Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast

#115 Essential Steps to Secure Your Federal Retirement: What You Need to Know

Ready to build a comprehensive federal retirement plan? In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian discuss essential retirement planning strategies. Learn how to manage cash flow, adjust for inflation, and explore the best ways to navigate tax planning and Roth conversions. Understand the impact of TSP withdrawals and how to optimize your retirement spending with the bucket strategy. Whether you're nearing retirement or just beginning to plan, this episode offers the insights you need to ensur...

Insurance Coverage And Medicare

Yes, my name is Bobby and I have a question on the life insurance coverage. I read here that it said that the basic life insurance and retirement can be continued. If all of the conditions are met, 1 of the conditions are you have not converted coverage to an individual policy. My husband has insurance through the company that he retired from + Medicare and he wants me to drop him off of my insurance. Would that affect my coverage for insurance if I retire within a year? Thank you

Understanding FERS Supplements: Does Lump Sum Leave Affect Your Earnings?

Deferred vs. Postponed Retirement: What's the Difference?

#114 Boost Your Retirement Savings: Understanding FERS Contribution Rates

Navigating federal retirement benefits can feel overwhelming, but understanding key elements can empower you to make informed decisions. Knowing how to determine your FERS eligibility, the impact of your high-3 average salary, and the nuances of retirement dates are crucial for planning your financial future. Join Micah and Tammy as they break down essential federal retirement topics. They discuss the importance of verifying your service history, how to calculate your pension and the advantages ...

When do Your Years Stop Counting Towards Your FERS Retirement

"Yes, my name is Marty. I like to know about FERS, if there is a maximum amount of years that I can work and then it is no longer counted towards my retirement calculation. For instance, if I was on the Csrs, I believe the cut off is like 42 years. Is it the same for first? Thank you." - Martha https://zurl.co/1gJ9

Should You Withhold Taxes From Your Social Security? Here’s What You Need to Know

How to Burn Sick Leave Before Retirement

#113 Retirement Tax Traps: How to Avoid Surprises in Your Federal Retirement Planning

Understanding how to navigate taxes in retirement is crucial for preserving your hard-earned income. From Roth conversions to Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), implementing effective tax strategies can significantly impact your financial future. Recognizing the importance of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) and the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) will empower you to make informed decisions about your retirement income. Join Micah and Christian as they explore vital...

FERS Part-Time Service: Clarifying the Creditable Service Rules

Yes, my name is Martha, and I tune into as many of your podcasts as I can, for your valuable information, I have a question regarding part time work previously, I thought that each year of part time service counted as a full year towards my years of principal service. But I was listening to a recent podcast by JT titled How to ensure all your years count towards credit creditable service and at around timestamp, four minutes and 14 seconds, he says something that goes against what I previously t...

Understanding CSRS Retirement: Key Considerations for Federal Employees with a Divorce Decree

Understanding Life Insurance Coverage for Federal Retirees: What You Need to Know

#112 Crafting Your 10-Year Tax Plan: How to Reduce Liabilities in Your FERS Retirement

Planning for your retirement requires a solid understanding of your options. Discover the best strategies for managing your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and learn how to access your funds without facing penalties. In this episode, Micah and Christian discuss vital topics, including various withdrawal options, the significance of your FERS benefits, and techniques for reducing tax implications. Understand the rules around TSP distributions and how to make informed decisions about your retirement sav...

Navigating Earnings Limits and SRS: What Happens When You Turn 62?

If you have a birth month of Jan ro April, and the year you obtain age 61, you exceed the earnings limit, how is that overage paid, since you will have obtained 62 by the reporting time and SRS will have ended, thanks for the great podcast, I am claiming 1 million Feds reached right along with you. - Chris https://zurl.co/R9H4

Retirement Strategies for Dual Federal Employee Couples

The 5 Essential Life Checkups Before Your Federal Retirement

#111 Rental Property And Estate Planning

Understanding the FERS Supplement: Eligibility and Next Steps

FERS supplement annuity. I retired from SSA under the 25 years of service at any age in 2014. I was told I would be eligible for the supplement when I reach my MRA 56 and 6 months, which was this 06/2024. I have not received or heard anything from OPM. I’m just trying to verify I am eligible. - Karren

What is a 1099-R? Understanding Your Retirement Income Tax Form

Understanding Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning

#110 5 Things You Need To Know As A Federal Employee BEFORE You Retire

Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream? Navigating the complexities of your Federal Employee Retirement System benefits, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan is essential for a smooth transition into retirement. Learn how to manage your TSP investments, explore effective withdrawal strategies, and determine the best timing for your retirement. Join Micah and Christian as they cover crucial topics including Health Insurance, Medicare (with a focus on Medic...

High-3 Calculation Confusion: Different Work Periods And FERS Multipliers

Hi. I have congressional experience and a break in service and I have just retired to the executive branch and I was wondering how the high 3 is calculated when I have 2 different 2 different work periods and different multipliers because congressional service when I was there was a 1.7 % multiplier anyway, if you could assist, I appreciate it. - Carrie. https://zurl.co/NBZS...

What You Need To Know About Roth Conversions

Can You Use Retirement Funds For A Home Down Payment?

#109 How Does Retirement Income Work - A Roadmap To Financial Freedom

Are you ready to turn your retirement savings into a reliable income stream? Understanding your spending goals and determining your net income is not just crucial, it's the key to managing your cash flow during retirement. Whether it’s Social Security benefits, pensions, or your Thrift Savings Plan, knowing how to handle these various income sources can truly make all the difference in your retirement lifestyle. Join Micah and Tammy as they explore the essentials of retirement income management....

Can You Access Your FERS Supplement Right After Retirement?

So I did have a question. I can retire in october 2019 with 30 years under first, I will be 56 and I mean 10 months old and I do not think that I will be eligible for SRS until may 27th, but then I filed for my retirement the first part of April and when my retirement Counselor called, she told me that I will be able to be eligible for S R s immediately upon my retirement in October because I have 30 in and I mean, I I do not have to wait until I made 57 to withdraw the supplement. Have you come...

Essential Tax And RMD Strategies For Federal Employees

#108 Federal Finances: Navigating Retirement Prep

Join Tammy and Micah, seasoned federal retirement experts, as they share their insights on navigating retirement preparation, avoiding common mistakes with OPM, and ensuring a smooth transition from federal service. Learn about the importance of accurate record-keeping, the need for correct dates and service credibility, and how to involve HR early on to avoid territorial issues. Find out approaches to resolving retirement claim issues, including the challenges of fixing errors in OPM's database...

Reserve Military Retirement And FERS Military Retirement - Can You Keep Both?

I just saw you guide to military service credit buybacks. I purchased 11 years back and it was the best decision I ever made! I didn't see something in your guide that I think is very important: There is a huge difference between a Reserve retirement and an Active Duty ( AKA Regular) retirement. As you state in your guide Active-duty retirees must choose between their federal and active-duty retirement. HOWEVER, Those that retire as a Reservist can keep BOTH their Reserve Military Retirment and ...

Why Is OPM So Slow In Paying Me My Pension?