Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast

What really happens behind the scenes after 350+ client meetings in just six weeks—and what do those conversations reveal about how people are thinking about money, life, and the future? John and Tommy wrapped up their 2026 Strategic Planning Meeting season earlier this quarter, and in this episode, they are going over some of the top questions their federal employee clients asked. Access the full...

Saving for retirement is only half the battle; knowing how to get your money out without getting burned by taxes or rigid rules is where things get complicated. In this episode, John and Tommy dive deep into the specific Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) mistakes that are rarely talked about but can cost federal employees thousands. From the operational headaches of unfair tax withholdings to the danger o...

Are you maximizing the true value of your federal benefits, or are you unintentionally leaving money on the table? In this special episode, John and Tommy present an updated version of a classic seminar originally created by the firm's founders in the 1990s—now made current for 2026. They break down the unique complexities of the FERS system and expose the critical blind spots that often lead fede...

What happens when the financial plan you created five years ago no longer matches the life you're living today? In this episode, John and Tommy explore why great financial planning is never static and how the best plans evolve alongside career changes, unexpected opportunities, market shifts, retirement decisions, and personal goals. Through real-life client stories, they break down how ongoing fi...

What should federal employees actually do with their life insurance, and when does FEGLI stop making sense? In this episode, John and Tommy break down everything you need to know about Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), including Basic coverage, Options A, B, and C, and how these choices evolve throughout your career and into retirement. You'll learn how FEGLI pricing really works, w...

What really happens after you accept a Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) offer—and how do you know if it was the right move? In this episode, you'll learn what federal employees experienced on the other side of DRP, from emotional uncertainty to financial outcomes, and why preparation made all the difference. The conversation breaks down how DRP worked, who it benefited most, and what to expect i...

Do you actually understand how recent tax changes could impact your financial plan? In this episode, we break down several important tax topics, including Trump accounts, Virginia tax changes, Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), and estimated tax payments. Tax laws are constantly changing, and what seems permanent today may change with the next administration, which is why tax planning should always...

Is claiming Social Security early really the smartest move, or could it cost you more in the long run? In this episode, you'll learn how financial planners actually think about claiming strategies beyond the headlines and viral YouTube advice. We break down the real factors that matter and why there's no "one-size-fits-all" answer when it comes to turning on your benefits. Access the full show not...

Are federal employees sitting on far more wealth than they realize? In this episode, financial planners Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the fundamentals of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and explain why your pension is only one piece of a much larger financial picture. You'll learn how the FERS pension formula works, what your "high-three" salary actually means, and how f...

Are you choosing your Medicare plan based purely on math or on what truly fits your life? In Part 2 of our Medicare 2026 series, Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance and seasoned Medicare expert, returns to expand your understanding of the options available, especially if you're a federal employee or enrolled in TRICARE for Life. You'll learn why Medicare decisions aren't just about premiums and d...

Is your Medicare plan still working for you, or are you just hoping it is?   In this episode, we're joined by Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance and a seasoned Medicare expert, fresh off another busy Annual Enrollment Period. Bryan breaks down how Medicare enrollment really works, what changed this past year, and why a "one-size-fits-all" approach often leaves people underinsured or overpaying....

Ever wondered what actually happens after you book an intro call with Mason & Associates ? In this updated episode, we walk you through our new client experience from start to finish, including how our process works, what our fees look like, and what it's really like to work with us long term. Even if you're not ready to become a client, this episode gives you a clear picture of what to expect so...

Think you have to wait for Open Season to make meaningful financial decisions as a federal employee? This episode breaks that myth wide open. John, Ben, and Tommy walk through the most impactful moves federal employees can make any time of year, from optimizing your TSP and HSA to updating insurance, beneficiaries, and retirement strategies. Whether you're early in your federal career, nearing ret...

What if getting hacked isn't a question of if, but when? In this episode, Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the real-world cybersecurity risks they're seeing—not in theory, but from personal experience. After being compromised multiple times in a single year, John shares why even people with strong security habits can still be targeted, as well as what that means for retirees, business own...

Do Roth conversions make sense for everyone? In this episode, we unpack the rules, strategies, and potential pitfalls of Roth conversions, as well as the role of taxes, spending, and charitable goals. You'll learn why it's not always wise to "just convert everything now" and why flexibility is a crucial part of any financial strategy. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources...

What would your life look like if you actually used  the money you spent years saving? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the idea of "flexing your money muscles" and why those muscles can mean tightening your spending or giving yourself permission to enjoy more. You'll learn how habits, confidence, and values shape our decisions, and why many people struggle to spend even when they can af...

What really happens after someone passes away—and why are so many families blindsided even when they think everything was "set up correctly"? In this episode, John and Tommy pull back the curtain on the messy, emotional, and often confusing reality of settling an estate. You'll learn why wills and trusts don't operate the way most people assume, as well as the true challenges in modern estate plan...

Are you making the most of your federal health benefits this open season? Whether you're an active federal employee or retired, this time of year can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options can save you thousands and help you plan smarter for the future. You'll learn how to evaluate your current plan, balance premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and make confident, informed decisions before...

What role should the G Fund really play in your TSP strategy? In this episode, Tommy, John, and Ben tackle one of the biggest questions federal employees ask during uncertain markets. You'll learn what to consider before making changes, how to rebalance your TSP effectively, and why trying to "time the market" often does more harm than good. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Re...

What's really changing for federal employees retiring in 2025? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the new retirement process , including survivor benefits, electronic filing, and the realities of interest rates, refinancing, and investment risks. You'll hear clear guidance on how to navigate these updates, what to watch out for in "no closing cost" mortgage offers, and how to make confiden...

What's the difference between reacting to taxes and truly planning for them? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the latest year-end financial planning and tax strategies every federal employee needs to know. With recent tax law changes and shifting financial dynamics, they tackle big questions like how the enhanced senior deduction works, when a Roth conversion makes sense, and why timing...

What does the One Big Beautiful Bill mean for everyday taxpayers? And how will it shape the financial future of federal employees across the country? In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the bill with Stephen Kimberlin of Forvis Mazars US, breaking down what it really means for people. Listen in as Stephen explains the nuances, clarifies common misconceptions, and provides practical ins...

What does the new One Big Beautiful Bill really mean for federal employees nearing retirement? Passed on July 4th, 2025, this sweeping tax legislation has stirred conversations across the country, but today we're zeroing in on how it impacts federal employees with significant investable assets. While business owners and high-income earners also feel the effects, our focus is on helping you underst...

What if the biggest threat to your financial plan isn't the stock market or taxes, but being underinsured? In this episode, Tommy and John sit down with Broc Buckles, co-founder of BC Brokerage, to talk about why insurance is a critical cornerstone of any financial strategy. Listen in to learn how to avoid overpaying, why working with a broker can uncover better coverage and rates than sticking wi...

What if your federal pension is small and you're not relying on it—should you still elect survivor benefits? In this episode, John and Tommy respond to a listener's detailed YouTube question about pensions, TSP, and survivor benefits when service time is short and other retirement savings are strong. They break down the real value of keeping survivor benefits, even when your pension isn't your mai...