Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast

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

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has officially reshaped the tax landscape, and if you're a federal employee or retiree, the changes matter more than you think. That's why in this All About FERS episode, Christian breaks down the most important updates, including: Why tax brackets aren't going up in 2026 (good news for your retirement plan!) The new Senior Bonus Deduction and how it could save you thousands Big changes to the SALT tax deduction (jumping from $10k to $40k) What the new "no tax on overtime" rules really mean for federal employees Charitable giving deductions starting in 2026 This law is nearly 900 pages long, but don't worry, we pulled out the highlights that matter most to you. Whether you're preparing for retirement or already enjoying it, understanding these changes can help you make smarter financial decisions.

It's one of the most common and most confusing questions out there: Should you take Social Security at 62, wait until full retirement age, or hold off until 70? In this All About FERS episode, Floyd Shilanski, with his 50+ years of financial advising experience, breaks down the pros, cons, and math behind claiming Social Security early vs. delaying.

When it comes to money, the emotional impact is often overlooked, but it can 'make or break' a family's financial future. In this episode, Micah and John discuss how inheritances, sudden windfalls, and poorly managed gifts can end up causing more harm than good, especially for children who aren't financially prepared. With decades of combined experience, Micah and John reveal the pitfalls they've seen firsthand and share strategies you can use to protect your wealth, prepare your loved ones, and avoid financial heartbreak. If you've ever wondered how to pass on wealth without creating chaos, this episode is for you. https://zurl.co/A8OJ1

Is there a cap on how much annual leave you can cash out when you retire? In this episode of Federal Fact Check, Micah answers a critical question for federal employees: What happens to unused annual leave and sick leave at retirement? You'll learn:  ✅ How much annual leave can you carry forward and cash out  ✅ What makes sick leave different, and how it increases your pension  ✅ Rare cases where employees may bank additional leave  ✅ How to maximize the value of your benefits before you retire Don't leave money on the table. Watch now to get clarity on your FERS leave benefits! https://zurl.co/x6Kbr

Are TSP Lifecycle (L) Funds the set-it-and-forget-it solution they promise to be? Or could they actually be playing it too safe, too soon? In this episode of All About FERS, Christian takes a closer look at how the L Funds inside the Thrift Savings Plan work, including the L 2050, L 2040, and L 2030 funds. He breaks down: How the G, F, C, S, and I funds are allocated Why Lifecycle Funds automatically get more conservative over time The potential downside of "de-risking" too quickly What federal employees should consider before relying solely on L Funds These funds can be a great tool, but only if they align with your long-term retirement goals. Don't let your money work less hard for you just because of a default setting.

Are you a federal employee who also served in the military? Did you know you can buy back your military time to boost your FERS pension and even retire earlier? In this episode of All About FERS,  John walks you through everything you need to know about military buyback, including:  ✅ What buying back military time really means  ✅ How the cost is calculated (and why timing matters)  ✅ The powerful benefits  ✅ When it might not make sense to buy back your time  ✅ Step-by-step guidance on how to start the process For many federal employees, this can be one of the smartest financial moves you ever make, but there are exceptions. Don't miss this ultimate guide to making an informed decision.  

Healthcare is one of the most important, and often most confusing, parts of retirement. For federal employees, the combination of Medicare and FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) adds unique rules, costs, and opportunities. In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Micah and John break down the myths, penalties, and strategies you need to know. From eligibility requirements to coordinating Medicare and FEHB, this conversation will help you make informed decisions that could save you thousands of dollars and protect your long-term retirement security. https://zurl.co/w091M

Can you buy back your military time and still keep your military retirement pay? 🤔 That's exactly what Walt, a retired Air Force Veteran and combat-injured, wanted to know. In this episode of the FERS Federal Fact Check, Micah will help you understand: The common rule for military buyback and retirement pay The exception for combat-related disabilities Why documentation is absolutely critical Steps you should take before you retire If you've served in the Armed Forces and are now under FERS, this episode is a must-listen.  https://zurl.co/YKs4a

Social Security and Medicare are two of the most important benefits you'll rely on in retirement, but they don't always start at the same time, and the rules can get confusing. In this episode, Christian Sakamoto answers a listener's question, and he will walk you through: When you can claim Social Security vs. when you're eligible for Medicare Whether Medicare enrollment happens automatically How premiums are deducted from Social Security The penalties for late Medicare enrollment What to know if you're still working and covered under FEHB If you're a federal employee preparing for retirement, you won't want to miss this breakdown.      

Are you approaching retirement and wondering how Medicare fits in with your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)? You're not alone! In this episode of All About FERS, John breaks down the step-by-step process of enrolling in Medicare as a federal employee. Tune in and learn: ✅ When to enroll in Medicare and how to avoid costly penalties ✅ How Medicare coordinates with your FEHB coverage ✅ Which parts of Medicare federal retirees typically need (and which they don't) ✅ Common mistakes to avoid ✅ How to review costs and reevaluate during Open Season Don't leave your retirement health coverage to chance; get the straightforward answers you need so you can retire with confidence.

Social Security is one of the most misunderstood parts of retirement planning. For federal employees and their families, it's not about whether to take it early or late; it's about how to coordinate Social Security with your pension, TSP, survivor benefits, and taxes. In this episode, Micah and advisor John share real-life client experiences and dive into: The Pros and Cons of Claiming at 62 vs. Waiting Until 70 Survivor benefits and why early decisions matter. How Social Security interacts with your overall retirement cash flow. What pending legislation could mean for your FERS supplement. Practical strategies to avoid common mistakes. Listen now and get the clarity you need to make Social Security a strong part of your retirement plan. https://zurl.co/cmYMV