The Federal Retirement Show

In episode 159 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val continues with part three of his TSP series, and breaks down the distribution phase in your TSP! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- L...

In episode 158 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val continues with part two of his TSP series, and breaks down the preservation phase of TSP! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen t...

In episode 157 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val break down one of the most important—yet often overlooked—stages of your financial journey: the accumulation phase. He dives deep into how your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) can become a powerful engine for long-term growth, exploring smart strategies to build your balance year after year. From the benefits of consistent contributions to t...

In episode 156 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val unveils the latest version of recent questions answered – answering common questions he receives from Federal Employees daily! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to bo...

In episode 155 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val explains the 2026 TSP Contribution Limits and the intricate details you need to know to get you further prepared for your tax-free retirement. Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone loo...

In episode 154 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val takes a deep dive into a recent conversation he had with a federal employee pertaining to Survivor-Benefit options for federal employees, a crucial but often misunderstood part of retirement planning. Join Val as he walks you through the key decisions, costs, and implications that can make all the difference for you and your loved ones. Have quest...

Ever wonder how part-time federal work affects your retirement? In episode 153 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val breaks down some of the most misunderstood aspects of part-time service under FERS — including how the Proration Factor impacts your pension, how your High-3 average salary is calculated when you’ve worked a mix of full- and part-time schedules, and what this all means for...

In episode 152 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val is breaking down everything federal employees need to know to retire with confidence and peace of mind. Whether you’re just a few months from your retirement date or planning years ahead, this discussion is packed with expert insights and practical steps to help you prepare. Val covers: Proper advice for retiring federal employees — fr...

In episode 151 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val tackles the growing concerns and widespread misinformation surrounding federal retirement and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Whether you're nearing retirement or just getting started in your federal career, it's crucial to separate fact from fiction. Val provides clarity on what federal employees really need to know to make informed decisions. Hav...

In episode 150 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val is cutting through the noise and getting real about retirement planning for federal employees. There's a lot of information out there—but not all of it is accurate. We're tackling common myths and misinformation that could be steering you off course. Val also dive into a hot topic: Roth conversions. Should you consider one? When does it make...

In episode 149 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val takes a deep dive into one of the most critical yet often misunderstood aspects of federal employment — Disability Insurance. Whether you're just starting your federal career or nearing retirement, understanding how disability benefits work can be vital for protecting your income and planning for the unexpected. Don’t miss this episode...

Did you know that 70 percent of individuals will need a long-term care plan? In episode 148 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val walks you through different Long-Term Care plans and explains the plans that could be the best fit for you and your family in your retirement years. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to s...

In episode 147 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val walks you through the key factors to consider 10 years, 5 years, and 2 years out from retirement as a federal employee. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about reti...

In this essential episode for federal employees, Val dives deep into the biggest retirement planning mistakes and questions he gets asked frequently. sees time From misunderstood TSP strategies to healthcare confusion, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make smarter decisions for your financial future. Val tackles questions like: ✅ Should I take a TSP loan or hardship withd...

Planning for a retirement outside the United States? In episode 145 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val discusses the pros and cons of retiring abroad, and the specific countries that could be beneficial and fit into your plans in retirement! Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement...

Retirement shouldn't be a question mark - it should be a plan. In episode 144 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val explains a recent situation he came across in helping a federal employee and goes on to explain how federal employees can create guaranteed lifetime income streams and build a rock-solid financial foundation for retirement. He breaks down: ✅ What "guaranteed income" really means&mdash...

In episode 143, Val breaks down the key points of the updated retirement process for Federal Employees, including the OPM/Online retirement application process and various FEGLI options available during this process. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes an...

In episode 142, Val dives deep into the complexities of inheriting retirement accounts, specifically comparing the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and Inherited IRAs when the beneficiary is not a spouse. If you've recently inherited a retirement account—or you're planning your estate—this episode is essential listening. https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/07/23/tsp-inheritance-vs-inherited-ira-rul...

In episode 141 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val dives into the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority—better known as VERA—and what it means for federal employees weighing their retirement options. You could be a seasoned civil servant considering early retirement or a mid-career federal employee planning for the future, but understanding the true impact of VERA is critical. Don&rsquo...

On this episode of The Federal Retirement Show , Val Majewski tackles one of the most important parts of a federal employee’s career: service separation . Whether you’re preparing to retire, transfer to a new role, or step away from federal service entirely, this phase brings big questions and critical decisions. 📌 Key topics include: How to prepare for departure from federal service...

On episode 139 Val explains the top 10 mistakes made by Federal Employees when planning for retirement. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the...

On episode 138 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val answers sought out questions asked frequently by federal employees including, submitting early retirement paperwork, buying back military time after 12 years, FEGLI Option B alternatives, and a lump sum option for retirement! Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to s...

On episode 137 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val takes a deeper look into the world of retirement tax planning—because keeping more of your money matters just as much as saving it. He discussed what will be taxed and whether your FERS contributions, TSP Roth, and Roth IRA will be eligible to be taxed once you retire. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your fina...

In episode 136 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explains the newest budge legislation update affecting the retirement of federal employees. Val discusses the intricate details within the new legislation, eliminated provisions, and the next steps you should take to secure your retirement around the parameters of this new legislation. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secur...

In episode 135 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val breaks down two essential pillars of retirement income for federal employees: Social Security and the FERS Supplement. Regardless of your situation - mid-career or approaching retirement - understanding how these benefits work—and how they fit together—is key to planning your financial future. Don’t miss this episode if you&rsquo...