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Federal employee benefits are among the most comprehensive and strongest in the country. Financial planning for federal employees requires knowledge of both financial planning concepts and a comprehensive understanding of these benefits. General financial planning advice is just that, general. We speak specifically to federal employees and the unique planning techniques and strategies to help them maximize their benefits. Mason & Associates have over three decades serving as financial planners for federal employees.
104 Episodes
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What’s the difference between reacting to taxes and truly planning for them? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the latest year-end financial planning and tax strategies every federal employee needs to know. With recent tax law changes and shifting financial dynamics, they tackle big questions like how the enhanced senior deduction works, when a Roth conversion makes sense, and why timing matters when harvesting capital gains. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: FEFP: One Big Beautiful Bill Part 2 (EP100) FEFP: One Big Beautiful Bill Part 1 (EP99) FEFP: An Inside Look at Strategic Planning Season (EP94) FEFP: Mortgage Strategies for Federal Employees with James Anderson (EP80) Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn
What does the One Big Beautiful Bill mean for everyday taxpayers? And how will it shape the financial future of federal employees across the country? In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the bill with Stephen Kimberlin of Forvis Mazars US, breaking down what it really means for people. Listen in as Stephen explains the nuances, clarifies common misconceptions, and provides practical insights to help you navigate this new tax landscape with confidence. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Stephen Kimberlin: LinkedIn Forvis Mazars Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn
What does the new One Big Beautiful Bill really mean for federal employees nearing retirement? Passed on July 4th, 2025, this sweeping tax legislation has stirred conversations across the country, but today we’re zeroing in on how it impacts federal employees with significant investable assets. While business owners and high-income earners also feel the effects, our focus is on helping you understand what this bill means for your retirement planning, your tax strategy, and your financial future. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Stephen Kimberlin: LinkedIn Forvis Mazars Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn
What if the biggest threat to your financial plan isn’t the stock market or taxes, but being underinsured? In this episode, Tommy and John sit down with Broc Buckles, co-founder of BC Brokerage, to talk about why insurance is a critical cornerstone of any financial strategy. Listen in to learn how to avoid overpaying, why working with a broker can uncover better coverage and rates than sticking with a single provider, and why the right insurance coverage could save you thousands while giving you peace of mind. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Broc Buckles: LinkedIn BC Brokerage Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn
What if your federal pension is small and you’re not relying on it—should you still elect survivor benefits? In this episode, John and Tommy respond to a listener’s detailed YouTube question about pensions, TSP, and survivor benefits when service time is short and other retirement savings are strong. They break down the real value of keeping survivor benefits, even when your pension isn’t your main income stream. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Federal Employees - DO NOT Decline Survivor Benefits!
Are credit cards still worth using with all the fees being passed on to consumers? In this episode, Tommy and John dive into a hot topic on their minds lately: the real pros and cons of credit cards, debit cards, and cash. They share their personal credit card habits, how many cards they each use, and the strategy behind maximizing rewards without falling into the trap of overspending. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn
What's the difference between active and passive investing, and when should you use mutual funds versus ETFs? In this episode, John and Tommy break down essential investing concepts that federal employees need to know, covering everything from the fundamentals of stocks and bonds to practical cash management strategies. You'll learn about active versus passive investing philosophies, the mechanics and tax implications of mutual funds and ETFs, and why dollar-cost averaging can help overcome emotional barriers in investing. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn
What does it really look like to work with a financial planning team that knows your federal benefits inside and out—and shows up for you year after year? In this episode, John and Tommy take you behind the scenes of Mason & Associates’ Strategic Planning Meeting Season (SPM), where they conduct over 400 client meetings in just six weeks. They share real conversations, real actions, and the process that makes it all work. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn
What does it take to grow a financial advisory firm the right way, without sacrificing client experience? In this episode, John and Tommy pull back the curtain on the strategic direction of Mason & Associates, sharing how they’re enhancing services, refining internal systems, and ensuring their clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Whether you’re already a client or someone searching for the right financial advisor, this episode offers valuable insights into the kind of care and intentionality you should expect from your advisor. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn SPECIAL EPISODE: New Client Process & Client Experience
Federal salaries don't always tell the whole story. In this episode, John and Tommy take a closer look at the true value of federal employment, highlighting how benefits like pensions, FEHB health coverage, TSP matching, and survivor options stack up against the private sector. You'll learn why it could take a 30-50% higher salary elsewhere to match the federal total compensation package, and why those numbers matter when making career decisions. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program Retiring in Uncertain Times? Avoid This Survivor Benefit Mistake FERS Go Bag
