#96 What is The MOST Important Part of Your Pension?

What is The MOST Important Part of Your Pension?

Listen to the Full Episode: There are a lot of complexities in federal retirement benefits and retirement planning. Let’s unravel the key aspects and pitfalls associated with them! In today’s episode, Micah and Christian discuss the importance of understanding federal retirement benefits and avoiding common mistakes. They highlight the significance of understanding cash flow as […]

Can you get a Personalized FERS Benefits Summary?

Can you get a Personalized FERS Benefits Summary?

“Hello, Will OPM issue me a personal FERS Benefits Summary upon request (i.e., similar to the personalized benefit summary issued by Social Security) based on my VA creditable service and High-3 salary or do I have to wait until 60 days prior to my pension benefit start date to find out the amount of my […]

#95 Retire Happy: Essential Steps to a Successful Federal Retirement

#95 Retire Happy: Essential Steps to a Successful Federal Retirement

Listen to the Full Episode: What are the essential steps to a successful federal retirement? Join our experts, Micah and Tammy, in today’s episode as they go through the essential steps you need to take to simplify your path forward before it’s too late. From common errors in application to the importance of a well-thought-out […]

Loan Options Toward FERS Contributions

Loan Options Toward FERS Contributions

“Can I take out a loan towards my FERS contributions? I’m a federal employee and no where close to retirement. Would it work like the TSP loan that I can just pay it back over a few years? I can’t find any information on this topic.” – Martin  https://youtu.be/eki3BgyzNw4 If you work for the federal […]

#94 Why is My Retirement Losing Money?

#94 Why is My Retirement losing money?

Listen to the Full Episode: Ever wondered why your retirement is losing money despite investment diversification? Join Micah and Christian in our latest episode, where they dive deep into this question, discussing the pitfalls and challenges of investment diversification and how it may only sometimes yield the expected results. Find out why having a structured […]

Health Insurance and Taxes

Health Insurance and Taxes

My husband was retired in May of 2020 at age 65 after 20 years of service with the FBI. We kept our health, vision and dental insurances, which are deducted from his annuity. Are these premiums deductible on our yearly taxes? I did read the deductions are made post-tax. – Pamela https://youtu.be/9vBMlzSkxio?feature=shared If you have […]

#93 Your 2024 Retirement Planning Guide

#93 Your 2024 Reritrement Planning Guide

Listen to the Full Episode: As the holiday season ends, it is important to take action about our retirement plans and talk about the changes in the new year! In today’s insightful conversation, Micah and Floyd explore the heartbeat of retirement—cash flow. It’s not just about money; it’s about creating a rhythm for a fulfilling […]

Annual Leave Payout and Earning Limitations

Annual Leave Payout and Earning Limitations

”If I receive 26k in annual leave payout does that count against the earnings limit of my supplement? Also what about the money I made for the year prior to retirement?” – Mark Maximizing Your Earned Benefits: Understanding the Payout of Annual Leave for Federal Employees The Question: What Happens to My Annual Leave When […]

#92: The Crucial Must-Do’s in Estate Planning

#92: The Crucial Must-Do's in Estate Planning

Listen to the Full Episode: You already know how important estate planning is for your retirement, but do you know the crucial must-do’s?  In this episode, Micah Shilanski, joined by our expert advisors, Christian and JT, are discussing the essential aspects of estate planning and the significance of three fundamental documents for every adult aged […]

61 and Your FERS Supplement

61 and Your FERS Supplementt

”Hi, I’m 61 years old and my FERS supplement is ending soon. What should I do when that income goes away? And how am I going to supplement that income that’s normally there?Thanks.” https://youtu.be/VJ9mMoOe7NE?feature=shared The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Supplement, also called the Special Retirement Supplement (SRS), is an extra payment for some federal […]

#91: Cashflow and Retirement Income Timeline

Cashflow and Retirement Income Timeline

Listen to the Full Episode: It’s time to get invaluable insights from cash flow considerations to navigating the intricate rules of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Discover the three pillars of federal employee income – pension, Social Security, and TSP/investment income.  Our experts, Christian Sakamoto, CFP, and JT Ferrin, CFP, dive deep into the […]