#125 Tax Time Survival: How Federal Employees Can Get Ahead
Listen to the Full Episode: Tax season can be overwhelming, but federal employees can stay ahead with the right strategies. In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian break down essential tax planning techniques, including the importance of estimated tax payments, understanding tax brackets, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Discover how proactive tax planning can […]
Preparing for Postponed Retirement: What You Need To Do?
Yes, good morning. Jeff here, wondering about having a postponed retirement. When the paperwork needs to be filled out, if I want to start that postponed retirement 2 years from now and I am actively working for the government now, when I walk out the door, if I do not have all that paperwork already […]
#124 TSP Benefits: What You Need to Know Before Retiring
Listen to the Full Episode: It’s crucial to evaluate your TSP decisions as you approach retirement. Understanding the various benefits associated with your TSP can significantly impact your financial future. In this podcast episode, Micah and Tammy delve into important topics regarding TSP withdrawals, available distribution options, and the associated tax implications. They provide insights […]
How to Calculate Your Annual Leave Payout When Retiring
Good morning, my name is Alberto. I am a Mail Handler for the Postal Service with 40 years of service. Currently, I can carry over 520 hours of annual leave into 2024. I am planning to retire in December 2025. If I don’t use any annual leave in 2025, I will accumulate an additional 208 […]
#123 TSP Withdrawals: When, How, and Why to Start
Listen to the Full Episode: Understanding your TSP withdrawal options is essential for a successful retirement. In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian break down the three financial phases: accumulation, preservation, and distribution, highlighting the critical decisions federal employees need to make when withdrawing from the TSP. Learn about the different withdrawal options, including lump […]
I Passed On The Fork… Now What Do I Do?
https://youtu.be/-lxMYExTiGQ The Road Not Taken: What Happens When Federal Employees Make (or Avoid) Big Decisions. Understanding Federal Retirement Options: Deferred Resignation, VERA, Postponed Retirement, and Deferred Retirement With the deadline for the “Deferred Resignation” passed, we are getting a lot of questions from federal employees who are saying, “I didn’t take the deferred resignation can […]
FERS Go Bag: Is Yours Packed?
How prepared are you if you no longer work for the Federal Government? Maybe you accepted the Trump Administration’s “deferred resignation” package; maybe your agency did a Voluntary Early Retirement (authorized as a VERA); maybe there was a reduction in force of mass layoffs? Maybe you are one of the many federal employees that we […]
#122 Estate Planning Myths and Facts: What Federal Employees Must Know
Listen to the Full Episode: Estate planning involves more than just creating a will; it’s about ensuring financial security, protecting your loved ones, and avoiding common mistakes that may lead to unintended consequences. In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian discuss essential estate planning topics, including the necessary documents, the dangers of outdated plans, […]
Should You Retire at 60 or Wait Until 62?
Hello, at age 57 years and two months, I separated from federal service for a civilian job after serving 5.3 years and buying back 17.2 years of military time. I currently have a good civilian job and plan to continue working until at least age 62. (I will turn 59 in March 2025.) My question […]
Can I Keep My Spouse’s FEHB Coverage in Retirement Without Survivor Benefits?
My wife is a federal employee and will retire next year. She is going to be 50 years old. I am going to be 58 when she retires. I am on her health insurance which we want to continue having post retirement. Can I stay on her health insurance without her taking either survivor benefit? […]
#121 The Untold Story of Survivor Benefits: Protect What Matters Most
Listen to the Full Episode: Planning for the future involves understanding what happens to your benefits after you are no longer here. In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian explore the details of survivor benefits—who receives what, how to plan ahead, and why your choices are significant. You’ll learn how your pension, Social Security, TSP, […]
Fork or Knife? The Truth About VERA
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you considering early retirement under VERA? Before you make a decision that could affect your benefits for years to come, it’s important to understand the risks and opportunities involved. In this podcast episode, Micah and Tammy discuss the key factors that federal employees should evaluate before opting for Voluntary […]