Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast

  If you're a federal employee or retiree approaching age 65, you've likely asked: "Do I really need Medicare Part B if I already have FEHB?" In this Federal Fact Check episode, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, explains how Medicare Parts A, B, and D work with your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage, and what federal retirees should consider before deciding. In this episode, we discuss: • The 7-month Medicare enrollment window • When Part A is typically required • Why Part B is often considered "quasi-optional." • The 10% per year late enrollment penalty • How IRMAA can increase Medicare premiums • How FEHB prescription coverage impacts Part D decisions • Key financial planning considerations at age 65 Medicare decisions are highly personal and depend on your income, health outlook, and retirement plan. This episode is designed to help you understand the structure of the rules so you can make a more informed decision. If you're nearing 65 or helping someone who is, this conversation is worth your time.  Check out the full episode here:https://zurl.co/Jake1 https://zurl.co/7P2P3

Inflation doesn't always show up loudly, and for many federal employees and retirees, the biggest danger is assuming COLA will protect their retirement income. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down the "COLA mirage": why cost-of-living adjustments often fail to keep pace with real inflation, rising FEHB premiums, and increasing expenses. They explain how COLA works differently for federal employees, FERS retirees, Social Security, and special provision employees, and why many retirees see their buying power shrink year after year, even after an increase. Listen in to find out what practical steps you can take before and during retirement to guard against inflation, help protect your cash flow, and avoid spending down your retirement savings too quickly. https://zurl.co/RFWJd

Are you working in retirement and wondering if it could reduce your federal benefits? In this FERS Federal Fact Check, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, answers a real question from a retired federal employee who started collecting his pension and FERS Supplement at age 61, while still working full time.  https://zurl.co/OxAlU

Retirement isn't just about making your money last, it's about using it wisely while you still can. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, is joined by his father, Floyd Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, to unpack one of the most complicated challenges federal employees face: balancing today's lifestyle with tomorrow's longevity. From distribution strategies and liquidity planning to housing decisions, aging in place, and preparing for unexpected large expenses, this conversation dives deep into what actually happens over a 30–40 year retirement. With decades of real-world client experience, Floyd shares stories that highlight why flexibility, intentional planning, and foresight are essential, not optional. If you're a pre-retiree or early retiree wondering how to enjoy retirement without becoming a burden or running out of money, this episode is for you. https://zurl.co/xFbFx

Ever wondered how the big players in financial services got to where they are? Matt and Micah dive deep into the secret behind Edward Jones' remarkable success story – and why independent advisors should be taking notes instead of throwing shade. They challenge the common "David vs. Goliath" mindset that often leads independent advisors to dismiss larger firms' achievements and reveal how Edward Jones' strategic playbook can be adapted for independent practice success. Listen in as they explore the often-overlooked truth about building a thriving advisory practice: it's not just about working harder but working smarter with intentionality. https://zurl.co/r6F3t

Social Security headlines are everywhere, and much of what federal employees are hearing is confusing, incomplete, or flat-out wrong. In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Floyd Shilanski, Wealth Manager, cuts through the noise and explains what federal employees actually need to know about Social Security as retirement approaches. https://zurl.co/awQVP

As the year closes, federal employees can't afford to miss critical planning opportunities that protect their retirement and avoid costly mistakes. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down real-world, end-of-year action items they are actively handling with clients right now. They talk about last-minute planning for 2025, including Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), Roth conversions, and estimated tax payments, all with a focus on being aware of IRS penalties. Tune in to learn about strategies for January 2026, like new TSP contribution limits, Roth and HSA planning, and why it's better to start early rather than wait until the end of the year. If you are a federal employee or retiree who wants to end the year well and begin the next one with clear plans and confidence, this episode offers practical tips you can use right away. https://zurl.co/iaMcA

Have you ever wondered what a Social Security bridge strategy is? In this episode, Floyd Shilanski, CFPⓇ breaks down how these strategies can help retirees wait to claim Social Security and boost their lifetime income. Rather than filing for Social Security at 62, some retirees use their TSP, 401(k), or other savings to cover income needs until they reach full retirement age or even 70. Floyd discusses why living longer matters, how waiting can increase your monthly income, and why each person needs a plan that fits their situation. Most importantly, this episode focuses on planning, coordination, and making choices that fit you, instead of following advice from friends, neighbors, or social media. If you're getting close to retirement and unsure about when to claim Social Security, this episode will help you see your options and the pros and cons of each.

