Kevin Jones

Fed Pilot Podcast

The Fed Pilot Podcast - Making Federal Benefits Understandable for Humans. Answering questions about Federal Retirement Benefits taken from the Fed Pilot workshops. Want us to ask a question for us to answer? https://fedpilot.com. Created by: Kevin Jones of http://FedPilot.comRSSVERIFY

Author

Kevin Jones

Category

Education

Podcast website

rss.com

Latest episode

Feb 10, 2026

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Episodes

ROTH and 5% Match 24.10.2024

Curious about Roth contributions and matching? Yes, you can get matched at 5%, but it depends on how and when you contribute. Learn the key details to maximize your benefits! Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

My TSP Is Losing Money! 13.10.2024

Are you feeling the pressure of watching your TSP account lose value as retirement approaches? You’re not alone! In this video, we discuss the common concerns around TSP losses and provide insights on how to shift your mindset. Learn how to approach your TSP with confidence, even during economic downturns. Discover effective strategies to feel good about your investments and turn uncertainty into...

Medicare opt outs 13.10.2024

Join us as we explore the complexities of Medicare Part B and its interaction with IRMAA. Learn how your income level can affect your premiums and discover strategies to optimize your benefits. Understanding these nuances can help you make informed decisions for your healthcare needs. Don’t miss out—attend our workshop for comprehensive insights! Register: https://fedpilot.com Want to ask a questi...

Your MRA 06.10.2024

Understanding MRA is crucial for federal employees! It stands for Minimum Retirement Age, which determines eligibility for full retirement benefits. Confused about your specific MRA? Join our workshops for clarity! Register: https://fedpilot.comWant

Healthcare Rates 27.09.2024

FEHB rates are available after retirement. If you have access to something before you retire, within FEHB, you will also have it afterward. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.comWant

Combining Part B with FEHB 25.09.2024

Join us as we explore the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP) and its compatibility with Medicare Part B. Learn how to assess which plan suits your health needs, uncover potential financial benefits, and find out how to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Don’t miss the tips from our workshops! Register: https://fedpilot.com

Medicare Payments Wasted 21.09.2024

Are you curious about what happens to your Medicare contributions when you turn 65 and don’t add them in retirement? We explain how your payments fund Medicare Part A, which is usually premium-free at 65. We also discuss the key differences between Medicare Part A and B, helping you make informed retirement decisions! Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about...

Did I Add This ip Correctly? 21.09.2024

Learn how contributing 10% to your TSP can lead to a total of 15% with matching! Discover the rules and maximize your retirement savings. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

Move TSP to a TSP With Gold 07.09.2024

A financial adviser can guide converting a TSP to a gold IRA, but understanding federal benefits is crucial for informed decisions. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits but also about how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

Working For Health Care 06.09.2024

Many people take federal jobs for health insurance benefits after retirement, allowing them to keep healthcare coverage if specific criteria are met. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

Early Career Advice 03.09.2024

It's never too early to start planning for your retirement. We recommend attending financial planning classes every 5 years, and increasing the frequency as you get closer to retirement age. This will help you stay informed about the latest retirement policies and make informed decisions about your financial future. Remember to keep a personal copy of all your important financial documents. Having...

Mutual Fund Window 17.07.2024

The government made changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) by introducing a mutual fund window in 2022, offering access to 5,000 additional mutual funds beyond the typical GFC Sni funds. To explore these mutual funds, individuals can log into tsp.gov, create a mutual fund window account, and assess the fees associated with these funds. Despite the potential for higher fees, it's essential to eva...

Dying Before Retirement 11.07.2024

The Survivor Benefit Plan provides money and access to health care for a spouse if an employee were to die before retirement, with the benefit being free and automatic. After retirement, the spouse can still access the plan, but the employee would need to start paying for it if desired to continue the coverage. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your be...

SCD and other details you missed 05.07.2024

We want to highlight the importance of distinguishing between different Service Computation Dates (SCDs) for retirement and leave purposes. While the SCD for retirement can be found on pay stubs, the SCD for leave is different and crucial to understand to avoid making poor decisions.

Put Your Raise Where 27.06.2024

To adjust contributions in your TSP, access your employee portal and modify the settings either by a percentage of your salary or a specific dollar amount. Opting for a percentage allows for automatic adjustments with raises, suggesting a strategy of saving extra income for retirement. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare...

What Gets Pulled Out When 25.05.2024

In retirement, FHB premiums are taken out of your pension, but not all other deductions. Different parts of your pension have different rules. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

The Questions You Haven't Been Asking 18.05.2024

We want to highlight the importance of asking questions about retirement benefits, such as net pension and social security amounts, maximizing income and minimizing expenses, and tips to increase benefits. Attending workshops can help individuals ask the right questions to maximize their retirement. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but...

Reevaluating Your FEGLI 16.05.2024

Remember to take in consideration the diferences between FEGLI and private life insurance, emphasizing that the best choice depends on individual circumstances. There is the option to increase FEGLI after certain life events, but we also suggest evaluating the cost and value of private life insurance. We want to highlight the importance of regularly assessing one's insurance needs and adjusting po...

You Are Retiring When! 10.05.2024

We want to share our advice on the best day to retire being the last calendar day of the month for maximum benefits. Contrary to HR suggestions, retiring at the end of a pay period may not be in employees' best financial interest. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better....

These Aren't Your Typical Boring Workshops 08.05.2024

The workshop on retirement benefits is far from boring; participants express surprise at the engaging content, with comments like "great presentation" and "I feel like such a newbie." We want to emphasize the importance of taking action after learning, we ensure participants will stay awake, engaged, and motivated throughout the workshop! Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and...

My One Non Negotiable Point 06.05.2024

In federal workshops, it is crucial that the individual assisting with retirement planning comprehends Federal benefits to avoid costly mistakes common with generalists lacking specific expertise. We emphasize the necessity of seeking help from professionals with experience in dealing with federal employees to leverage insider knowledge and maximize benefits through various "hacks." My non-negotia...

Do the RIGHT THINGS in the RIGHT WAY 01.05.2024

A valuable lesson for retirement planning we'd like to emphasize is the need to not only learn about benefits but also ensure proper execution to avoid wasted efforts or ineffective strategies. Just like in workshops, in retirement planning, it is essential to have guidance and validation to steer towards the right path for a successful outcome. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-perso...

Can You Opt In Later? Maybe Not... 28.04.2024

n discussions about survivor benefits during a workshop, it was clarified that once retired, individuals cannot easily rejoin the benefits system later. There might be a workaround through marriage. This highlights the importance of making informed choices during retirement paperwork as each benefit has unique rules and exceptions. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not onl...

Getting All The Benefits You Need 26.04.2024

We talked about the importance of considering Medicare Part A and Part B eligibility and penalties when planning for retirement healthcare. We want to emphasize the necessity of making informed decisions early to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure adequate coverage. Additionally, remember the significance of evaluating other healthcare options like TRICARE to optimize benefits and minimize expense...

Will your PENSION be ENOUGH? 19.04.2024

By understanding what deductions are made from the pension before it reaches their bank account, people realize the need for additional retirement savings. Taking proactive steps to adjust, optimize, and plan for retirement can lead to a more financially secure future compared to solely relying on government support. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about y...

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