Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast

Process for a Postponed Retirement

#107 Burning Sick Leave: Managing Sick Leave Usage Near Retirement

Are you nearing retirement and wondering how to manage your sick leave best? Join Tammy and Micah in this insightful episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast as they dive deep into the intricacies of using sick leave to optimize your federal retirement benefits. In this episode, Tammy and Micah explore: The impact of sick leave on your federal pension calculation, including the high-three average salary and length of service. Discover how to strategically use your sick leave balance t...

Understanding Taxes on Annual Leave Payout for Federal Retirees: Myth vs. Reality

Hello PYFR team! I love the podcast and appreciate it and all the resources you offer. My question is about taxes on the pay-out of annual leave for retirees. I assumed it would be considered income just like salary and would be taxed at whatever rate my income met for that year. But, a colleague who is planning to retire in a few months is planning to use all his leave now because he thinks the payout will be treated like a bonus and taxed at a higher rate. And, are bonuses even taxed a higher ...

When is a Good Age to Retire Under FERS?

How to Ensure All Your Years Count Towards Creditable Service

# 106 How Much Should You Leave To Your Beneficiary

Survivor Benefit Plan: Does Spousal Age Difference Affect Your Benefits?

I read the $1,000.00 example that you write and 50% of 1K is 500.00 a month for my wife. That makes sense and I understand. My Q is my spouse is 12 yrs YOUNGER than I am. Does the Age difference make a difference in the SBP cost? - Albert

Annuity Or A Pension? What You Need To Know

Navigating Amended Tax Returns

When To Start The Process To Retirement?

I'm planning to retire December 31, 2025; I will have 10 years and 8 months. When should I start the process? - Angelia https://zurl.co/UMXX

Avoiding Common Mistakes While Picking Up Your Retiring Date

Making Sense of TSP Investment in Turbulent Times

#105 Demystifying FERS Retirement Calculators

Federal employees can use various calculators to estimate their FERS benefits, but accurate documentation and proper completion of estate planning documents are crucial for retirement planning! Missing or incomplete information can lead to unexpected consequences, so seeking help from HR or knowledgeable individuals is essential. In this episode, Micah and Tammy demystify the FERS retirement calculators, presenting essential insights. By understanding these calculators, you can take control of y...

Withdrawing From TSP Without Paying The Penalty, is it Possible?

I am eligible to retire from fed service at 57 1/2. I will have 36 years of service. I plan on using my TSP to supplement my retirement. I cant seem to find a straight answer on withdrawing my money prior to 59 1/2 without paying the 10% penalty. Some sites say I can access all of it anytime, others say I have to use the SEPP plan, and others say I can access all of it but only 4 times per year. I understand the tax paid on it is variable to my overall income. - Tim

Strategies to Lower Your Adjusted Gross Income

Avoiding Regrets in Retirement: Five Lessons for Federal Employees

#104 Optimizing The TSP For Retirement

Are you seeking clarity on TSP strategies? Join us on our latest podcast episode, where Christian and JT decode the complexities of TSP investments. From cracking the complexities of TSP investment options, including the G, F, C, S, and I funds, to unraveling the benefits of dollar-cost averaging, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to help you confidently navigate your TSP. But that's not all. Christian and JT will help you learn TSP distribution strategies, guiding you through the ...

Moving TSP Money to G Fund - Here is What You Need To Know

I am 8 years from retirement and currently invested 100% in the C fund. When should I start moving money to the G fund and should it be based on a percentage of my current balance, or should I base it on how many years of withdrawals I want to protect once fully retired i.e. 8-10 years. - Paul https://zurl.co/qyzS

Understanding the Tax Implications of Life Insurance

Understanding Medicare Premium Surcharges (aka IRMAA)

#103 Don’t Replace Your Expenses in Retirement

Are you ready to take control of your retirement finances? Your current spending habits could shape your future retirement lifestyle more than you realize. Join Micah and Tammy in this episode as they discuss the critical aspects of retirement planning. Learn why aligning pre-retirement income with post-retirement needs is crucial to avoid financial stress down the road. Micah and Tammy share invaluable insights into understanding retirement income and expenses, offering practical strategies to ...

When Can You Collect Your SRS (Special Retirement Supplement)?

If I retire age 59 under Postponed Retirement can I collect the SRS - Kenneth https://zurl.co/Kom2

Your TSP Journey: Decisions to Make at Retirement

What Documents Do You Need Before Retirement?

#102 Key things Advisors Wish Their Clients Knew

It is time to discuss retirement planning, cash flow management, and potential retirement expenses! In this special episode, Micah leads a discussion with Floyd Shilanski, RCF®, a team of seasoned advisors,Christian Sakamoto, CFP®, and JT Ferrin, CFP®, to uncover the crucial aspects of retirement planning that are often overlooked. Let's tackle the critical topic of cash flow planning and tax considerations so you can learn how to ensure long-term financial stability. With predictable pensions a...

Military to Civilian Transition

Hello, I appreciate your videos very much. I am active duty and retiring next year, intending on becoming a GS employee. Can you do one on the military to civilian transition with regards to TSP and other issues, besides buying back time? I have both Roth and Traditional military accounts, and I assume they will be separate from the civilian ones. Will the Rule of 55 apply to my military TSP if I retire at 48 and immediately join the federal service? Finally, I plan on working about years and bu...

The Hidden Tax You Need to Be Aware of in Retirement

Does Sick Leave Count as 5.8 Hours Day or 8 Toward Service Credit

#101 Secure Your Retirement with the Thrift Savings Plan

Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a secure retirement? Join our experts, Micah and Tammy, as they analyze advanced retirement strategies to help you achieve financial security in your golden years. From understanding the critical importance of tax planning to maximizing your TSP benefits and optimizing retirement income, they provide you with the knowledge and insights you need to navigate the complexities of retirement planning confidently. Whether it's an OPM update or a rule that y...

How do I Calculate My High-3?

How do I calculate my high three? I was a FERS employee from 1991-2000 then returned to FERS in 2022. I am 58 with a total of 23 years of credible FERS retirement because I did a military buy back of my active duty time (I retired from the Army Reserve). I know I will be giving up my SRS, but I plan to quit working after 24 months in July 2024. Is my high three calculated based on the last 24 months and the highest 12 months from my previous FERS time back in the 1990s? Thank you so much. - Rich...