#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 on your taxes. In this episode, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, share practical strategies to help federal employees make their charitable contributions more […]
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 BOP in 2027 at age 58. In 2028, I plan to get another job until age 62. I understand there is a earnings test for additional income. I believe it […]
#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 Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down one of the most common and potentially costly investment questions federal employees ask: “Should I wait for the market to drop before investing?” They walk […]
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 security until at least my FRA (67). My question is: If I would die BEFORE I start receiving social security, how is my wife’s survivor benefit (i.e., my benefit) affected? […]
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 is incomplete service documentation. In this article, we explain why it is important to keep your own complete record of SF-50s (Notification of Personnel Action) and how mistakes in your […]
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 file taxes as married filing separately. My concern is IRMAA, my cost for Medicare Part B becomes quite high as my income most likely will be over $105,000. And my […]
#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 will protect their retirement income. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down the “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 will be working full time. I will be over the allowed reduction amount. However the same year I will turn 62. So my question is since my supplement stops at […]
#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 episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, is joined by his father, Floyd Shilanski, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, to unpack one of the […]
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 casual advice can create confusion or unnecessary worry. Understanding what’s true and what’s not can help you make smarter decisions about your benefits. Common Questions Federal Employees Ask It’s easy […]
#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 costly mistakes. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down real-world, end-of-year action items they are actively […]
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 strategy can be a valuable way to help make sure you don’t outlive your money and to make better choices about when to start Social Security. A bridge strategy is […]