Is reviewing your tax return enough or are you missing the bigger picture? In this episode, Tommy and John break down why simply looking at last year’s return doesn’t cut it, and how projection-based planning connects directly to key financial decisions like Roth conversions, mortgage deductions, and retirement income strategy. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn TurboTax Form 2210 – Underpayment of Estimated Tax H&R Block SPECIAL EPISODE: New Client Process & Client Experience
What does a real financial planner actually do—and how do you know if you’ve hired one? In this episode, Michael, Tommy and John break down the most common misconceptions about financial planning and explain why it’s about much more than just investment management. You’ll learn why financial planning is especially crucial for federal employees, how fiduciary standards impact the advice you receive, and what red flags to look for in a planner. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Office of Personnel Management (OPM) VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority)
What if your six-month emergency fund isn’t enough? In this episode, John, Michael, and Tommy tackle the shifting financial landscape for federal employees in 2025. As government changes create uncertainty—think early retirements and layoffs—they share smart, strategic ways to prepare. You’ll learn how to build a tiered emergency plan, optimize your liquidity, and adapt your lifestyle budget in case your income suddenly takes a hit. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Dave Ramsey Rocket Money EveryDollar Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Don’t Max Your TSP
Should you elect full survivor benefits when retiring as a federal employee? In this episode, John, Tommy, and Mike discuss one of the most critical decisions for federal retirees. They explore the costs, benefits, and long-term financial implications of survivor benefits, urging retirees to carefully consider their options. They also emphasize the importance of full survivor benefits for ensuring continued income for spouses after retirement, providing real-life examples to show how these benefits can impact financial security, tax advantages, and peace of mind. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Stay Wealthy Retirement Show Federal Employees - DO NOT Decline Survivor Benefits! Mason & Associates Interview with Wavy 10- Military Survivor Benefits
Medicare decisions can be overwhelming, and with rising costs and policy changes, making the right choice is more important than ever. In this episode, Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance Group, shares his insights from helping over 20,000 clients navigate Medicare enrollment, insurance options, and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. He explains why working with his team can be a game-changer and how choosing the wrong plan could cost you in the long run. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Bryan Gay: LinkedIn | Website Blue Cross Blue Shield Compare
Is the Deferred Resignation Program an opportunity or a risk for federal employees? In this episode, Tommy, John, and Michael break down what this program means, how it’s impacting federal employees, and why having a solid financial plan in place is more important than ever. They’ll discuss why you can’t rely on every media headline, the importance of working with a knowledgeable team, and how to position yourself for financial stability—no matter how secure your job may seem. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn OPM FAQs
Did you know that the recent passage of the Social Security Fairness Act could significantly increase retirement income for many Americans? In this episode, John and Tommy break down the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), explaining how these changes impact public sector employees and their Social Security benefits. They discuss how financial advisors can help clients navigate these shifts, optimize their benefits, and prepare for potential tax implications. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Social Security Fairness Act MoneyGuide Pro RightCapital Dave Ramsey Episode 81: Social Security Shake-Up: What Proposed Changes Mean for Federal Employees Episode 73: Maximizing Social Security with Elaine Floyd Episode 41: Social Security In The News & We’re Confused Episode 38: Social Security: The Tax Torpedo Episode 37: Social Security: Family and Survivor Benefits Episode 36: Social Security: Beyond the Basics Episode 35: Social Security: How to Maximize Your Benefits Episode 30: SECURE 2.0 Episode 12: Federal Employee Financial Planning Social Security Fairness Act: WEP Episode 11: Federal Employee Financial Planning Social Security Fairness Act: GPO
Are you ready to make informed decisions about your federal benefits and financial future? In this episode, Tommy, John and Ben explore the current market landscape and what the start of 2025 could mean for investors, especially those navigating the complexities of federal benefits. They discuss the importance of staying focused on long-term growth despite market volatility and share actionable tips on building a financial plan for the new year, balancing personal goals, tax considerations, and investment strategies. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Ben Raikes: Website Mason & Associates YouTube Channel Best Days to Retire as a Federal Employee Don’t Close TSP Don’t Max Your TSP Do NOT Decline Survivor Benefits
How will upcoming changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) impact your retirement strategy? In this episode, John, Tommy, and Ben explore the evolving landscape of TSP, focusing on new contribution limits and, coming in 2026, in-plan Roth conversions. They emphasize the importance of a collaborative approach to financial planning, avoiding groupthink, and tailoring strategies to each client’s unique needs. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Ben Raikes: Website Dave Ramsey Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Michael Kitces
What happens when Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy take the reins of government efficiency? In this episode, John, Tommy, and Ben dive into the bold initiatives of Trump 2.0's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk and Ramaswamy. With plans to slash $2 trillion in federal spending and eliminate entire agencies, this duo's vision could ripple through the federal and state systems, impacting employees, communities, and businesses alike. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Know The Score Key Retirement Options and Benefits for Federal Employees
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