How Many Additional Years Do I Need to Work
“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 to come back to work for the government in the near future (eg at age 58/59). How many additional years do I need to work so that my health benefits […]
Add Husband to FEHB at Retirement?
“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. I’d like to retire as soon as I can, but want to make sure my husband and dependent daughter can be covered under my FEHB into my retirement, and beyond. […]
How to plan what source to withdraw from
“How to plan which source to withdraw from and when (TSP, Roth, other investments) over the retirement years to supplement pensions and SS. Are tax consequences the primary decision driver?” – Steve. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCyf9dVh3jA As a Federal employee your retirement is a three legged stool. You have your pension, social security and your TSP to help provide […]
Keeping FEHB in Retirement
“I have a question related to something in one of your articles about FEHB and Medicare. The article stated: “As a full-time Federal employee, you are eligible to enroll in FEHB. If you meet the requirements to do so, as a retiree, you are eligible to maintain FEHB throughout your lifetime. The requirements to maintain […]
Ep #42: New Year Planning (Finance and Fitness: The Two Things You Won’t Do :) )
It’s a new year, and Tammy and Micah are here to talk about some of the things that have changed, some of the things that might change in 2022, and what you can do to maximize your retirement. They will be going through some notable areas that will need your attention in order to ensure […]
Ep #41: TSP & Market Volatility: Part 4 – Q & A
In this episode, Tammy and Micah continue with the insights into TSP series and answer some great questions from active TSP participants. Whether you are deciding at what age to take Social Security, wanting to calculate a FERS pension, or trying to find the best savings and growth plans in retirement, this episode is for […]
Ep #40: TSP & Market Volatility: Part 3 – Silver Linings
In this mini-series, Micah and Tammy have been talking about your TSP during a time of volatility and the strategies you can implement to encourage growth and stability at all times. (If you haven’t yet, check out the previous two episodes where they answer questions about TSP in retirement and outline the bucket strategy.) This […]
Ep #39: TSP & Market Volatility: Part 2 – Buckets
Today, Tammy and Micah continue to address questions they’ve been receiving regarding your TSP and market volatility. In this second part of the series, they will focus on giving insight into the strategies they use when planning. (If you haven’t tuned in to the first part, head back to check out episode 38 before jumping […]
Ep #38: TSP and Market Volatility: Part 1 – Markets Go Down…Now What?
How are things going to unfold when it comes to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account? Tammy and Micah have been getting a flood of questions related to this lately, so today—and for the next few episodes—they’ll be giving you access to a webinar they did on this topic. Over this 4-part series, you’ll learn […]
Ep #37: Non Voluntary vs Voluntary Separation
Right now, the entire world revolves around COVID—even more so with executive orders and rules that are requiring employees to get the vaccine by the end of November. Micah and Tammy have gotten quite a few questions about how this situation might play out in terms of federal benefits, so today they’ll be discussing the […]
Ep #36: Medicare Advantage Within and Outside of FEHB
At 65, something happens to all of us where we have this forced decision that we have to deal with when it comes to Medicare—and it opens up a few more options. There are a lot of rumors about Medicare that go around (some true, some not true), so facing plan changes and all the […]
Can you deduct your FEHB premiums in retirement?
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 10% for the surviving spouse 50% annuity and that FEHB premiums will be deducted as well. My questions: Are the FEHB premiums in retirement deductible? Is the 10% deduction taxable? […]
Follow Up Friday – Derailing Your Retirement
Learn more about the things that can sabotage your retirement. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
Follow Up Friday – Why Mid-Career Is the MOST Important Time
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 Subscribe:
Follow Up Friday – The Questions You Should Have Asked
Tips for figuring out the best plan for your retirement. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
Follow Up Friday – Court Orders That Can Half Your Retirement
What you need to know about how a divorce can impact your retirement planning. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
Follow Up Friday – TSP and Social Security
Questions to ask yourself to ensure you’re properly balancing your social security and TSP so you get the most benefit. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
Sick and Annual Leave at Retirement
“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 Annual leave are handled at retirement? I understand that unused SL balances can increase your annuity but I don’t understand the formulas. Thank you.” -Cheryl Annual Leave Let’s start with […]
Follow Up Friday – What’s The Best Distribution Rate From Your TSP?
