#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 […]
Are You Able to Combine State and Federal Retirement Contributions?
I have 2 years state retirement contributions, 10 years military (7 years federal 3 years guard). Can I combine state and federal retirement contributions? Do I have to be a current federal employee to participate in the buyback program? Can reserve military service retirement points be used? – Tee https://youtu.be/uZPgEHLDx1s Many people who have worked in […]
#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, and how to protect […]
Does Retiring at the End of the Month Affect TSP Contributions?
Question about TSP matching Contributions.If I retire at the end of a month, which happens to be the middle of a pay period, do I still get matching TSP contributions? – Kenhttps://youtu.be/XUjumWtBQPc Many federal employees wonder if retiring at the end of the month will affect their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions. This is a […]
#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 […]
Is It Possible to Suspend FEHB and Come Back Later?
Can I suspend FEHB in retirement then start it again later if my new (private sector) employer offers health coverage benefits that I’d like to take advantage of? – Michael https://youtu.be/7ersCh5L_oQ Federal retirees have access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, which is considered one of the top health insurance programs in the […]
Can You Qualify for FEHB in Retirement by Returning to Federal Service?
I have 15 years of federal service and am 55 years old. I have only been in the FEHB for my most recent 3 years of federal employment. I want to leave federal service soon. If I want to retire with FEHB, could I do that by reentering federal service later on for a further […]
Protecting Your Pension: How to Spot a Scam as a Federal Employee
https://youtu.be/AH8GKsjrlSQ The more confident you are that you won’t be scammed, the more vulnerable you are. Scammed, Phished, Hacked, or Conned… isn’t just for the vulnerable population anymore. It’s happening with higher intensity levels than we have ever seen before. While there is never a “foolproof” method of avoiding being victimized, there are a few […]
Is It Possible to Access Your FERS Supplement Early?
Is it possible to request a waiver to access the FERS Supplement two years early? My wife has 32/33 years but only turns 55 in August. Thanks. – Fred https://youtu.be/CdXnpGn13o4 The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Supplement is a valuable benefit for federal employees who retire before becoming eligible for Social Security at age 62. […]
#128 Why “Buy and Hold” Doesn’t Always Work?
Listen to the Full Episode: Is “buy and hold” really the best strategy for retirement investing? In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian explore why this popular approach might not hold up—especially in retirement. They explain how inflation, market downturns, and income needs require a more flexible investment strategy. You’ll learn to build a written […]
Can You Delay Your Annuity and Still Keep FEHB Coverage?
Thank you for your wonderful and helpful videos on postponed retirement. The one question I have remaining is – I understand that if I retire at MRA and 10 that I cannot take my annuity without penalty until I am 62. Is there an option to continue with health benefits at time of resignation and […]
#127 Avoiding Tax Traps: What Every Federal Employee Should Know
Listen to the Full Episode: Think you know how your FERS pension, Social Security, or military retirement will be taxed? Think again. In this episode, Micah and Floyd break down the tax pitfalls federal employees often overlook—like unexpected withholding issues, taxable income from multiple sources, and the impact of rental property depreciation. They share real […]