Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast

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 coordina...

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 Ste...

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...

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 ✅ W...

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. W...

Did you know that the way you claim Social Security could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime? In this episode of All About FERS, Christian breaks down the most common mistakes federal employees (and retirees) make with Social Security and how to avoid them.

Are you a year away from retirement? The final 12 months before you retire from federal service are some of the most exciting — and most critical — months of your career. This is when decisions get real, timelines matter, and small mistakes can cost you big in the long run. In this episode, Micah and Floyd share their proven, month-by-month approach to making your last year as smooth and stress-fr...

What age can I start collecting Social Security retirement benefits? What is my full retirement age, and how does it change if I delay or file early? - Jerry    https://zurl.co/RF4zt

Your FEHB is one of your most valuable benefits, so you need to make sure you're making the best decisions for your retirement! In this episode of "All About FERS," John shares vital tips on how to maximize your FEHB when you retire. Tune in to learn about eligibility, Medicare coordination, survivor benefits, and strategic planning methods that can save you money while ensuring your healthcare co...

What does real retirement readiness look like?  In this episode, Micah is joined by his father and mentor, Floyd, to reveal the most overlooked aspects of retirement planning that can cause major regrets later. Drawing from years of experience, they share essential insights on mental readiness, investment strategies, the Retirement Service Computation Date (RSCD), aging-in-place planning, and cash...

Hello, my name is Gerald. I have a question. I'm a few years out from retiremen, how can I be sure I'm financially ready to stop working when the time comes? What to consider? Thank you. - Gerald  https://zurl.co/r3vPO

When planning your retirement from the federal government, small mistakes can lead to BIG problems, like delays, reduced pensions, or even being told you don't have enough service time to retire!

The federal retirement process is evolving—paper applications are being replaced by the new Online Retirement Application (ORA)! In this episode, Micah and Tammy bring their decades of expertise to help you confidently understand the new Online Retirement Application (ORA), address fears surrounding recent legislative proposals, and provide crucial insights into navigating retirement benefits. Dis...

Are you really ready for retirement? In this episode, John explores what it takes - financially and mentally - to step into retirement with confidence. From understanding your income and taxes, to preparing for lifestyle changes, to navigating the emotional shift, this is more than just a checklist. It's about creating a life you're excited to live every day!

Are today's market swings making you nervous about your retirement? You're not alone but the good news is, there are steps you can take to feel confident and in control. Tune in and learn how to build a resilient plan with cash reserves & smart spending, avoid common tax mistakes (like getting blindsided by RMDs), find out how to protect your TSP & investments from market risk, and discover why cr...

I have 2 years state retirement contributions, 10 years military (7 years federal 3 years guard). Can I combine state and federal retirement contributions? Do I have to be a current federal employee to participate in the buyback program? Can reserve military service retirement points be used? - Tee    https://zurl.co/Q6XcK

Are you adjusting your TSP contributions correctly for maximum growth this year? In this episode of All About FERS, John answers a common (and essential!) question: "With the new TSP contribution limits for 2025, how much should I contribute each pay period to stay on track, maximize my match, and prepare for retirement?" Let's break it all down so you can make smarter decisions with your TSP and...

In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski and Christian Sakamoto dive deep into the relationship between the economy and your retirement portfolio. Markets are unpredictable. Your retirement doesn't have to be. Learn how the economy & your retirement portfolio work together, and how to protect yourself from downturns. If you're a federal employee planning for ret...

Question about TSP matching Contributions. If I retire at the end of a month, which happens to be the middle of a pay period, do I still get matching TSP contributions? - Ken   https://zurl.co/19okf