#110 5 Things You Need To Know As A Federal Employee BEFORE You Retire
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream as Federal Employee? Navigating the complexities of
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream as Federal Employee? Navigating the complexities of
Hi. I have congressional experience and a break in service and I have just retired to the executive branch and I was wondering how the
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream? Understanding your spending goals and determining your
Listen to the Full Episode: Join Tammy and Micah, as they share their insights on navigating retirement preparation, avoiding common mistakes with OPM, and ensuring
I just saw you guide to military service credit buybacks. I didn’t see something in your guide that I think is very important: There is
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you nearing retirement and wondering how to manage your sick leave best? Join Tammy and Micah in this insightful
Listen to the Full Episode: Federal employees can use various calculators to estimate their FERS benefits, but accurate documentation and proper completion of estate planning
Hello, I appreciate your videos very much. I am active duty and retiring next year, intending on becoming a GS employee. Can you do one
How do I calculate my high three? I was a FERS employee from 1991-2000 then returned to FERS in 2022. I am 58 with a
Listen to the Full Episode: There are a lot of complexities in federal retirement benefits and retirement planning. Let’s unravel the key aspects and pitfalls
“Hello, Will OPM issue me a personal FERS Benefits Summary upon request (i.e., similar to the personalized benefit summary issued by Social Security) based on
“Can I take out a loan towards my FERS contributions? I’m a federal employee and no where close to retirement. Would it work like the
Listen to the Full Episode: Learn how to avoid making irreversable mistakes after death and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to plan for
Listen to the Full Episode: Don’t let irreversible mistakes catch you off guard. Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to plan for a secure
“When determining creditable service for determining what my FERS annuity will be, can unused sick leave be used to get creditable service time from 20
Listen to the Full Episode: The importance of knowing what lies ahead, what to expect and what steps to take when transitioning to retirement, covered
Listen to the Full Episode: You are getting closer to retirement, but specific tasks must be completed to enjoy it thoroughly. You’ll need to take
Listen to the Full Episode: You’ve been working and saving and planning for your retirement. And when you retire, you go through a psychological shift
“Greetings, I think I have an understanding of FERS postponed retirement, but there is one point that I have been unable resolve. I am by
Listen to the Full Episode: It is crucial to be hyper-intentional when it comes to your retirement! How big of a change can your sick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R_2ky5nZaM Does it make sense to buy back my military time now that I am a Federal Employee? If you have military time but do
“If I started in the NAF system in 1996 and then converted to GS in 2008 we were told it would count towards retirement. From
Listen to the Full Episode: The effects of inaccurate information can be devastating, and there’s a lot of questionable information out there. So, in this
Listen to the Full Episode: Misdirected advice can often be the most costly advice. So when we get advice, it’s important to hit pause to
“I retired from Federal service on Dec 31, 2020. My annual leave balance was paid out to me in a lump sum at the end
“Hi Tammy and Micah, Thanks for the information. I separated from the government at age 54 1/2 years and 20.5 years of service. I like
“Hi! I LOVE your podcasts! I am a Federal employee, have met my MRA and will meet my 30-years of service on Nov 2, 2021.
Answering your questions about military buy back. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
The question of whether to buy back military time is something that affects a lot of people. This episode features Christian Sakamoto, a great advisor
“I worked from 2010 to 2013 at VA Hospital. I quit/and then I work back in 2018 until now. My question is are those 3
“If I erroneously select an annuity from the TSP instead of a withdrawal from it, can I reverse that option? Thanks.” – Orlando. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T69Yxmht-k Listen,
“Greetings, I am retired from the Army after 20 years as a Staff Sergeant. I am currently a GS 14 with 11 years under FERS.
”I have gotten conflicting information about my lump sum annual leave. I plan on retiring on 12/31/21. I know that I will get my lump
“How do I know when it’s worth it to withdraw (refund) my FERS contribution when I leave the Fed workforce? if I have less than
“First off, great content on your site! A plethora of information for Federal employees that is extremely invaluable for retirement planning. Regarding the FERS Supplement
“I have about 1,300 hours of sick leave. What is the best advice on what to do with those hours as retirement nears for me?