What you need to know about your TSP benefits so you can avoid risk and maximize your retirement funds. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
Follow Up Friday – Why Life Events Matter
How to protect and prepare your loved ones for unexpected life events. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
Follow Up Friday – How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
The importance of looking over your policies, reevaluating your beneficiaries and everything you need to know about FEGLI. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
Ep #24: How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
With so many misconceptions around life insurance, it can be hard to determine the appropriate plan or amount for your needs. Unfortunately, there are some people in the financial business that believe it is a one size fits all service, however that is not the case. So where do you begin? In this episode, Micah […]
Follow Up Friday – Best Day to Retire
How to properly plan for the day of your retirement. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:
Ep #23: Best Day to Retire
With more retirement planning and with every year that retirement gets closer, the question is often asked, “What day is best to retire?” Tammy and Micah sit down to set the record straight when it comes to choosing a retirement date. They share how people tend to focus on maximizing benefits and where else you […]
Ep #22: Estate Planning and TSP Quirks
Do you have a plan put in place for who will inherit your assets after your demise? Many people are solely focused on increasing their assets whilst they are still alive, but often forget about securing who it will all go to when they are gone. In this episode, Micah and Tammy will be discussing […]
Ep #21: The Years After You Retire
Ensuring you have met your savings goals during your retirement planning is incredibly important, but it is just one of many things to consider. Unfortunately, retirement planning doesn’t stop when you retire, and it’s important to make sure you’ll be able to maintain your goals once you have retired. So in this episode, Micah and […]
Ep #20: Phase of Retirement – The Year of Retirement
When it comes to your retirement, it can be a very stressful time—or it can be a very smooth transition. It really comes down to what planning you have put in place to set yourself up for success. In this episode, Micah and Tammy will be sharing the practices you must have in place the […]
Ep #19: Phase of Retirement – 5 Years Out From Retirement
When we consider retirement, most of us think about this chapter in our lives as a positive time—and it can be, as long as we are fully prepared. So today, Micah and Tammy will be discussing all the measurements to put in place as you approach your retirement. They will be sharing courses you can […]
Ep #18: Phase of Retirement – 10 Years Out From Retirement
When you are planning for your retirement, there are a lot of different areas you need to be aware of financially, and it can be an overwhelming amount of information to take in at once. So today, Tammy and Micah will be discussing the key factors to keep an eye on when you are 5-10 […]
Ep #17: Taxes
Tax season is upon us, and for many, it is a scary time. With so many opinions floating around, it is hard to decipher between what is fact and what is simply a misconception. So today Tammy and Micah will be discussing common mistakes made when it comes to taxes and how to avoid them […]
Ep #16: What’s My Pension Worth?
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 retirement, many employees begin to question whether it is worth remaining in their positions or if they should try something new. In this episode, Micah and Tammy discuss what your […]
Ep #15: New Year’s Habits
There is so much that we can’t control, and it’s easy to focus on those things and feel helpless to stop them. But in this episode, we’re flipping the narrative and focusing on the things we can control in our personal lives that can really make an impact on your retirement plan. Listen in to […]
Ep #14: With Special Guest Mary Beth Franklin
Mary Beth Franklin is our go-to professional for all things Social Security benefits. With over 40 years as a financial journalist and a CFP® designation, she has a wealth of knowledge and understands Social Security from the financial planning point of view. She is a contributing editor at InvestmentNews, an author, and an in-demand speaker […]
Ep #13: Mailbag
What kind of protection does the spouse of a federal employee have? Does everyone need insurance—and how is it beneficial? In this episode, Tammy and Micah answer frequently asked questions sent in by listeners, addressing everything from survivor benefits to your high-3. Listen in as they explain how to calculate your highest paying years, as […]
Ep #11: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
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 is the “perfect time” is different for everyone. So in this episode, Micah and Tammy share how to prepare yourself, as well as your spouse, for your retirement and the […]
Ep #10: FEHB and Medicare in Open Season
We’re on the brink of another open season, so today Micah and Tammy are sharing the information you need to know about this upcoming season. You will learn one of the best benefits you have, how to choose a plan that allows you to take full advantage of your retirement, and what to expect in […]