#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 long-term success: cash flow. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down a common, […]
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 “living trust is not a beneficiary. “ What do I do? He obviously submitted forms designating the trust a beneficiary since it’s listed? -Thanks Bob If you’re within 5–10 years […]
#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? In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Floyd Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, explain how outside influences like […]
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 a response with additional questions but could not reply. I am recovering and now do not have any of the paperwork anymore. What can I do to get my application […]
#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 […]