https://youtu.be/GZdmjDOuNlY “I am a 35-year USPS employee and am planning on retiring this year. I am 58. I have heard about the backlog of retirement
As a Federal Employee, your High-3 average salary refers to the average of the highest three consecutive years of base pay earned. This is calculated
I am aware that after I put in ten years’ federal civilian creditable service and then retire, my FERS annuity will be reduced monthly by
Action items for maximizing your retirement. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
More and more federal employees are thinking about retiring at the end of the year, and while we’ve already gone over the best times to
What is an Immediate Retirement under FERS? The Immediate Retirement under FERS is the main way of qualifying for the pension. Sometimes it’s referred to
What is a Postponed Retirement under FERS? A Postponed Retirement is another alternative option of federal retirement that is similar to the Deferred Retirement option. Both options
How is my benefit calculated? In order to calculate your FERS pension, you will need to know your creditable years of service as well as
Learn the important differences between retiring at 60 and retiring at 62. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to
There is so much misinformation out there, and sometimes, it is important to simply get back to basics and ensure your information is correct. So
“Hi Micah and Tammy, I’m a Federal employee with 30 years in, and 5 years out from retirement. Can you explain how unused Sick and
“Forgetting for the moment the part my personal $$ contributions were over the years….Will the IRS tax my FERS ‘Unreduced Monthly Annuity’ (UMA) or my
“What happens to your sick leave if you are 63 years and have 28 years of federal service. Thanks for taking this question.” FERS Sick
What is a Creditable Service? Simply put, the Creditable Service is the amount of time a federal employee has worked for the federal government that
FERS Retirement Information The Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) is one of the most comprehensive (and sometimes complicated!) retirement programs to navigate. Your benefits as
What is the Military Buyback Program? The Military Buyback Program is a program for veterans to retroactively “buy back” their time spent in the military
Where do I apply? You’ve finally decided it’s time to retire. Maybe this day came sooner than expected, or maybe it couldn’t come soon enough.
What is MRA? Minimum Retirement Age is a threshold that was created for FERS and CSRS to determine a federal employee’s eligibility for retirement. Depending
How is my benefit calculated? In order to calculate your FERS pension, you will need to know your creditable years of service as well as
What is the FERS Basic Benefit Plan? As a Federal Employee, your retirement consists of three components: your Basic Benefit (also called your annuity or
“I have two questions about social security. I am 61 and my wife is 58. Let’s say my wife files for social security at age
My understanding is that if I take immediate retirement at MRA before 62, then I will: 1) get the FERS Supplement to my FERS annuity;
“I have almost 5 years of Federal Service (FERS—approximately 15 days short). I have over 7 years of honorable active duty service. I retired from
Does it make sense to stay a full thirty years in the federal government just to receive a better pension? Ten years (or more) before
When is the right time to retire? And what are the different options as a federal employee? While everyone wants to retire early, the fact
“I am 60. I plan to work till 70. All bills will be paid off including house sept 2021. House value now 431,000. Tsp
Have you served in the military, but aren’t quite sure how to use that military time for your civil service? A lot of mistakes get
“… I recently went over the max earnings on my supplement and when I filled the form out in early June it is expected
“My husband wants to retire and he has been at the USPS and was always told he gets 60% of his basepay and the more
Micah and Tammy have shared their thoughts and experiences with credible services, agency estimates, and other incomes, but what about risk management? In this episode,
“I will retire in 2021 at 59 1/2 with 31 years of service. My pension will be over $4,000 a month and I have no
“Does “MRA plus 10” apply to my situation?, and if so, what would be my monthly Pension amount be if I put in for
“I early retired to come home to care for my sick parents. At the time of my retirement in 2017, I found out that
“Can I be on the safe side to estimate my retirement deductions for FEHB, and Life Insurance by using the amount that is being deducted
Question “I retired from Federal Service under a VERA / VISP in 2017 with over 32 years of Federal Service and my MRA is 56
“Always” Generally, an estimate from your Human Resources (HR) Department on your Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) benefits is a good source of information for
Nick poses a great question worth exploring a little more in depth. The question asks about how several variables in the Federal Retirement System work
When we talk about your FERS Retirement, we’re really talking about several different benefits. FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) has three main components: Basic FERS
FERS Retirement with 10% Bonus:Higher Pension for Age 62 & 20 Years Some people who qualify for regular FERS retirement will also qualify for a
Understanding the FERS Supplement for Special Provisions The FERS Supplement is an important benefit for FERS planning to retire before age 62. Since so many
There are two main types of FERS Early Retirement. One is MRA+10 Retirement – which we’ll be discussing here. Another type of Early FERS Retirement
A FERS Postponed Retirement is when you separate from service with at least 10 years of creditable service, and you have at least reached your
Looking for in-person FERS Retirement Seminars in Alaska? Shilanski & Associates, Inc. offers live, in-person FERS retirement classes in Anchorage, Alaska. At our full-day workshop,
