Thrift Savings Plan & Investments

TSP Beneficiary is a Trust

“If my TSP beneficiary is currently my Trust, then upon my death, will that transfer be made by a one time full payment -20% for

What Happens If You Make a Mistake On Your TSP Withdrawal Form

“If I erroneously select an annuity from the TSP instead of a withdrawal from it, can I reverse that option? Thanks.” – Orlando. Listen, we

TSP Roth IRA $10,000 Question about Like-Kind Direct Transfer

“I am a retired FERS federal employee (age 65). I just watched your episode about a “like kind direct transfer” of tsp funds to an

Which is Better: December or January Retirement?

“Hello Micah, I am so glad that I happened onto your website. I have read a lot of material and have watched a lot of

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 – TSP Withdraw Plans

Answering your questions about TSP, Roth conversions, and more. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:

Ep #43: TSP Withdraw Plans

Sometimes we get so caught up on end-of-the-year stuff that things can easily be missed or slip by us if we’re not careful. Tammy and

How do You pick the right TSP Lifecycle fund?

“Hey! I love the podcast, and I’m hoping you might be able to tell me if my Lifecycle fund-based investment strategy overlooks any important factors.

Ep #41: TSP & Market Volatility: Part 4 – Q & A

In this episode, Tammy and Micah continue with the insights into TSP series and answer some great questions from active TSP participants. Whether you are

Ep #40: TSP & Market Volatility: Part 3 – Silver Linings

In this mini-series, Micah and Tammy have been talking about your TSP during a time of volatility and the strategies you can implement to encourage

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

Ep #39: TSP & Market Volatility: Part 2 – Buckets

Today, Tammy and Micah continue to address questions they’ve been receiving regarding your TSP and market volatility. In this second part of the series, they

Ep #38: TSP and Market Volatility: Part 1 – Markets Go Down…Now What?

How are things going to unfold when it comes to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account? Tammy and Micah have been getting a flood of

Follow Up Friday – Social Security, COLA, TSP

Answering additional questions about Social Security, COLA, and TSP benefits. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:

Ep #35: Social Security, COLA, TSP

Today, Micah and Tammy are picking up where they left off in the last episode and discussing Social Security COLA and your TSP COLA. They’ll

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

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

Leaving Federal Service for Private Sector

I am considering leaving federal civilian employment after 14 years, which includes 8.5 years of military service. I read that I can still draw the

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

Follow Up Friday – The Questions You Should Have Asked

Tips for figuring out the best plan for your retirement. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:

Ep #29: The Questions You Should Have Asked

Will a form for retirement be sent to you, or do you have to request that form? Can you transfer money from a traditional TSP

Withdrawing from Your TSP

At age 59 1/2, I would like to use a TSP one time withdrawal to pay off a mortgage then eventually transfer the balance to

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

Follow Up Friday – TSP and Social Security

Questions to ask yourself to ensure you’re properly balancing your social security and TSP so you get the most benefit. Listen to the Full Episode:

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

Ep #27: TSP and Social Security

Are you wondering what to do about your social security or how to go about taking money from your TSP? If so, this episode is

Follow Up Friday – What’s The Best Distribution Rate From Your TSP?

What you need to know about your TSP benefits so you can avoid risk and maximize your retirement funds. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy

Ep #26: What’s The Best Distribution Rate From Your TSP?

You’ve worked your whole life, now you’re ready to retire. But do you know how to maximize your benefits and set yourself up for retirement

Full vs Partial FERS Spousal Survivor Annuity

Hello Tammy and Micah, Great podcast! Learning a lot. About 5 years away for earliest retirement date. Question: let’s pretend money is NOT an issue

Using Roth TSP vs Traditional TSP while delaying Social Security

“I am 59 and planning to retire a year from now. My wife will retire at the same time (but at age 61, not a

Follow Up Friday – Best Day to Retire

How to properly plan for the day of your retirement. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:

Ep #23: Best Day to Retire

With more retirement planning and with every year that retirement gets closer, the question is often asked, “What day is best to retire?” Tammy and

Ep #22: Estate Planning and TSP Quirks

Do you have a plan put in place for who will inherit your assets after your demise? Many people are solely focused on increasing their

FERS Basic Benefit Plan

What is the FERS Basic Benefit Plan? As a Federal Employee, your retirement consists of three components: your Basic Benefit (also called your annuity or

Ep #15: New Year’s Habits

There is so much that we can’t control, and it’s easy to focus on those things and feel helpless to stop them. But in this

#110 5 Things You Need To Know As A Federal Employee BEFORE You Retire

Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream as Federal Employee? Navigating the complexities of

Withdrawing From TSP Without Paying The Penalty, is it Possible?