Big changes are coming to your TSP catch-up contributions in 2026 and if you miss them, you could accidentally throw off your entire tax strategy.

As 2025 comes to a close, many federal employees are asking the same question: "What should I be doing now to prepare for retirement?" In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski is joined by Floyd Shilanski for a year-end review covering the most important planning areas for federal employees heading into 2026. They discuss why being proactive matters more than ever, how cash flow drives retirement success, what recent tax changes mean for your plan, and why every federal employee needs a clear exit strategy, even if retirement isn't immediate. This episode is packed with practical insights to help you move into the next year with confidence and clarity. https://zurl.co/uJKti

Are TikTok "experts" and viral retirement hacks influencing your Social Security decisions? In today's episode,  Floyd Shilanski tackles one of the biggest dangers he sees in federal retirement planning: relying on trends, reels, and generic advice for one of the most important financial decisions of your life. https://zurl.co/JL4Ac

Learn the Top 5 Pitfalls Federal Employees Must Avoid in 2026, so you can retire with confidence and keep more of the benefits you've worked so hard for. In this episode of All About FERS, John Raleigh, CFP®, breaks down the biggest mistakes federal employees make when planning for retirement, many of which don't show up until it's too late.

Year-end is one of the most strategic times for Federal Employees to review their financial picture, retirement timeline, and tax exposure. In this episode, Micah Shilanski, CFP®, and John Raleigh, CFP®, walk you through the essential steps you should take before December 31st to stay on track and avoid costly mistakes in the new year. As Micah says, "Small decisions at year-end can produce big results over the next 10 years." This episode is your clear, simple, actionable guide to finishing the year strong and entering 2026 with clarity and confidence. https://zurl.co/NlW9y

Most federal employees are surprised to learn that up to 85% of their Social Security benefits may be taxable in retirement. In this episode, Floyd Shilanski explains how Social Security taxation really works, what counts as "provisional income," and why proper planning is essential to avoid unexpected tax bills. This is a critical part of federal retirement tax planning, and the earlier you understand it, the better prepared you'll be.  That is why this video is a must-watch for anyone preparing to retire under FERS. https://zurl.co/5RGF3

Most federal employees never take advantage of one of the best tax-saving tools available to them: the Health Savings Account (HSA). In today's episode, Christian breaks down why HSAs are one of the most powerful and underutilized benefits in the FEHB system.

Have you ever wondered how to avoid running out of money in retirement? In this episode of All About FERS, Certified Financial Planner™ John Raleigh breaks down practical withdrawal strategies for your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) so you can enjoy retirement without worrying about outliving your savings.

In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Jamie C. Shilanski, RFC®, talks about one of the most stressful situations federal employees face: a furlough. Whether this is your first or fifth time experiencing one, Jamie breaks down practical, real-world strategies to help you stay financially stable, protect your benefits, and make smart decisions while waiting for Washington to get back to work. From building your "911" emergency account to understanding how your FEHB premiums, retroactive pay, and TSP contributions are affected, this episode is all about controlling the controllables. If you've ever wondered how to prepare for or survive a furlough with confidence, this episode is for you. https://zurl.co/DRwZO

Description For many federal employees, deciding when to retire is one of the biggest financial and emotional choices you will ever face. In this All About FERS episode, Christian breaks down both the financial math and emotional reality of delaying retirement by just one year.