The SF 50 is the official form the government uses to determine your retirement eligibility and to calculate your federal retirement pension. If there is
When you take a FERS Retirement – you’ll receive a monthly pension for the rest of your life. How do you calculate this amount? First
Your High 3 Salary is an important part of your pension calculation for federal retirement. Your High 3 Salary is the highest average basic pay
Video Transcription: Hi, I’m Micah Shilanski from Plan Your Federal Retirement. We just wrapped up a wonderful two days of teaching an eight-hour
Military Buyback for Federal Retirement Getting ready for federal retirement? Could a military buyback towards your federal creditable service make sense for you? Lots of
FERS Disability Retirement You may be eligible for a FERS Disability Retirement at any age if you… Have at least 18 months of creditable FERS
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream as Federal Employee? Navigating the complexities of
Hi. I have congressional experience and a break in service and I have just retired to the executive branch and I was wondering how the
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream? Understanding your spending goals and determining your
Listen to the Full Episode: Join Tammy and Micah, as they share their insights on navigating retirement preparation, avoiding common mistakes with OPM, and ensuring
I just saw you guide to military service credit buybacks. I didn’t see something in your guide that I think is very important: There is
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you nearing retirement and wondering how to manage your sick leave best? Join Tammy and Micah in this insightful
Listen to the Full Episode: Federal employees can use various calculators to estimate their FERS benefits, but accurate documentation and proper completion of estate planning
Hello, I appreciate your videos very much. I am active duty and retiring next year, intending on becoming a GS employee. Can you do one
How do I calculate my high three? I was a FERS employee from 1991-2000 then returned to FERS in 2022. I am 58 with a
Listen to the Full Episode: There are a lot of complexities in federal retirement benefits and retirement planning. Let’s unravel the key aspects and pitfalls
“Hello, Will OPM issue me a personal FERS Benefits Summary upon request (i.e., similar to the personalized benefit summary issued by Social Security) based on
“Can I take out a loan towards my FERS contributions? I’m a federal employee and no where close to retirement. Would it work like the
Listen to the Full Episode: Learn how to avoid making irreversable mistakes after death and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to plan for
Listen to the Full Episode: Don’t let irreversible mistakes catch you off guard. Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to plan for a secure
“When determining creditable service for determining what my FERS annuity will be, can unused sick leave be used to get creditable service time from 20
Listen to the Full Episode: The importance of knowing what lies ahead, what to expect and what steps to take when transitioning to retirement, covered
Listen to the Full Episode: You are getting closer to retirement, but specific tasks must be completed to enjoy it thoroughly. You’ll need to take
Listen to the Full Episode: You’ve been working and saving and planning for your retirement. And when you retire, you go through a psychological shift
“Greetings, I think I have an understanding of FERS postponed retirement, but there is one point that I have been unable resolve. I am by
Listen to the Full Episode: It is crucial to be hyper-intentional when it comes to your retirement! How big of a change can your sick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R_2ky5nZaM Does it make sense to buy back my military time now that I am a Federal Employee? If you have military time but do
“If I started in the NAF system in 1996 and then converted to GS in 2008 we were told it would count towards retirement. From
Listen to the Full Episode: The effects of inaccurate information can be devastating, and there’s a lot of questionable information out there. So, in this
Listen to the Full Episode: Misdirected advice can often be the most costly advice. So when we get advice, it’s important to hit pause to
“I retired from Federal service on Dec 31, 2020. My annual leave balance was paid out to me in a lump sum at the end
“Hi Tammy and Micah, Thanks for the information. I separated from the government at age 54 1/2 years and 20.5 years of service. I like
“Hi! I LOVE your podcasts! I am a Federal employee, have met my MRA and will meet my 30-years of service on Nov 2, 2021.
Answering your questions about military buy back. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
The question of whether to buy back military time is something that affects a lot of people. This episode features Christian Sakamoto, a great advisor
“I worked from 2010 to 2013 at VA Hospital. I quit/and then I work back in 2018 until now. My question is are those 3
“If I erroneously select an annuity from the TSP instead of a withdrawal from it, can I reverse that option? Thanks.” – Orlando. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T69Yxmht-k Listen,
“Greetings, I am retired from the Army after 20 years as a Staff Sergeant. I am currently a GS 14 with 11 years under FERS.
”I have gotten conflicting information about my lump sum annual leave. I plan on retiring on 12/31/21. I know that I will get my lump
“How do I know when it’s worth it to withdraw (refund) my FERS contribution when I leave the Fed workforce? if I have less than
“First off, great content on your site! A plethora of information for Federal employees that is extremely invaluable for retirement planning. Regarding the FERS Supplement
“I have about 1,300 hours of sick leave. What is the best advice on what to do with those hours as retirement nears for me?
