EPISODES
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...
Common Misconceptions About Federal Employee Retirement
There are so many rules, programs, and options available, it’s easy to get wrapped up in an the often-confusing world of a federal employee retirement. In episode 108, Val dives into the complex world of federal employee retirement benefits. Val breaks down the most...
Navigating Longevity and Retirement Risks for Federal Employees
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...
Securing Your Legacy with Estate Planning — With Tim McCleskey Jr.
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...
Receiving the Right Information – Are you Talking to the Right Advisor?
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...
FEHB & Medicare – Do You NEED to Elect Part B?
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...
“Insurable Interest” – Survivor Annuities
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...
Pay and Retirement Updates in the News – What You Don’t Know Can Cost You
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...
Exploring FEGLI Option B Alternatives: Finding the Best Life Insurance for Federal Employees
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...
Episode 100! A Roundtable of Top Federal Retirement Specialists
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...
Clearing Up Misconceptions About TSPs
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 ---...
Should Federal Employees Retire at Their Minimum Retirement Age (MRA)
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...
Unique Financial Concerns and Solutions for Federal Employees
This week 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...
Understanding High-3: Maximizing Federal Employee Retirement Benefits
This week 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...
Gratitude in Action: Thanking Our Community for Their Support
This week on the Federal Retirement Show, Val discusses his recent presentations and thanks federal employees for their loyalty and support! Visit the Federal Retirement Show website for more information and to request a free copy of Val's book on federal benefits....
Understanding Your TSP Distribution Options
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. Visit the Federal Retirement Show website for more information...
The Top 10 Mistakes Federal Employees Make with Their Retirement Benefits
In this episode, Val highlights the top mistakes federal employees make when preparing for retirement. Visit Federal Retirement Show for more information and to request a complimentary copy of Val's book on federal benefits. Current or former federal employees are...
How to Mitigate Risk and Properly Plan for Retirement
On this episode, 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....
How to Avoid Common Retirement Risks with a Proper Plan
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...
Roth Conversions: How to Prepare for the TCJA Sunset In 2026
Val discusses the future of taxes and the implications for federal employees. With tax codes set to change in 2026, Val explores the strategy of Roth conversions before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act sunsets at the end of 2025. Visit Federal Retirement Show for more...
How to Create Tax-Free Income for Your Retirement
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...
Cover Your Bases with a Comprehensive Retirement Benefits Plan
In this episode, Val offers guidance to help you make sure all your financial bases are covered as a federal employee. Current or former federal employees are entitled to a complimentary consultation now! Book yours at FederalRetirementShow.com Call our office today:...
A Retirement Guide for FERS Employees
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. Current or former federal employees are entitled to a complimentary consultation now. Book...
Understanding Asset-Based Long-Term Care
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. Current or former federal employees are entitled...
Maximizing Your Benefits for Retirement
In this episode, Val helps federal employees feel more prepared for retirement, and explains why using certain retirement resources are critical to one’s retirement infrastructure. Current or former federal employees are entitled to a complimentary consultation now....