#89: What Clients Miss When Talking With Financial Planners

Listen to the Full Episode: This episode is all about some interesting real-life client stories in the world of retirement planning that happened during this busy Surge season. Micah Shilanski, Christian Sakamoto, and JT Ferrin dive into the strategic use of Roth conversions and why it’s essential to have a long-term view of your tax […]

When is The Best Time to Take Social Security

When is The Best Time to Take Social Security

“should I delay my social security and let my wife draw it until my FRA?  I planned on drawing at 62 anyways.  I am retired navy and invest in TSP, also disabled.  I hope this make sense.”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD8YzFrTKI0

#88: Year End Tax Planning

#88: Year End tax planning

Listen to the Full Episode: As the year winds down, it’s time to get proactive about your finances and tax planning!  Join us as we explore strategies to maximize your savings, minimize your tax burden, and tackle your taxes before the last minute of the year comes. Micah and Floyd will guide you through reviewing […]

What Happens to a Surviving Spouse

What Happens to a Surviving Spouse

“What happens to a surviving spouse if an employee dies while working, but that employee was also in the process of buying back military time? My husband has 16 years of service as a Civil Service employee (under FERS), and is currently buying back his military time (12 yrs of military service.) He’s paid a […]

#87: Irreversible Mistakes After Death

Irreversible Mistakes After Death

Listen to the Full Episode: Don’t let irreversible mistakes catch you off guard. Empower yourself with the knowledge you need to plan for a secure future. Let’s break down timelines, discuss essential documents like advanced healthcare directives, durable powers of attorney, and wills, and uncover common pitfalls to avoid.  Join Micah and Christian as they […]

How not to get permanently stuck with Minimum Required Distributions

How not to get permanently stuck with Minimum Required Distributions

“If I retire after age 62, and supplement my monthly FERS pension by making small withdrawals from my Traditional TSP (assume $2,000/ month), would IRS rules determine that I was now in “distribution status,” and permanently stuck with Minimum Required Distributions every year?” – Victor. https://youtu.be/s0giZhvVqC0 What are RMDs (Required, Minimum Distributions) Remember all those […]

#86: Thrift Savings Plan with Kim Weaver

Thrift Savings Plan with Kim Weaver

Listen to the Full Episode: Whether you’re just starting your career, planning for retirement, or already in retirement, or someone looking to understand TSP better, this enlightening episode with our special guest, Kim Weaver, will help you dive deep into the world of Thrift Savings Plan. Make informed retirement decisions and secure your financial future […]

The Importance of Filling Out Beneficiary Designation Forms

The Importance of Filling Out Beneficiary Designation Forms

“Love your podcast! I am a Federal retiree and fine with Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) standard order of precedence beneficiary assignments being spouse, then children in equal shares. I understand this order of precedence is followed when no beneficiary forms are on file. I have not submitted any […]

#85: TSP Spillover and funding

TSP Spillover and funding

Listen to the Full Episode: In this episode, host Micah Shilanski and a special guest – JT Ferrin, delve into explaining the meaning of TSP Spillover and the advantageous role of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in retirement savings. The TSP Spillover is an important concept that might be unfamiliar to many federal employees. Micah and […]

What if you become a survivor before your annuity kicks in?

What if you become a survivor before your annuity kicks in?

“My husband and I both had careers with the National Park Service. He carried the family insurance for us. He retired in 2021 and did not select me for survivor benefits since I also worked for the federal government. I now want to resign and defer or postpone my retirement until I meet the minimum […]

#84: Retirement Rules living abroad

Retirement Rules living abroad

Listen to the Full Episode: Do you wonder about your options for living abroad in retirement? Are you ready for change but need to know everything you need to keep your benefits?  In this podcast episode, Joe Curry, CFPⓇ, CHS, joins Micah to delve into the intricate details of retiring abroad. The episode serves as […]

FERS Eligibility

FERS Eligibility

“I am currently age 32 (a bit away from retirement) and I have been with USPS for 6.5 years now. It says you are fully vested in FERS after 10 years, but I don’t think I will retire with the USPS. If I were to wait for the 10 years before separating from USPS, would […]