https://youtu.be/GZdmjDOuNlY “I am a 35-year USPS employee and am planning on retiring this year. I am 58. I have heard about the backlog of retirement
As a Federal Employee, your High-3 average salary refers to the average of the highest three consecutive years of base pay earned. This is calculated
I am aware that after I put in ten years’ federal civilian creditable service and then retire, my FERS annuity will be reduced monthly by
Action items for maximizing your retirement. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
More and more federal employees are thinking about retiring at the end of the year, and while we’ve already gone over the best times to
What is an Immediate Retirement under FERS? The Immediate Retirement under FERS is the main way of qualifying for the pension. Sometimes it’s referred to
What is a Postponed Retirement under FERS? A Postponed Retirement is another alternative option of federal retirement that is similar to the Deferred Retirement option. Both options
How is my benefit calculated? In order to calculate your FERS pension, you will need to know your creditable years of service as well as
Learn the important differences between retiring at 60 and retiring at 62. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to
There is so much misinformation out there, and sometimes, it is important to simply get back to basics and ensure your information is correct. So
“Hi Micah and Tammy, I’m a Federal employee with 30 years in, and 5 years out from retirement. Can you explain how unused Sick and
“Forgetting for the moment the part my personal $$ contributions were over the years….Will the IRS tax my FERS ‘Unreduced Monthly Annuity’ (UMA) or my
“What happens to your sick leave if you are 63 years and have 28 years of federal service. Thanks for taking this question.” FERS Sick
What is a Creditable Service? Simply put, the Creditable Service is the amount of time a federal employee has worked for the federal government that
FERS Retirement Information The Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) is one of the most comprehensive (and sometimes complicated!) retirement programs to navigate. Your benefits as
What is the Military Buyback Program? The Military Buyback Program is a program for veterans to retroactively “buy back” their time spent in the military
Where do I apply? You’ve finally decided it’s time to retire. Maybe this day came sooner than expected, or maybe it couldn’t come soon enough.
What is MRA? Minimum Retirement Age is a threshold that was created for FERS and CSRS to determine a federal employee’s eligibility for retirement. Depending
How is my benefit calculated? In order to calculate your FERS pension, you will need to know your creditable years of service as well as
What is the FERS Basic Benefit Plan? As a Federal Employee, your retirement consists of three components: your Basic Benefit (also called your annuity or
“I have two questions about social security. I am 61 and my wife is 58. Let’s say my wife files for social security at age
My understanding is that if I take immediate retirement at MRA before 62, then I will: 1) get the FERS Supplement to my FERS annuity;
“I have almost 5 years of Federal Service (FERS—approximately 15 days short). I have over 7 years of honorable active duty service. I retired from
Does it make sense to stay a full thirty years in the federal government just to receive a better pension? Ten years (or more) before
When is the right time to retire? And what are the different options as a federal employee? While everyone wants to retire early, the fact
“I am 60. I plan to work till 70. All bills will be paid off including house sept 2021. House value now 431,000. Tsp
Have you served in the military, but aren’t quite sure how to use that military time for your civil service? A lot of mistakes get
“… I recently went over the max earnings on my supplement and when I filled the form out in early June it is expected
“My husband wants to retire and he has been at the USPS and was always told he gets 60% of his basepay and the more
Micah and Tammy have shared their thoughts and experiences with credible services, agency estimates, and other incomes, but what about risk management? In this episode,
“I will retire in 2021 at 59 1/2 with 31 years of service. My pension will be over $4,000 a month and I have no
“Does “MRA plus 10” apply to my situation?, and if so, what would be my monthly Pension amount be if I put in for
“I early retired to come home to care for my sick parents. At the time of my retirement in 2017, I found out that
“Can I be on the safe side to estimate my retirement deductions for FEHB, and Life Insurance by using the amount that is being deducted
Question “I retired from Federal Service under a VERA / VISP in 2017 with over 32 years of Federal Service and my MRA is 56
“Always” Generally, an estimate from your Human Resources (HR) Department on your Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) benefits is a good source of information for
Nick poses a great question worth exploring a little more in depth. The question asks about how several variables in the Federal Retirement System work
When we talk about your FERS Retirement, we’re really talking about several different benefits. FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) has three main components: Basic FERS
FERS Retirement with 10% Bonus:Higher Pension for Age 62 & 20 Years Some people who qualify for regular FERS retirement will also qualify for a
Understanding the FERS Supplement for Special Provisions The FERS Supplement is an important benefit for FERS planning to retire before age 62. Since so many
There are two main types of FERS Early Retirement. One is MRA+10 Retirement – which we’ll be discussing here. Another type of Early FERS Retirement
A FERS Postponed Retirement is when you separate from service with at least 10 years of creditable service, and you have at least reached your
Looking for in-person FERS Retirement Seminars in Alaska? Shilanski & Associates, Inc. offers live, in-person FERS retirement classes in Anchorage, Alaska. At our full-day workshop,
