Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast

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.    

Thinking about taking a VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority) offer? Before you decide, make sure you understand the benefits and pitfalls that come with it. In this episode, John breaks down: ✅ What VERA early retirement really means ✅ Who qualifies - and when it's offered ✅ The big advantages, like keeping your FEHB and avoiding layoffs ✅ The hidden traps, like lower pensions, delayed FERS supplements, and potential TSP penalties Whether VERA is a great opportunity or a financial trap depends entirely on your situation, and understanding the fine print could save your retirement.

Ever wonder what questions other federal employees are asking as they plan for retirement? In this special episode, we're taking you inside our recent in-person workshop, where we spent the day with federal employees diving deep into their benefits, tax planning, and retirement strategies. From understanding the 2026 TSP Roth conversion changes to life insurance math, Social Security surprises, and estate planning traps, this episode highlights the honest discussions and insights that came from the classroom. Join the Plan Your Federal Retirement team as we share key highlights and lessons from our recent in-person workshop with federal employees. In this episode, we cover: How to prepare for higher future tax rates and build tax diversification The 2026 TSP Roth conversion opportunity and what it means for your retirement When life insurance makes sense (and when it doesn't) Why checking your beneficiary designations matters more than you think Common estate planning mistakes federal retirees should avoid Surprising updates on Social Security spousal benefits If you missed the class, this episode gives you the next best thing - real questions, real answers, and fundamental strategies to help you plan your federal retirement with confidence. Tune in to hear what your peers are asking, and maybe the answers you've been looking for, too! https://zurl.co/G5A2u

Did you know that a trust could be taxed at up to 40%? If your trust isn't set up correctly, you could unintentionally send nearly half your estate to the IRS. That is why in this episode, Micah breaks down how inherited TSPs and IRAs are taxed when a trust is listed as the beneficiary and why so many estate plans fail to consider income taxes, not just estate taxes. https://zurl.co/14gpQ

When is the best time to retire from the federal government? Choosing your retirement date isn't just about flipping a calendar; it can determine how much you actually take home. In this All About FERS episode, Christian breaks down: ✅ The most strategic retirement dates (and why they matter) ✅ How your annual leave payout could add tens of thousands to your final paycheck ✅ The tax and TSP contribution timing traps you need to avoid ✅ Why December 31 isn't always the magic number, and how to find your perfect date Whether you're eyeing 2025 or still a few years away, this episode will help you make a confident, financially wise choice about when to retire.

Retirement isn't just about leaving your job. It's about maintaining your security, dignity, and lifestyle for decades. In this episode of All About FERS, John breaks down the looming retirement crisis facing federal employees. Discover what past generations got wrong about retirement, why planning for just 10 years is no longer enough, and how you can build a strategy that protects your lifestyle for decades to come.

When it comes to retirement planning, one of the biggest questions federal employees face is: How should I allocate my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to make sure I don't run out of money? The TSP is a powerful tool for building wealth and creating income security in retirement. With just five core funds (plus Lifecycle Funds that mix them), your options may seem limited, but how you allocate between them makes a big difference in protecting your retirement lifestyle. https://zurl.co/J39fv