Tax Planning

#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

#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

#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,

#126 Choosing Your Perfect Retirement Date: The Ultimate Checklist

Listen to the Full Episode: What does retirement really look like beyond the financials? In this podcast episode, Micah and Floyd discuss what life is

#125 Tax Time Survival: How Federal Employees Can Get Ahead

Listen to the Full Episode: Tax season can be overwhelming, but federal employees can stay ahead with the right strategies. In this podcast episode, Micah

#124 TSP Benefits: What You Need to Know Before Retiring

Listen to the Full Episode: It’s crucial to evaluate your TSP decisions as you approach retirement. Understanding the various benefits associated with your TSP can

#123 TSP Withdrawals: When, How, and Why to Start

Listen to the Full Episode: Understanding your TSP withdrawal options is essential for a successful retirement. In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian break down

#122 Estate Planning Myths and Facts: What Federal Employees Must Know

Listen to the Full Episode: Estate planning involves more than just creating a will; it’s about ensuring financial security, protecting your loved ones, and

#121 The Untold Story of Survivor Benefits: Protect What Matters Most

Listen to the Full Episode: Planning for the future involves understanding what happens to your benefits after you are no longer here. In this podcast

Fork or Knife? The Truth About VERA

Listen to the Full Episode: Are you considering early retirement under VERA? Before you make a decision that could affect your benefits for years to

VERA-Retirement-Guide-Federal-Employees

Are you a federal employee considering Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)? This comprehensive guide breaks down eligibility, benefits, and financial impacts, including how VERA affects your pension, health insurance (FEHB), and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Learn the key steps to avoid costly mistakes, understand your FERS Special Retirement Supplement, and maximize your retirement benefits.

🎙 Watch our YouTube Podcast for expert insights.
📚 Join our “Retire Right” On-Demand Class to make informed decisions.

Read now to take control of your federal retirement!

Fork in the Road: Frequently Asked Questions

What should Federal Employees facing the Fork in the Road do? As a Federal Employee Benefits professional, my primary advice—though not intended to be self-serving—is

Fork in the Road: A Comprehensive Guide to Deferred Resignation for Federal Employees

Federal Employees need to know what to anticipate if they choose to accept the Deferred Resignation package issued January 2025 to civilian federal employees. President

#120 Reduction in Force (RIF) and Job Changes – What You Need to Know!

Listen to the Full Episode: What does a Reduction in Force (RIF) or job change mean for your federal benefits and retirement plans? These transitions

#119 FERS Retirement Benefits, What Federal Employees Should Know in 2025

Listen to the Full Episode: What impacts will the latest tax law changes, Social Security projections, and market uncertainties have on your FERS retirement benefits

#118 TSP Secrets: The Key to Starting Your Year Off Right

Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to unlock the secrets to a stronger TSP in 2025? In this podcast episode, Christian and John

#117 The Psychological Impact of Retirement: Preparing for Life After Federal Service

Listen to the Full Episode: Ready for retirement but still trying to figure out what comes after the paycheck? In this podcast episode, Jamie and

#116 The Strategic Role of Qualified Charitable Distributions in Retirement

Listen to the Full Episode: How can Qualified Charitable Distributions in Retirement help you give strategically and reduce taxes? In this podcast episode, Christian and

#115 Essential Steps to Secure Your Federal Retirement: What You Need to Know

Listen to the Full Episode: Ready to secure your federal retirement? In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian discuss essential steps to secure your federal

#114 Boost Your Retirement Savings: Understanding FERS Contribution Rates

Listen to the Full Episode: Navigating federal retirement benefits can be complex, but understanding FERS contribution rates is key. These rates determine your eligibility, pension

#151 Should You Change Your Social Security Strategy Because of the News?

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

#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

#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?

#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

#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

#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

#145 Longevity vs. Living Today: The Retirement Balancing Act You Should Know

Listen to the Full Episode: Retirement isn’t just about making your money last, it’s about using it wisely while you still can. In this

#144 Finish 2025 Strong, Start 2026 Smarter: Federal Retirement Planning

Listen to the Full Episode: As the year closes, federal employees can’t afford to miss critical planning opportunities that protect their retirement and avoid

#143 Tax-Saving Strategies for the Year-End: What You Need to Do Now

Listen to the Full Episode: A year-end retirement review can be a valuable step for federal employees who want to better understand their benefits

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

#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

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

#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

#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

Ep #68: Social Security Increase and Cash Flow

Listen to the Full Episode: Whether you are 30, 50, or 70, a subject that has a hold on you is how to improve

Roth Conversions and Taxes

“I’m just about 65 and make about 125K a year working for the federal government. I plan to retire in five years when I’m 70.

Changing the Distribution of your TSP

“I retired as a FERS employee at age 56 with over 32 years of service. Upon retirement, I chose to withdraw $2000 per month from

Ep #58: Roth Conversion Options

Listen to the Full Episode: Have you noticed that the markets are down? Did you know there are some key opportunities to look into when

How to plan what source to withdraw from

“How to plan which source to withdraw from and when (TSP, Roth, other investments) over the retirement years to supplement pensions and SS. Are tax

ROTH IRA Contribution or Conversion?