The SF 50 is the official form the government uses to determine your retirement eligibility and to calculate your federal retirement pension. If there is
When you take a FERS Retirement – you’ll receive a monthly pension for the rest of your life. How do you calculate this amount? First
Your High 3 Salary is an important part of your pension calculation for federal retirement. Your High 3 Salary is the highest average basic pay
Video Transcription: Hi, I’m Micah Shilanski from Plan Your Federal Retirement. We just wrapped up a wonderful two days of teaching an eight-hour
Military Buyback for Federal Retirement Getting ready for federal retirement? Could a military buyback towards your federal creditable service make sense for you? Lots of
FERS Disability Retirement You may be eligible for a FERS Disability Retirement at any age if you… Have at least 18 months of creditable FERS
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream as Federal Employee? Navigating the complexities of
Hi. I have congressional experience and a break in service and I have just retired to the executive branch and I was wondering how the
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream? Understanding your spending goals and determining your
Listen to the Full Episode: Join Tammy and Micah, as they share their insights on navigating retirement preparation, avoiding common mistakes with OPM, and ensuring
I just saw you guide to military service credit buybacks. I didn’t see something in your guide that I think is very important: There is
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you nearing retirement and wondering how to manage your sick leave best? Join Tammy and Micah in this insightful
Listen to the Full Episode: Federal employees can use various calculators to estimate their FERS benefits, but accurate documentation and proper completion of estate planning
Hello, I appreciate your videos very much. I am active duty and retiring next year, intending on becoming a GS employee. Can you do one
How do I calculate my high three? I was a FERS employee from 1991-2000 then returned to FERS in 2022. I am 58 with a
Listen to the Full Episode: There are a lot of complexities in federal retirement benefits and retirement planning. Let’s unravel the key aspects and pitfalls
“Hello, Will OPM issue me a personal FERS Benefits Summary upon request (i.e., similar to the personalized benefit summary issued by Social Security) based on
“Can I take out a loan towards my FERS contributions? I’m a federal employee and no where close to retirement. Would it work like the
Listen to the Full Episode: Learn how to avoid making irreversable mistakes after death and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to plan for
Listen to the Full Episode: Don’t let irreversible mistakes catch you off guard. Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to plan for a secure
“When determining creditable service for determining what my FERS annuity will be, can unused sick leave be used to get creditable service time from 20
Listen to the Full Episode: The importance of knowing what lies ahead, what to expect and what steps to take when transitioning to retirement, covered
Listen to the Full Episode: You are getting closer to retirement, but specific tasks must be completed to enjoy it thoroughly. You’ll need to take
Listen to the Full Episode: You’ve been working and saving and planning for your retirement. And when you retire, you go through a psychological shift
“Greetings, I think I have an understanding of FERS postponed retirement, but there is one point that I have been unable resolve. I am by
Listen to the Full Episode: It is crucial to be hyper-intentional when it comes to your retirement! How big of a change can your sick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R_2ky5nZaM Does it make sense to buy back my military time now that I am a Federal Employee? If you have military time but do
“If I started in the NAF system in 1996 and then converted to GS in 2008 we were told it would count towards retirement. From
Listen to the Full Episode: The effects of inaccurate information can be devastating, and there’s a lot of questionable information out there. So, in this
Listen to the Full Episode: Misdirected advice can often be the most costly advice. So when we get advice, it’s important to hit pause to
“I retired from Federal service on Dec 31, 2020. My annual leave balance was paid out to me in a lump sum at the end
“Hi Tammy and Micah, Thanks for the information. I separated from the government at age 54 1/2 years and 20.5 years of service. I like
“Hi! I LOVE your podcasts! I am a Federal employee, have met my MRA and will meet my 30-years of service on Nov 2, 2021.
Answering your questions about military buy back. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
The question of whether to buy back military time is something that affects a lot of people. This episode features Christian Sakamoto, a great advisor
“I worked from 2010 to 2013 at VA Hospital. I quit/and then I work back in 2018 until now. My question is are those 3
“If I erroneously select an annuity from the TSP instead of a withdrawal from it, can I reverse that option? Thanks.” – Orlando. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T69Yxmht-k Listen,
“Greetings, I am retired from the Army after 20 years as a Staff Sergeant. I am currently a GS 14 with 11 years under FERS.
”I have gotten conflicting information about my lump sum annual leave. I plan on retiring on 12/31/21. I know that I will get my lump
“How do I know when it’s worth it to withdraw (refund) my FERS contribution when I leave the Fed workforce? if I have less than
“First off, great content on your site! A plethora of information for Federal employees that is extremely invaluable for retirement planning. Regarding the FERS Supplement
“I have about 1,300 hours of sick leave. What is the best advice on what to do with those hours as retirement nears for me?
