#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 tax exposure. In this episode, Micah Shilanski, CFP®, and John Raleigh, CFP®, walk you through the essential steps you should take before December 31st to stay on track and avoid […]
#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 situations federal employees face: a furlough. Whether this is your first or fifth time experiencing one, Jamie breaks down practical, real-world strategies to help you stay financially stable, protect your […]
#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 you inside our recent in-person workshop, where we spent the day with federal employees diving deep into their benefits, tax planning, and retirement strategies. From understanding the 2026 TSP Roth […]
#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 future. In this episode, Micah and John discuss how inheritances, sudden windfalls, and poorly managed gifts can end up causing more harm than good, especially for children who aren’t financially […]
#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 Medicare and FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) adds unique rules, costs, and opportunities. In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Micah and John break down the myths, penalties, and […]
#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 about whether to take it early or late; it’s about how to coordinate Social Security with your pension, TSP, survivor benefits, and taxes. In this episode, Micah and advisor John […]
#135 Your Last Year Before Retirement: The Ultimate Prep Guide
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 the most exciting — and most critical — months of your career. This is when decisions get real, timelines matter, and small mistakes can cost you big in the long […]
#134 Retirement Readiness: The Secrets to Knowing You’re Truly Ready
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 reveal the most overlooked aspects of retirement planning that can cause major regrets later. Drawing from years of experience, they share essential insights on mental readiness, investment strategies, the Retirement […]
Changes in the Retirement Process
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 not only financial numbers but also personal readiness and changing workplace conditions. Recent shifts in policy and evolving job satisfaction levels mean that each federal employee’s retirement journey is unique […]
#133 Smart Retirement Planning in Volatile Markets: Cash Flow, TSP, and Taxes
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 steps you can take to feel confident and in control. Tune in and learn how to build a resilient plan with cash reserves & smart spending, avoid common tax mistakes […]
#132 Understanding How the Economy and Your Retirement Portfolio Are Related
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 between the economy and your retirement portfolio. Markets are unpredictable. Your retirement doesn’t have to be. Learn how the economy & your retirement portfolio work together. If you’re a federal […]
#131 The Government Is… What Can You Control?
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 during uncertain times. Discover how to manage emotional decisions, prepare for potential job changes, and build a flexible retirement income strategy. Learn how to focus on what you can control […]