I am eligible to retire from fed service at 57 1/2. I will have 36 years of service. I plan on using my TSP to

#104 Optimizing The TSP For Retirement

Listen to the Full Episode: Are you seeking clarity on TSP strategies? Join us on our latest podcast episode, where Christian and JT decode the

Moving TSP Money to G Fund – Here is What You Need To Know

I am 8 years from retirement and currently invested 100% in the C fund. When should I start moving money to the G fund and

#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

Military to Civilian Transition

Hello, I appreciate your videos very much. I am active duty and retiring next year, intending on becoming a GS employee. Can you do one

#101 Secure Your Retirement with the Thrift Savings Plan

Listen to the Full Episode: Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a secureretirement? Join Micah and Tammy, as they analyze advanced retirement

#99 Bonus Pod – Answering Question

Listen to the Full Episode: Join us for our bonus podcast, where we address the questions we received from federal employees before our latest YouTube

Optimal Retirement Timing: Should You Wait For a Potential Pay Increase?

Hi! Love your podcasts and videos! I’m having a hard time figuring out my best dates and options for retiring soon. I’m trying to determine

Follow Up Friday – Cashflow and Retirement Income Timeline

Listen to the Full Episode: Listen to this week’s recap episode with Sierra Steele and learn about the importance of retirement planning and the use

#91: 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

Maximizing Roth Gains in Retirement

I absolutely loved the episode on what you cannot do in the TSP. Naturally, it brought up other questions in my mind. Before I got

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

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 – Thrift Savings Plan with Kim Weaver

Listen to the Full Episode: Learn to make informed retirement decisions and secure your financial future with valuable information in regard to your TSP, covered

#86: 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,

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

Follow Up Friday – TSP Spillover and funding

Listen to the Full Episode: Learn why the TSP is such a phenomenal tool for your retirement and find out what you should know about

#85: 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

TSP Beneficiary is a Trust

“If my TSP beneficiary is currently my Trust, then upon my death, will that transfer be made by a one time full payment -20% for

What Happens If You Make a Mistake On Your TSP Withdrawal Form

“If I erroneously select an annuity from the TSP instead of a withdrawal from it, can I reverse that option? Thanks.” – Orlando. Listen, we

TSP Roth IRA $10,000 Question about Like-Kind Direct Transfer

“I am a retired FERS federal employee (age 65). I just watched your episode about a “like kind direct transfer” of tsp funds to an

Which is Better: December or January Retirement?

“Hello Micah, I am so glad that I happened onto your website. I have read a lot of material and have watched a lot of

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 – TSP Withdraw Plans

Answering your questions about TSP, Roth conversions, and more. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:

Ep #43: TSP Withdraw Plans

Sometimes we get so caught up on end-of-the-year stuff that things can easily be missed or slip by us if we’re not careful. Tammy and

How do You pick the right TSP Lifecycle fund?

“Hey! I love the podcast, and I’m hoping you might be able to tell me if my Lifecycle fund-based investment strategy overlooks any important factors.

Ep #41: TSP & Market Volatility: Part 4 – Q & A

In this episode, Tammy and Micah continue with the insights into TSP series and answer some great questions from active TSP participants. Whether you are

Ep #40: TSP & Market Volatility: Part 3 – Silver Linings

In this mini-series, Micah and Tammy have been talking about your TSP during a time of volatility and the strategies you can implement to encourage

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

Ep #39: TSP & Market Volatility: Part 2 – Buckets

Today, Tammy and Micah continue to address questions they’ve been receiving regarding your TSP and market volatility. In this second part of the series, they

Ep #38: TSP and Market Volatility: Part 1 – Markets Go Down…Now What?

How are things going to unfold when it comes to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account? Tammy and Micah have been getting a flood of

Follow Up Friday – Social Security, COLA, TSP

Answering additional questions about Social Security, COLA, and TSP benefits. Listen to the Full Episode: Enjoy the show? Use the Links Below to Subscribe:

Ep #35: Social Security, COLA, TSP

Today, Micah and Tammy are picking up where they left off in the last episode and discussing Social Security COLA and your TSP COLA. They’ll

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

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

Leaving Federal Service for Private Sector

I am considering leaving federal civilian employment after 14 years, which includes 8.5 years of military service. I read that I can still draw the

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

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Tutorials: Learning videos about FERS benefits

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