https://youtu.be/GZdmjDOuNlY “I am a 35-year USPS employee and am planning on retiring this year. I am 58. I have heard about the backlog of retirement
As a Federal Employee, your High-3 average salary refers to the average of the highest three consecutive years of base pay earned. This is calculated
I am aware that after I put in ten years’ federal civilian creditable service and then retire, my FERS annuity will be reduced monthly by
Action items for maximizing your retirement. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
More and more federal employees are thinking about retiring at the end of the year, and while we’ve already gone over the best times to
What is an Immediate Retirement under FERS? The Immediate Retirement under FERS is the main way of qualifying for the pension. Sometimes it’s referred to
What is a Postponed Retirement under FERS? A Postponed Retirement is another alternative option of federal retirement that is similar to the Deferred Retirement option. Both options
How is my benefit calculated? In order to calculate your FERS pension, you will need to know your creditable years of service as well as
Learn the important differences between retiring at 60 and retiring at 62. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to
There is so much misinformation out there, and sometimes, it is important to simply get back to basics and ensure your information is correct. So
“Hi Micah and Tammy, I’m a Federal employee with 30 years in, and 5 years out from retirement. Can you explain how unused Sick and
“Forgetting for the moment the part my personal $$ contributions were over the years….Will the IRS tax my FERS ‘Unreduced Monthly Annuity’ (UMA) or my
“What happens to your sick leave if you are 63 years and have 28 years of federal service. Thanks for taking this question.” FERS Sick
What is a Creditable Service? Simply put, the Creditable Service is the amount of time a federal employee has worked for the federal government that
FERS Retirement Information The Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) is one of the most comprehensive (and sometimes complicated!) retirement programs to navigate. Your benefits as
What is the Military Buyback Program? The Military Buyback Program is a program for veterans to retroactively “buy back” their time spent in the military
Where do I apply? You’ve finally decided it’s time to retire. Maybe this day came sooner than expected, or maybe it couldn’t come soon enough.
What is MRA? Minimum Retirement Age is a threshold that was created for FERS and CSRS to determine a federal employee’s eligibility for retirement. Depending
How is my benefit calculated? In order to calculate your FERS pension, you will need to know your creditable years of service as well as
What is the FERS Basic Benefit Plan? As a Federal Employee, your retirement consists of three components: your Basic Benefit (also called your annuity or
“I have two questions about social security. I am 61 and my wife is 58. Let’s say my wife files for social security at age
My understanding is that if I take immediate retirement at MRA before 62, then I will: 1) get the FERS Supplement to my FERS annuity;
“I have almost 5 years of Federal Service (FERS—approximately 15 days short). I have over 7 years of honorable active duty service. I retired from
Does it make sense to stay a full thirty years in the federal government just to receive a better pension? Ten years (or more) before
When is the right time to retire? And what are the different options as a federal employee? While everyone wants to retire early, the fact
“I am 60. I plan to work till 70. All bills will be paid off including house sept 2021. House value now 431,000. Tsp
Have you served in the military, but aren’t quite sure how to use that military time for your civil service? A lot of mistakes get
“… I recently went over the max earnings on my supplement and when I filled the form out in early June it is expected
“My husband wants to retire and he has been at the USPS and was always told he gets 60% of his basepay and the more
Micah and Tammy have shared their thoughts and experiences with credible services, agency estimates, and other incomes, but what about risk management? In this episode,
“I will retire in 2021 at 59 1/2 with 31 years of service. My pension will be over $4,000 a month and I have no
“Does “MRA plus 10” apply to my situation?, and if so, what would be my monthly Pension amount be if I put in for
“I early retired to come home to care for my sick parents. At the time of my retirement in 2017, I found out that
“Can I be on the safe side to estimate my retirement deductions for FEHB, and Life Insurance by using the amount that is being deducted
Question “I retired from Federal Service under a VERA / VISP in 2017 with over 32 years of Federal Service and my MRA is 56
“Always” Generally, an estimate from your Human Resources (HR) Department on your Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) benefits is a good source of information for
Nick poses a great question worth exploring a little more in depth. The question asks about how several variables in the Federal Retirement System work
When we talk about your FERS Retirement, we’re really talking about several different benefits. FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) has three main components: Basic FERS
FERS Retirement with 10% Bonus:Higher Pension for Age 62 & 20 Years Some people who qualify for regular FERS retirement will also qualify for a
Understanding the FERS Supplement for Special Provisions The FERS Supplement is an important benefit for FERS planning to retire before age 62. Since so many
There are two main types of FERS Early Retirement. One is MRA+10 Retirement – which we’ll be discussing here. Another type of Early FERS Retirement
A FERS Postponed Retirement is when you separate from service with at least 10 years of creditable service, and you have at least reached your