“I watched the very helpful video on ROTH IRA conversions. I will be retiring by the end of 2022 and I do not have any

Ep #47: Myths about CPA’s and Tax Preparation

In this episode, Micah is joined by a special guest who will shed light on some myths and misconceptions that you may be dealing with

Conflicting Information About My Lump Sum Annual Leave

”I have gotten conflicting information about my lump sum annual leave. I plan on retiring on 12/31/21. I know that I will get my lump

Follow Up Friday – New Year Planning (Finance and Fitness: The Two Things You Won’t Do 🙂 )

What you need to be thinking about getting done in the new year. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below

Ep #42: New Year Planning (Finance and Fitness: The Two Things You Won’t Do 🙂 )

It’s a new year, and Tammy and Micah are here to talk about some of the things that have changed, some of the things that

RMD’s And Planning Ahead

“I love your podcast and YouTube channel. Thanks. My question relates to Required Minimum Distributions. Looking far ahead I will turn 72 in June of

Are you confused about Roth TSP rules?

“Hi, I have a question regarding Roth TSP which I have not gotten a clear answer on. I will be 54 this year. I plan

Can you deduct your FEHB premiums in retirement?

I am aware that after I put in ten years’ federal civilian creditable service and then retire, my FERS annuity will be reduced monthly by

Can you discuss the benefits of maximizing the amount of contributions to the HSA?

Hello, first off, I wanted to say I really enjoy your podcasts. I have really learned a lot from you both over the past year

Contributing to Spousal IRA’s

“I stumbled on your podcast and the information is GOLD – thank you! I am 45 and 15 years away from retirement. This year I

Tax Penalties in the Thrift Savings Plan

“Hello, I am a retired 58 yr old federal employee that retired after 34 years of service. My wife and I are looking at buying

Annual Max Contribution to Your TSP

Are you still allowed to contribute the maximum of $26,000 to the TSP even if you only work half of the year? Is there any

Unexpected Taxes

I am not sure this question is easy to answer but here goes. I retired in 2019 (LEO RET/Special Provisions) and immediately took a job

Sick and Annual Leave at Retirement

“Hi Micah and Tammy, I’m a Federal employee with 30 years in, and 5 years out from retirement. Can you explain how unused Sick and

#113 Retirement Tax Traps: How to Avoid Surprises in Your Federal Retirement Planning

Listen to the Full Episode: Understanding how to navigate taxes in retirement is crucial for preserving your hard-earned income. From Roth conversions to Qualified Charitable

#112 Crafting Your 10-Year Tax Plan: How to Reduce Liabilities in Your FERS Retirement

Listen to the Full Episode: Planning for your retirement requires a solid understanding of your options. Discover the best strategies for managing your Thrift Savings

Understanding Taxes on Annual Leave Payout for Federal Retirees: Myth vs. Reality

Hello PYFR team! I love the podcast and appreciate it and all the resources you offer. My question is about taxes on the pay-out of

#102 Key Things Advisors Wish Their Clients Knew

Listen to the Full Episode: It is time to discuss retirement planning, cash flow management, and potential retirement expenses! In this special episode, Micah leads

#97 How to NOT Go Back to Work in Retirement, 3 Things You Need To Know

Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to retire without looking back? Let’s discuss essential strategies for retirees to help ensure they can enjoy

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

Follow Up Friday – What Clients Miss When Talking to Financial Planners

Listen to the Full Episode: Listen to this week’s recap episode with Sierra Steele and learn about the most common things clients miss when talking

#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

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

Follow Up Friday – Year End Tax Planning

Listen to the Full Episode: Listen to this week’s recap episode with Sierra Steele and make sure you know how to manage your Year-End Tax

#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

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

Follow Up Friday – What To Have In Savings?

Listen to the Full Episode: How do you know what to have in savings? Learn all about great tips on how to organize your savings

#81: What To Have In Savings?

Listen to the Full Episode: How many months’ worth of living expenses do you need to have saved up and why? Do you have emergency

FERS and Social Security

“I am turning 62 and I am drawing disability FERS. Can I draw social security and FERS together? And will my FERS change when I

Follow Up Friday – Costly Mistakes

Listen to the Full Episode: What if you erroneously select an annuity from the TSP instead of a withdrawal from it, can you reverse that

Ep #73: Costly Mistakes

Listen to the Full Episode: Net vs. Gross income. Which one hits the door of your bank account? Changes regarding insurance? Life insurance, health insurance…

Withdrawing from Your TSP

“Hello, I have 31k in my TSP. Is it possible to withdraw the total amount at one time? ” – Bill. Demystifying TSP Withdrawals TSP

Follow Up Friday – Secure Act 2.0 with Steven Jarvis

Listen to the Full Episode: Changes the Secure 2.0 brings and what do they mean for the retirees and federal employees, covered by Victoria Kellerman.

Ep #71: Secure Act 2.0 with Steven Jarvis

Listen to the Full Episode: Changes are happening, and questions have been raised! That is why we have a special guest in today’s episode –

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Pension Payments

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Resources for Feds

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Classes: In-person classes

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In-Person Classes

In-Person Classes

Online Classes

In-Person Classes

Conflicting Information About My Lump Sum Annual Leave

Can you deduct your FEHB premiums in retirement?

Sick and Annual Leave at Retirement

#97 How to NOT Go Back to Work in Retirement, 3 Things You Need To Know

Follow Up Friday – What Clients Miss When Talking to Financial Planners

#89: What Clients Miss When Talking With Financial Planners

Withdrawing from Your TSP

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