#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 […]
#138 Money Can Hurt, Especially Kids With Money….
Listen to the Full Episode: When it comes to money, the emotional impact is often overlooked, but it can ‘make or break’ a family’s financial future. In this episode, Micah and John discuss how inheritances, sudden windfalls, and poorly managed gifts can end up causing more harm than good, especially for children who aren’t financially […]
Is There a Limit on the Annual Leave Payout at Retirement?
Real Question from a Federal Employee What is the maximum amount of unused annual leave that I may be paid for when I retire? – Wayne https://youtu.be/G94W56yYayk As retirement gets closer, many federal employees start to wonder about their unused leave. One of the most common questions we hear is: “Is there a limit on how […]
#137 Medicare & FEHB: Your Blueprint for Retirement Healthcare Success
Listen to the Full Episode: Healthcare is one of the most important, and often most confusing, parts of retirement. For federal employees, the combination of Medicare and FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) adds unique rules, costs, and opportunities. In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Micah and John break down the myths, penalties, and […]
Buy Back Military Time and Keep Retirement Pay, Is It Possible?
Real Question from a Federal Employee 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 […]
#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
Real Question from a Federal Employee 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 […]
#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 […]