Looking for in-person FERS Retirement Seminars in Alaska? Shilanski & Associates, Inc. offers live, in-person FERS retirement classes in Anchorage, Alaska. At our full-day workshop,
The SF 50 is the official form the government uses to determine your retirement eligibility and to calculate your federal retirement pension. If there is
When you take a FERS Retirement – you’ll receive a monthly pension for the rest of your life. How do you calculate this amount? First
Your High 3 Salary is an important part of your pension calculation for federal retirement. Your High 3 Salary is the highest average basic pay
Video Transcription: Hi, I’m Micah Shilanski from Plan Your Federal Retirement. We just wrapped up a wonderful two days of teaching an eight-hour
Military Buyback for Federal Retirement Getting ready for federal retirement? Could a military buyback towards your federal creditable service make sense for you? Lots of
FERS Disability Retirement You may be eligible for a FERS Disability Retirement at any age if you… Have at least 18 months of creditable FERS
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream as Federal Employee? Navigating the complexities of
Hi. I have congressional experience and a break in service and I have just retired to the executive branch and I was wondering how the
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream? Understanding your spending goals and determining your
Listen to the Full Episode: Join Tammy and Micah, as they share their insights on navigating retirement preparation, avoiding common mistakes with OPM, and ensuring
I just saw you guide to military service credit buybacks. I didn’t see something in your guide that I think is very important: There is
Listen to the Full Episode: Are you nearing retirement and wondering how to manage your sick leave best? Join Tammy and Micah in this insightful
Listen to the Full Episode: Federal employees can use various calculators to estimate their FERS benefits, but accurate documentation and proper completion of estate planning
Hello, I appreciate your videos very much. I am active duty and retiring next year, intending on becoming a GS employee. Can you do one
How do I calculate my high three? I was a FERS employee from 1991-2000 then returned to FERS in 2022. I am 58 with a
Listen to the Full Episode: There are a lot of complexities in federal retirement benefits and retirement planning. Let’s unravel the key aspects and pitfalls
“Hello, Will OPM issue me a personal FERS Benefits Summary upon request (i.e., similar to the personalized benefit summary issued by Social Security) based on
“Can I take out a loan towards my FERS contributions? I’m a federal employee and no where close to retirement. Would it work like the
Listen to the Full Episode: Learn how to avoid making irreversable mistakes after death and empower yourself with the knowledge you need to plan for
Listen to the Full Episode: Don’t let irreversible mistakes catch you off guard. Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to plan for a secure
“When determining creditable service for determining what my FERS annuity will be, can unused sick leave be used to get creditable service time from 20
Listen to the Full Episode: The importance of knowing what lies ahead, what to expect and what steps to take when transitioning to retirement, covered
Listen to the Full Episode: You are getting closer to retirement, but specific tasks must be completed to enjoy it thoroughly. You’ll need to take
Listen to the Full Episode: You’ve been working and saving and planning for your retirement. And when you retire, you go through a psychological shift
“Greetings, I think I have an understanding of FERS postponed retirement, but there is one point that I have been unable resolve. I am by
Listen to the Full Episode: It is crucial to be hyper-intentional when it comes to your retirement! How big of a change can your sick
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R_2ky5nZaM Does it make sense to buy back my military time now that I am a Federal Employee? If you have military time but do
“If I started in the NAF system in 1996 and then converted to GS in 2008 we were told it would count towards retirement. From
Listen to the Full Episode: The effects of inaccurate information can be devastating, and there’s a lot of questionable information out there. So, in this
Listen to the Full Episode: Misdirected advice can often be the most costly advice. So when we get advice, it’s important to hit pause to
“I retired from Federal service on Dec 31, 2020. My annual leave balance was paid out to me in a lump sum at the end
“Hi Tammy and Micah, Thanks for the information. I separated from the government at age 54 1/2 years and 20.5 years of service. I like
“Hi! I LOVE your podcasts! I am a Federal employee, have met my MRA and will meet my 30-years of service on Nov 2, 2021.
Answering your questions about military buy back. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
The question of whether to buy back military time is something that affects a lot of people. This episode features Christian Sakamoto, a great advisor
“I worked from 2010 to 2013 at VA Hospital. I quit/and then I work back in 2018 until now. My question is are those 3
“If I erroneously select an annuity from the TSP instead of a withdrawal from it, can I reverse that option? Thanks.” – Orlando. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T69Yxmht-k Listen,
“Greetings, I am retired from the Army after 20 years as a Staff Sergeant. I am currently a GS 14 with 11 years under FERS.
”I have gotten conflicting information about my lump sum annual leave. I plan on retiring on 12/31/21. I know that I will get my lump
“How do I know when it’s worth it to withdraw (refund) my FERS contribution when I leave the Fed workforce? if I have less than
“First off, great content on your site! A plethora of information for Federal employees that is extremely invaluable for retirement planning. Regarding the FERS Supplement
“I have about 1,300 hours of sick leave. What is the best advice on what to do with those hours as retirement nears for me?
