areas […]
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, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and John Raleigh, Wealth Advisor, walk you through the essential steps you consider taking before December 31st to […]
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 […]