The Federal Retirement Show

Can you wave your military pension or purchase back your military time? In episode 109 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val dives into a topic that often confuses those navigating the complex world of military benefits: If you're a retired service member or approaching retirement, this episode will clarify the options available to you when it comes to waiving your military retirement pay to claim m...

Val dives into the complex world of federal employee retirement benefits. He breaks down the most common misconceptions surrounding federal employee retirement and dispels myths by sharing essential information you need to know so you can plan for a successful 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...

With increasing life expectancy, federal retirees must plan for longer retirement periods, which brings about unique financial challenges. In episode 107 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val takes a deep dive into one of the most significant challenges facing federal employees in retirement—longevity risk. He also explores what longevity risk is and breaks down long-term care risk, withdrawal rate...

Estate planning is an essential part of ensuring your financial legacy is secure and your loved ones are cared for. In episode 106 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val is joined by Federal Benefits Counselor Tim McCleskey Jr. to discuss if you’re doing enough estate planning, naming the right people in your estate, the power of attorney, and much more! Check out Tim’s information guide on estate pl...

If you’re a federal employee who is fast approaching retirement, the information and guidance you receive is crucial. But how do you know you’re being guided in the right direction? In episode 105 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val stresses the importance of receiving the right information from the right advisor in topics related to retirement and health insurance. Don’t miss this episode if you’...

Navigating the world of federal employee benefits can be complicated, especially when it comes to deciding whether to elect Medicare Part B when you already have FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) coverage. In episode 104 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val tackles one of the most frequently asked questions among federal retirees: Do you need Medicare Parts A + B? Don’t miss this episode if...

Whether you’re planning for retirement or considering how to best protect your loved ones, understanding insurable interest is key to making informed decisions. In episode 103 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val dives into the critical concept of insurable interest and its role in survivor annuities. He breaks down what insurable interest means, why it matters in the context of survivor annuities,...

Val dives into two significant pieces of legislation that are poised to reshape the federal workforce: the Federal Employee Return to Work Act and the Federal Employee Locality Accountability in Retirement Act. First, Val explores the Federal Employee Return to Work Act, which aims to address the evolving landscape of remote work within federal agencies, and then break down the Federal Employee Lo...

Val wants clearer understanding of the life insurance landscape and be better equipped to make an informed decision about your coverage. In episode 101, Val dives deep into the world of life insurance for federal employees, specifically focusing on alternatives to the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Option B. Whether you're just starting your federal career or nearing retirement, i...

On a very special 100th episode of The Federal Retirement Show, Val is joined by the President/CEO of American Benefits Exchange – Eric Hughes, and Federal Benefit Counselors Tim McCleskey Jr. and Brandi Person to talk a variety of topics pertaining to retirement information for Federal employees. The panel explains retirement date drawbacks, Option B with Fegli, and your overall risk-tolerance ne...

This week on episode 99 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val tackles the world of Thrift Savings Plans (TSPs) and address some of the most common misconceptions that often lead to confusion and missed opportunities. Article --- https://www.fedsmith.com/2024/06/10/avoid-these-common-tsp-misconceptions-and-mistakes/#google_vignette Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial fu...

This week on episode 98 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val talks about the critical decision facing many federal employees: whether to retire at their Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) or to continue working. He explores the factors that influence this choice, including financial stability, health, personal goals, and the intricate details of federal retirement benefits. Don’t miss this episode if you...

On episode 97 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val focuses on the unique financial concerns faced by federal employees. From understanding complex retirement plans to ensuring long-term financial stability, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The...

On episode 96 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val dives into the crucial concept of High-3, a cornerstone of the federal retirement system. Whether you're a seasoned federal employee nearing retirement or a new hire planning ahead, understanding how your High-3 average salary is calculated can make a significant difference in your retirement benefits. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to s...

This week on the Federal Retirement Show, Val discusses his recent presentations and thanks federal employees for their loyalty and support! 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?...

In this episode, Val helps make sense of the complex series of TSP distribution options. Val shares valuable insights about TSP withdrawals as he helps federal employees maximize their retirement savings. 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! Hav...

In episode 93 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val dives deep into the most common retirement planning mistakes made by federal employees and how to sidestep these costly missteps. He walks you through the top 10 pitfalls that can derail your retirement dreams.  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 Ret...

On episode 92 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val discusses the benefits of federal employees buying back time for retirement purposes. He explains that military time and previous federal service time can be purchased to enhance pension calculations and allow for earlier retirement eligibility. He also highlights the cost-saving advantage of buying back time early to avoid accumulating interest. F...

Val puts into focus the three biggest risks you need to be aware of during retirement: market risk, longevity risk and tax risk. He unpacks the complexities of each and explores strategies to mitigate their long-term impact on your retirement as a former 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...

With tax codes set to change in 2026, Val discusses the future of taxes and the implications for federal employees while exploring the strategy of Roth conversions before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act sunsets at the end of 2025. 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 le...

In this episode, Val is joined by Federal Benefit Counselor, Tim McCleskey Jr. Together, they discuss the importance of receiving a retirement analysis to help you avoid financial pitfalls in retirement. Plus, they share strategies to help you create tax-free income for your future, and tips you will want to hear about your TSP.  Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial f...

In this episode, Val offers guidance to help you make sure all your financial bases are covered 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 retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and...

In this episode, Val explores the process of a federal employee’s retirement and gives tips about social security and navigating the transition to retirement with confidence.   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...

In this episode, Val is joined by Roy Snarr – Owner and Founder of Roy Snarr Solutions. Val and Roy discuss the importance of Long-Term Care Insurance and why creating a Long-Term Care plan is not something to overlook. 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 u...

In episode 85 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val helps federal employees feel more prepared for retirement and explains why using certain retirement resources are critical to one’s retirement infrastructure. 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!...