Social Security: What YOU Need to Know
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
FERS Retirement Planning is all about understanding the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which forms the foundation of your retirement benefits. We’ll guide you through the eligibility criteria, benefit calculations, and critical milestones to ensure you make the most of your federal retirement package.
Planning your retirement under FERS requires careful consideration of various factors, such as age and years of service, and choosing the right retirement date. To learn more or find answers to your specific questions, check out our content below.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
We’re all feeling the impact of inflation. Groceries, gas, utilities… everything costs more. Unfortunately, federal retirees may soon feel it even more directly. For many,
Listen to the Full Episode: In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Jamie C. Shilanski, RFC®, talks about one of the most stressful
Are Federal Employees Being Auto-Enrolled in Medicare Part D? If you’re enrolled in a Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan that now offers Medicare Part
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
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
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.
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
Real Question from a Federal Employee As I approach retirement, what are the safest and best TSP investment and allocation strategies, any suggestions? – Andrew
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
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
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
Real Question from a Federal Employee Hey, I am retired Air Force 22 years a combat injury related 100 % disabled veteran. I am working
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

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

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

Real Question from a Federal Employee What age can I start collecting Social Security retirement benefits? What is my full retirement age, and how does

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

Real Question from a Federal Employee Hello, I have a question. I’m a few years out from retiremen, how can I be sure I’m financially

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

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

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

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

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

Listen to the Full Episode: Is your financial plan ready for unexpected changes? In this episode, Micah and Jamie highlight the importance of taking charge

Can I suspend FEHB in retirement then start it again later if my new (private sector) employer offers health coverage benefits that I’d like to

I have 15 years of federal service and am 55 years old. I have only been in the FEHB for my most recent 3 years

The more confident you are that you won’t be scammed, the more vulnerable you are. Scammed, Phished, Hacked, or Conned… isn’t just for the vulnerable

Is it possible to request a waiver to access the FERS Supplement two years early? My wife has 32/33 years but only turns 55 in

Listen to the Full Episode: Is “buy and hold” really the best strategy for retirement investing? In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian explore why

Thank you for your wonderful and helpful videos on postponed retirement. The one question I have remaining is – I understand that if I retire

Listen to the Full Episode: Think you know how your FERS pension, Social Security, or military retirement will be taxed? Think again. In this episode,

First, I have listened to your podcast for year,s and it has been a wealth of information. Thank you. Now for my question…I am a

Listen to the Full Episode: What does retirement really look like beyond the financials? In this podcast episode, Micah and Floyd discuss what life is

Listen to the Full Episode: Retirement changes more than where you spend your time, it also changes how and when your income arrives. This

Real Question from a Federal Employee Question from many federal employees: “I received a pop-up on my computer saying my device was infected and I

Retirement headlines often focus on one big number. You may read that you need $1 million, $1.5 million, or even $2 million before you can

Artificial intelligence is everywhere. You can ask a chatbot almost any question and get an answer in seconds. Questions like: When should I take Social

Listen to the Full Episode: Most federal employees focus on how much they’ve saved for retirement, but overlook one critical factor that can determine

Real Question from a Federal Employee Question 1739 from Bob: My brother passed away and his quarterly tsp statement in the beneficiary summary says his

Real Question from a Federal Employee Question 1739 from Bob: My brother passed away and his quarterly tsp statement in the beneficiary summary says his

Listen to the Full Episode: Most federal employees focus on how much they’ve saved for retirement, but overlook one critical factor that can determine

Real Question from a Federal Employee Question 1739 from Bob: My brother passed away and his quarterly tsp statement in the beneficiary summary says his

Listen to the Full Episode: Are your retirement decisions based on your own goals, or are they influenced by headlines, ads, and market noise?

Real Question from a Federal Employee I submitted a FERS application last year but then became ill and could not follow up. I did receive

Listen to the Full Episode: Charitable giving can play an important role in retirement, and the way you give can have a big effect

Real Question from a Federal Employee Question 1705 from Sallie: I have a question about the FERS Supplement. I am going to retire from the

Listen to the Full Episode: In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Luke

Real Question from a Federal Employee I have a question regarding social security. I will have the higher benefit and plan on not collecting social

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

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

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

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

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
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
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
Real Question from a Federal Employee What age can I start collecting Social Security retirement benefits? What is my full retirement age, and how does
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
Real Question from a Federal Employee Hello, I have a question. I’m a few years out from retiremen, how can I be sure I’m financially
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
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
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
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
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
Listen to the Full Episode: Is your financial plan ready for unexpected changes? In this episode, Micah and Jamie highlight the importance of taking charge
Can I suspend FEHB in retirement then start it again later if my new (private sector) employer offers health coverage benefits that I’d like to
I have 15 years of federal service and am 55 years old. I have only been in the FEHB for my most recent 3 years
The more confident you are that you won’t be scammed, the more vulnerable you are. Scammed, Phished, Hacked, or Conned… isn’t just for the vulnerable
Is it possible to request a waiver to access the FERS Supplement two years early? My wife has 32/33 years but only turns 55 in
Listen to the Full Episode: Is “buy and hold” really the best strategy for retirement investing? In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian explore why
Thank you for your wonderful and helpful videos on postponed retirement. The one question I have remaining is – I understand that if I retire
Listen to the Full Episode: Think you know how your FERS pension, Social Security, or military retirement will be taxed? Think again. In this episode,
First, I have listened to your podcast for year,s and it has been a wealth of information. Thank you. Now for my question…I am a
Listen to the Full Episode: What does retirement really look like beyond the financials? In this podcast episode, Micah and Floyd discuss what life is