EPISODES
Social Security & the FERS Supplement: What Federal Employees Need to Know
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...
Appealing Medicare Part B Premiums
Are you a federal employee or retiree enrolled in FEHB and shocked by your Medicare Part B premium? You’re not alone—and you might be paying more than you should. In this episode, Val breaks down the key factors that determine your Medicare Part B premiums, including...
Answering Recent Listener Questions
Turning 65? Nearing retirement? This episode breaks down some of the most common—and confusing—questions federal employees and retirees face as they approach this milestone. In episode 133 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val covers - Age-Based Reductions to Social...
Income Streams Every Federal Employee Should Know
In episode 132 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explores supplemental income options like that can help bridge the gap between what you have and what you need. Most importantly, he answers a critical question: Why do so many people fail to secure the retirement...
Breaking Down Budget Battles: What Federal Employees Need to Know
In episode 131 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val goes into the latest budget legislation proposals that could significantly impact federal employees and retirees. From raising FERS contributions and eliminating the FERS supplement, to shifting to a “High-5” pension...
Discontinued Service Time – What Every Federal Employee Should Know
In episode 130 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val dives into a topic that often flies under the radar but can have a major impact on your federal retirement: Discontinued Service Time. Whether you're a seasoned federal worker or just starting your career in...
Thrift Savings Plan: Why Volatility Isn’t Your Friend in Retirement
In episode 129 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val explores the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and explains why market volatility is a risky game for retirees. While TSP is a powerful retirement tool for federal employees and members of the military, not all investment...
Death While Actively Employed
Val dives into an often overlooked but important topic: the impact of death while actively employed as a federal worker. Val explains what happens to the benefits, salary, and retirement plans of a federal employee after their passing and discusses the policies and...
Separating from Service — An Outstanding TSP Loan
Val dives into a crucial topic for federal employees — what happens to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loan when you separate from service? Whether you're retiring, resigning, or transitioning to a new job, dealing with an outstanding TSP loan is an important step in...
Back to Basics: Understanding Special Groups Retirement Benefits in the Federal Government
Val dives deep into the intricacies of special groups retirement benefits within the federal government. From law enforcement officers to air traffic controllers, certain federal employees enjoy unique retirement packages designed to account for the physically...
Back to Basics: Debt Elimination
Val takes a deep dive into the crucial topic of debt elimination tailored specifically for government employees. He breaks down actionable strategies for paying off debt, and building a secure financial future in retirement. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking...
Back to Basics: Deferred, Early, & Postponed Retirement for Federal Employees
Episode 124 of The Federal Retirement Show – Val dives into the ins and outs of federal employee retirement options, focusing on Deferred, Early, and Postponed retirement plans. Val breaks down: Deferred Retirement: What happens if you leave federal service before...
Back to Basics – Thrift Savings Plan
Episode 123 of The Federal Retirement Show – Val is diving into the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – the retirement savings plan designed specifically for federal employees and uniformed services members. Val wants you to understand the core elements of the TSP, from...
Back to Basics – FEGLI for Federal Employees
Episode 122 of The Federal Retirement Show – Val wants to simplify the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program—a key benefit for federal employees. Val covers what is FEGLI and give a clear breakdown of the FEGLI program and its purpose, as well as...
Your Federal Retirement—Back to Basics
In episode 121 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val stresses the importance of going back to the fundamentals pertaining to your retirement. He breaks down key concepts like the FERS and CSRS systems, TSP, and the nuances of your pension, and you’ll learn how to...
What are Some Survivor Benefit Alternatives?
Survivor benefits are a critical part of any financial planning strategy, but what happens when traditional options aren't the right fit? In episode 120 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explores alternative solutions, from life insurance policies to trusts, and...
USPS Employees — Postal Service and Buyout Option Available
USPS Employees – Are you tired of working for the Federal Government? Are you interested in an early retirement? On episode 119 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val breaks down the buyout offer and how this recent development is a significant turning point for many...
Federal Employee Retirement – Common Misconceptions and FAQ — Part Two
Welcome to part two of a deep dive into federal employee retirement! In episode 118, Val addresses the most common misconceptions surrounding retirement benefits for federal workers. He also tackles the frequently asked questions and shed light on the complex details...
Federal Employees – Changes You Need to Know for 2025
As we enter the new year, federal employees are facing a range of significant changes that could impact their benefits. In episode 117 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val goes into significant detail about the key updates federal workers need to be aware of for 2025....
TSP & RMDs – When Do I Need to Begin
In episode 116 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val sifts through the critical topic of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants. He breaks down the question of when federal employees and retirees need to start taking RMDs from...
Navigating Long-Term Care & Estate Planning
Are you prepared for the unexpected twists and turns of life? In this episode of The Federal Retirement Show, Val tackles the often-overlooked topic of Long-Term Care Insurance, the importance of proper estate planning and retirement savings strategies. Don’t miss...
Federal Employees: When to Retire – 60 vs. 62?
In episode 114 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val tackles a question many federal employees face: Should I retire at 60 or wait until 62? Val gives a detailed breakdown of the key differences, including how your FERS pension, Social Security benefits, and healthcare...
Maximizing Your TSP Contributions: 2025 Limits and Strategies
As we head into 2025, understanding the updated Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contribution limits is essential for federal employees who want to maximize their retirement savings. In episode 113 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explains in detail the newly announced...
Navigating FEHB Open Enrollment – Tips and Key Changes for 2024
In episode 112 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val describes the 2024 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Enrollment season! Whether you're a federal employee or retiree, now is your opportunity to review, compare, and adjust your health insurance options...
Revisiting Your High-3 – What’s Included
Many federal employees hear about the “High-3” without fully grasping what’s included and how it affects their future benefits. In episode 111 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val simplifies a crucial aspect of federal employee retirement planning: understanding your...
Federal Employees – Avoid a Potential Tax-Bomb
In episode 110 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val does a deep-dive into a critical issue many federal employees overlook: the looming "tax-bomb." Whether you're approaching retirement, receiving disability benefits, or navigating various federal benefits,...
Can You Wave Military Retirement Pay for Service Time?
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...