EPISODES
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....
Retirement Tips for Federal Employees with Jeff Holland
Val is joined by guest Jeff Holland – a Benefits Advisor who works with Federal Employees across the country. Val and Jeff discuss the keys to federal employees having a successful retirement and how to utilize a survivor benefit option. Current or former federal...
Unlocking Your TSP’s Potential: Important Information You Should Know
On this episode of The Federal Retirement Show, Val shares his thoughts on the truths and fallacies of fixed-indexed annuities, as well as multi-year guaranteed annuities, to help you make the best financial decision about your federal benefits. If you have questions...
Planning for Retirement, No Matter What Stage of Life You’re In
Val explores the notion that it's truly never too late to begin preparing for retirement, regardless of your age or current financial situation! He also debunks common myths surrounding retirement. If you have questions about your federal benefits, reach out to us...
How Your Spouse and Children Affect Your Retirement Benefits
In this episode, Val explains how a federal employee’s retirement benefits can also work in the favor of one’s spouse and children. Plus, Val explains what you need to know about FEGLI and your health insurance upon retirement. If you have questions about your federal...
Are You Ready to Retire as a Federal Employee?
Val answers some critical questions that many federal employees have about retirement while mapping-out strategies to help them make the most of their available benefits. If you have questions about your federal benefits, reach out to us today! Visit Here to Request...
Is Social Security Running Out of Money?
On Episode 79 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val discusses whether or not Social Security is running out of money and how the future of social security affects the baby boomer generation and federal employees. If you have questions about your federal benefits, reach...
Thrift Savings Plans: What You Need to Know About Your TSP
In this episode, Val goes in-depth on how you can use your TSP as the foundation for a successful retirement plan. If you have questions about your federal benefits, reach out to us today! Visit Here to Request a Complimentary Benefits Consultation To Call Us: (833)...
Federal Employee Retirement Explained: FERS & CSRS
In this episode, Val takes a deep dive into the complex world of federal retirement systems, shedding light on the differences between CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System), CSRS Offset and FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System). If you have questions about your...
Navigating FSPS and Making the Right Decisions for Your Retirement
On this episode, Val explains the definition of FSPS, and shares step-by-step guidance for using the FERS Pension Calculator! If you have questions about your federal benefits, reach out to us today! Visit Here to Request a Complimentary Benefits Consultation To Call...
Navigating the Challenges of Re-employed Annuitants
On this episode, Val discusses the intriguing world of reemployed annuitants – seasoned professionals who have retired from their original careers only to now return to the workforce. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages for both retirees and employers,...
Complimentary Consultations for Federal Employee Retirement Planning
In this final episode of 2023, Val explains how he and the team at American Benefits Exchange can help you get the assistance you deserve when it comes to your federal benefits. Start the new year on the right foot – contact us today for a complimentary consultation...
An Investment in Knowledge Pays the Best Interest
When planning for retirement, often some important elements can slip through the cracks. Things like FEGLI or FEHB options, or even – how to read your paystubs properly! In this episode of the Federal Retirement Show, Val shares key details about financial matters you...
How to Secure Guaranteed Lifetime Income for Your Retirement
Val explains guaranteed lifetime income options, and how to choose a solution that’s right for you. A federal employee’s career moves at an accelerated pace, so it’s important to plan for retirement sooner rather than later. If you have questions about your federal...