FedSmart

In this FedSmart Q&A episode, Jesse Black and StevenPuckett answer three common federal retirement questions that many employees face as they approach retirement. They discuss how the Rule of 55 works with TSP withdrawals, what spouses need to keep FEHB health coverage after retirement, and whether federal employees still working at 65 need Medicare Part B. This episode delivers straightforwar...

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the updated TSPwithdrawal rules for federal employees in retirement. In this episode, they cover lump sum withdrawals, installment payments, TSP annuities, tax withholding considerations, and important details retirees should understand before accessing their retirement savings. Practical, easy-to-followinformation designed to help federal employees better...

In this FedSmart Q&A episode, Jesse Black and StevenPuckett answer three of the most common questions federal employees ask when planning for retirement. From Social Security earnings limits to Roth TSP misconceptions and the differences between postponing and deferring retirement,this episode breaks down key details that often create confusion. If you're approaching retirement or just try...

Many federal employees spend decades saving and reparingfor retirement, only to enter it without a clear plan for how to actually use their money. In this episode, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett walk throughwhat they are seeing in real conversations with federal employees across the country. From underutilizing retirement savings to withdrawing too much too soon, they discuss how a lack of persona...

In this FedSmart podcast Q&A, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett answer three common questions from federal employees preparing for retirement. They explain how TSP withdrawals work, when the FERS supplement starts under an early retirement, and what documents federal employees should download before losing access to agency systems.

What does an ideal federal retirement actually look like,and how do today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s outcome? In this episode, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explore thekey elements that often define a well structured federal retirement. They discuss how FERS employees think about income sources, timing, and long term planning, along with common gaps and overlooked considerations. This conversat...

Federal employees are asking smart questions about retirement, and in this Q&A edition of the FedSmart Podcast, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett tackle the ones showing up the most right now. From whether AI can really be trusted for retirement planning, to updated earnings limits for those receiving the FERS supplement or Social Security, to common confusion around Roth conversions and RMDs, th...

Wondering how long federal retirement processes actuallytake? In this episode of the Fed Smart Podcast, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the most common federal retirement timelines, from when to submit your paperwork to when you might see your leave payout, interim pension payments, and full retirement finalization. They also cover key timing tips for accessing your TSP, Social Security,...

In this episode of the FedSmart Podcast , Jesse Blackand Steven Puckett sit down with Nick Black to share the latest updates every federal employee should know heading into 2026. They cover real-time insights on OPM processing times, retirement paperwork, and an important new change coming to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) that federal employees have been waiting for. You’ll also hear practical adv...

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the good, the badand the "maybes" of the brand new TSP changes happening starting January 2026! Everyone with a TSP will want to watch this, whether working or retired!

Most federal employees don’t realize their life insurance costs can skyrocket as they age. In this episode, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett sit down with Brandon Johnson, the Federal Life Insurance Guru,” to break down the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program. They explain what parts of FEGLI go up in cost, what stays flat, and how to identify when you might be overpaying or unde...

In this episode of the FedSmart Podcast , Jesse Black and Steven Puckett tackle the most common retirement questions federal employees ask. From knowing when you’re truly ready to retire, to what counts toward the Social Security earnings limit, to deciding when to take your benefits, this episode helps you think clearly about your timing, income, and long-term plan. Whether you’re planning ahead...

Is  FederalRetirementCourse.com  the ultimate no costresource to get you prepared for your specific retirement? Jesse Black and Steven Puckett discuss what parts of your Federal Retirement system you need to pay attention to the most and what resources might be best to prepare you forretirement. Are webinars and seminars dead? Or are they just the old way of doing things? Join FedSmart as they dis...

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down one of the mostimportant — and misunderstood — elements of your federal retirement plan: survivor benefits. Whether you're years away from retirement, about to retire, or already collecting your FERS pension, this episode will help you better understand what happens to your benefits after you’re gone, what decisions you need to make now, and how these...

In this episode of the FedSmart Podcast, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the critical milestone ages that shape a federal employee’s retirement journey. From TSP access at 55 to Medicare enrollment at 65, and RMDs at 73, they walk through what to consider at each phase. Whether you’re early in your career or closing in on retirement, this episode helps you better understand how to prepar...

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the five things every federal employee needs to think about before and after retirement—and it’s not just finances. Most people retire from something… but what if you focused on what you're retiring to? #FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett#FERS #RetirementMindset #FederalEmployees Federal Retirement TSP Withdrawal Strategies Federal Reti...

Retirement planning is more than numbers — it's about living with purpose and clarity. In this episode of the FedSmart Podcast, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the most common retirement planning mistakes federal employees make and how to avoid them. Whether you're 5 years or 15 years away from retirement, this conversation will help you take actionable steps toward a confident f...

With all the news about potential RIFs and Early Retirement, Steven Puckett and Jesse Black break down what you really need to know about these options. As always you can count on FedSmart bringing information that will help you fully understand the key things to know about these potential outcomes. Listen to the latest episode and then follow FedSmart to stay fully informed.

Welcome to the first episode of FedSmart in 2025! 🎉 Join Jesse Black and Steven Puckett as they kick off the year discussing retirement planning, staying on track with your financial goals, and the surprising truth about New Year's resolutions. Whether you're gearing up for retirement or enjoying the 'promised land,' this episode is packed with insights to help you make the most o...

Let's talk through the top 5 questions about retirement planning... from how much you need in your TSP to setting realistic financial goals, maximizing contributions, and staying flexible in retirement! We'll walk you through each step to help you prepare for a comfortable future. Whether you’re just starting out or already planning, these insights are for you. Don’t miss it! https://fedsmartretir...

When it comes to allocating funds within the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), federal employees need to understand that financial planning is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual’s financial situation is unique, which makes general financial advice risky. Whether you are in the early stages of your career or approaching retirement, it’s crucial to develop a strategy that is personalized to...

Steven Puckett and Jesse Black talk about key considerations that will prepare you for your Federal Retirement. How much income do you need? What will your take home pay be? What age should you retire? When are you eligible for retirement? This is a podcast you don't want to miss! https://fedsmartretirement.com/schedu... , https://fedsmartretirement.com/ , www. FedSmartPodcast.com, www. FEGLIS...

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett highlight an exciting new Federal Retirement Resource that will help you set yourself up for success when planning for retirement! https://fedsmartretirement.com/schedule-appointment, https://fedsmartretirement.com/, www. FedSmartPodcast.com, www. FEGLISavings.com https://www.federalretirementcourse.com/ Jesse Black Steven Puckett Federal Retirement Consultants Feder...

Jesse Black, Steven Puckett and Chad Owen explore various risks, challenges and strategies for navigating the complex retirement landscape. https://fedsmartretirement.com/schedule-appointment, https://fedsmartretirement.com/, www. FedSmartPodcast.com, www. FEGLISavings.com Jesse Black Steven Puckett Chad Owen Federal Retirement Consultants Financial Advisor FERS FERS Pension Topic tags Federal Ret...

Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, and one component that individuals must be well-acquainted with is Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). In this podcast, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett delve into the intricacies of RMDs, focusing on retirement assets such as the traditional Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). https://fedsmartretirement.com/schedule-appointment, https://fed...