https://youtu.be/GZdmjDOuNlY “I am a 35-year USPS employee and am planning on retiring this year. I am 58. I have heard about the backlog of retirement
As a Federal Employee, your High-3 average salary refers to the average of the highest three consecutive years of base pay earned. This is calculated
I am aware that after I put in ten years’ federal civilian creditable service and then retire, my FERS annuity will be reduced monthly by
Action items for maximizing your retirement. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
More and more federal employees are thinking about retiring at the end of the year, and while we’ve already gone over the best times to
What is an Immediate Retirement under FERS? The Immediate Retirement under FERS is the main way of qualifying for the pension. Sometimes it’s referred to
What is a Postponed Retirement under FERS? A Postponed Retirement is another alternative option of federal retirement that is similar to the Deferred Retirement option. Both options
How is my benefit calculated? In order to calculate your FERS pension, you will need to know your creditable years of service as well as
Learn the important differences between retiring at 60 and retiring at 62. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to
There is so much misinformation out there, and sometimes, it is important to simply get back to basics and ensure your information is correct. So
“Hi Micah and Tammy, I’m a Federal employee with 30 years in, and 5 years out from retirement. Can you explain how unused Sick and
“Forgetting for the moment the part my personal $$ contributions were over the years….Will the IRS tax my FERS ‘Unreduced Monthly Annuity’ (UMA) or my
“What happens to your sick leave if you are 63 years and have 28 years of federal service. Thanks for taking this question.” FERS Sick
What is a Creditable Service? Simply put, the Creditable Service is the amount of time a federal employee has worked for the federal government that
FERS Retirement Information The Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) is one of the most comprehensive (and sometimes complicated!) retirement programs to navigate. Your benefits as
What is the Military Buyback Program? The Military Buyback Program is a program for veterans to retroactively “buy back” their time spent in the military
Where do I apply? You’ve finally decided it’s time to retire. Maybe this day came sooner than expected, or maybe it couldn’t come soon enough.
What is MRA? Minimum Retirement Age is a threshold that was created for FERS and CSRS to determine a federal employee’s eligibility for retirement. Depending
How is my benefit calculated? In order to calculate your FERS pension, you will need to know your creditable years of service as well as
What is the FERS Basic Benefit Plan? As a Federal Employee, your retirement consists of three components: your Basic Benefit (also called your annuity or
“I have two questions about social security. I am 61 and my wife is 58. Let’s say my wife files for social security at age
My understanding is that if I take immediate retirement at MRA before 62, then I will: 1) get the FERS Supplement to my FERS annuity;
“I have almost 5 years of Federal Service (FERS—approximately 15 days short). I have over 7 years of honorable active duty service. I retired from
Does it make sense to stay a full thirty years in the federal government just to receive a better pension? Ten years (or more) before
When is the right time to retire? And what are the different options as a federal employee? While everyone wants to retire early, the fact
“I am 60. I plan to work till 70. All bills will be paid off including house sept 2021. House value now 431,000. Tsp
Have you served in the military, but aren’t quite sure how to use that military time for your civil service? A lot of mistakes get
“… I recently went over the max earnings on my supplement and when I filled the form out in early June it is expected
“My husband wants to retire and he has been at the USPS and was always told he gets 60% of his basepay and the more
Micah and Tammy have shared their thoughts and experiences with credible services, agency estimates, and other incomes, but what about risk management? In this episode,
“I will retire in 2021 at 59 1/2 with 31 years of service. My pension will be over $4,000 a month and I have no
“Does “MRA plus 10” apply to my situation?, and if so, what would be my monthly Pension amount be if I put in for
“I early retired to come home to care for my sick parents. At the time of my retirement in 2017, I found out that
“Can I be on the safe side to estimate my retirement deductions for FEHB, and Life Insurance by using the amount that is being deducted
Question “I retired from Federal Service under a VERA / VISP in 2017 with over 32 years of Federal Service and my MRA is 56
“Always” Generally, an estimate from your Human Resources (HR) Department on your Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) benefits is a good source of information for
Nick poses a great question worth exploring a little more in depth. The question asks about how several variables in the Federal Retirement System work
When we talk about your FERS Retirement, we’re really talking about several different benefits. FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) has three main components: Basic FERS
FERS Retirement with 10% Bonus:Higher Pension for Age 62 & 20 Years Some people who qualify for regular FERS retirement will also qualify for a
Understanding the FERS Supplement for Special Provisions The FERS Supplement is an important benefit for FERS planning to retire before age 62. Since so many
There are two main types of FERS Early Retirement. One is MRA+10 Retirement – which we’ll be discussing here. Another type of Early FERS Retirement
A FERS Postponed Retirement is when you separate from service with at least 10 years of creditable service, and you have at least reached your
Looking for in-person FERS Retirement Seminars in Alaska? Shilanski & Associates, Inc. offers live, in-person FERS retirement classes in Anchorage, Alaska. At our full-day workshop,
The SF 50 is the official form the government uses to determine your retirement eligibility and to calculate your federal retirement pension. If there is
When you take a FERS Retirement – you’ll receive a monthly pension for the rest of your life. How do you calculate this amount? First
Your High 3 Salary is an important part of your pension calculation for federal retirement. Your High 3 Salary is the highest average basic pay
Video Transcription: Hi, I’m Micah Shilanski from Plan Your Federal Retirement. We just wrapped up a wonderful two days of teaching an eight-hour
Military Buyback for Federal Retirement Getting ready for federal retirement? Could a military buyback towards your federal creditable service make sense for you? Lots of
FERS Disability Retirement You may be eligible for a FERS Disability Retirement at any age if you… Have at least 18 months of creditable FERS