FERS Retirement Planning

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

#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

Social Security: The Bridge Strategy!

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

#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

Viral Finance: Should You Trust Trends?

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

#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

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,

FERS Pension Going Down in 2026

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,

#141 Furloughed! What Federal Employees Can Do When Paychecks Stop

Listen to the Full Episode: In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Jamie C. Shilanski, RFC®, talks about one of the most stressful

Wait, FEHB Is Auto-Enrolling You in Medicare Part D? Here’s What You Need to Know

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

#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

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

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.

Government 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

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

#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

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

#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

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

#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

Keeping Health Costs Low in Retirement: FEHB or Medicare Part B?

I’m 65 now, still working usps, when I retire in 1 to 2 years, I’m interested in keeping monthly health insurance down. Is it more

MARKETS ARE FALLING! – What are YOUR rules on investing?

Every Investor should have their “Rules on Investing” in place for times of “market volatility and turmoil.” Times like this, I am often reminded of

#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

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

#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

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

#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

I Passed On The Fork… Now What Do I Do?

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

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

#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

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

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

#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

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

VERA-Retirement-Guide-Federal-Employees

Are you a federal employee considering Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)? This comprehensive guide breaks down eligibility, benefits, and financial impacts, including how VERA affects your pension, health insurance (FEHB), and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Learn the key steps to avoid costly mistakes, understand your FERS Special Retirement Supplement, and maximize your retirement benefits.

🎙 Watch our YouTube Podcast for expert insights.
📚 Join our “Retire Right” On-Demand Class to make informed decisions.

Read now to take control of your federal retirement!

Fork in the Road: Frequently Asked Questions

What should Federal Employees facing the Fork in the Road do? As a Federal Employee Benefits professional, my primary advice—though not intended to be self-serving—is

Fork in the Road: A Comprehensive Guide to Deferred Resignation for Federal Employees

Federal Employees need to know what to anticipate if they choose to accept the Deferred Resignation package issued January 2025 to civilian federal employees. President

#120 Reduction in Force (RIF) and Job Changes – What You Need to Know!

Listen to the Full Episode: What does a Reduction in Force (RIF) or job change mean for your federal benefits and retirement plans? These transitions

Understanding Tax Implications for Survivor Benefits

Need help with federal employee survival benefits. I looking for specific help with my wife’s survivor FERS and Death Benefits. My wife worked for the

#119 FERS Retirement Benefits, What Federal Employees Should Know in 2025

Listen to the Full Episode: What impacts will the latest tax law changes, Social Security projections, and market uncertainties have on your FERS retirement benefits

Does Buying Back Military Time Affect Your CRSC?

Hi, my name is Eric. I am calling because I have a question about buying back my military time. I am retired from the from

#118 TSP Secrets: The Key to Starting Your Year Off Right

Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to unlock the secrets to a stronger TSP in 2025? In this podcast episode, Christian and John

Understanding the Impact of Lump Sum Annual Leave on Your FERS Supplement

Hello. My name is Joyce and I am trying to determine the best date to retire either december 31st or january 11th 2025 at the

#117 The Psychological Impact of Retirement: Preparing for Life After Federal Service

Listen to the Full Episode: Ready for retirement but still trying to figure out what comes after the paycheck? In this podcast episode, Jamie and

TSP to Roth IRA: What Federal Employees Need to Know

I’m 60 years old with 36 years of service. I called the TSP help line and asked if I could roll over money from the

#116 The Strategic Role of Qualified Charitable Distributions in Retirement

Listen to the Full Episode: How can Qualified Charitable Distributions in Retirement help you give strategically and reduce taxes? In this podcast episode, Christian and

Buying Back Military Time and Pension

Hello, I just started federal employment this July. I served Active Duty in the Army for 9 years from 2009 to 2018. In 2018 I

#115 Essential Steps to Secure Your Federal Retirement: What You Need to Know

Listen to the Full Episode: Ready to secure your federal retirement? In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian discuss essential steps to secure your federal

Insurance Coverage And Medicare

Yes, my name is Bobby and I have a question on the life insurance coverage. I read here that it said that the basic life

#114 Boost Your Retirement Savings: Understanding FERS Contribution Rates

Listen to the Full Episode: Navigating federal retirement benefits can be complex, but understanding FERS contribution rates is key. These rates determine your eligibility, pension

When do Your Years Stop Counting Towards Your FERS Retirement

“Yes, my name is Marty. I like to know about FERS, if there is a maximum amount of years that I can work and then

#113 Retirement Tax Traps: How to Avoid Surprises in Your Federal Retirement Planning

Listen to the Full Episode: Understanding how to navigate taxes in retirement is crucial for preserving your hard-earned income. From Roth conversions to Qualified Charitable

FERS Part-Time Service: Clarifying the Creditable Service Rules

Yes, my name is Martha, and I tune into as many of your podcasts as I can, for your valuable information, I have a question

#112 Crafting Your 10-Year Tax Plan: How to Reduce Liabilities in Your FERS Retirement

Listen to the Full Episode: Planning for your retirement requires a solid understanding of your options. Discover the best strategies for managing your Thrift Savings

Navigating Earnings Limit and SRS: What Happens When You Turn 62?

If you have a birth month of Jan ro April, and the year you obtain age 61, you exceed the earnings limit, how is that

#111 Rental Property And Estate Planning

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

Understanding the FERS Supplement: Eligibility and Next Steps

FERS supplement annuity. I retired from SSA under the 25 years of service at any age in 2014. I was told I would be eligible

#109 How Does Retirement Income Work – A Roadmap To Financial Freedom

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

Can You Access Your FERS Supplement Right After Retirement?

I can retire in october 2019 with 30 years under first, I will be 56 and I mean 10 months old and I do not

#108 Federal Finances: Navigating Retirement Prep

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

#152 How Will You Pay the Bills While OPM Processes Your Retirement

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

What Should You Do If a “Virus Alert” Pops Up and Asks You to Call?

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

How Much Do You Really Need to Retire?

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

Should You Trust AI With Your Social Security Decision?

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

#151 Should You Change Your Social Security Strategy Because of the News?

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

The 4 Retirement Risks That Never Go Away

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

Did You Just Inherit a Tax Problem?

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

#150 Why Your Retirement Plan Might Fail

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

TSP Beneficiary Discrepancy? What to Do Next

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

#149 Are You Letting Headlines Control Your Retirement Decisions?

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

FERS Paperwork Lost or Delayed? Steps to Get Back on Track

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

#148 Are You Missing These Tax Savings? Charitable Strategies Explained

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

Can a 401(k) Contribution Save Your FERS Supplement?

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

#147 Does market timing always work?

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

What Happens to Your Social Security If You Die Before Claiming?

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

Why Every SF-50 Matters for Your FERS Retirement

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

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

#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

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

#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

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