For Your Benefit

February 26, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes back our original program guests Tammy Flanagan, NITP Senior Benefits Director, Karen Schaeffer, CFP®, Marc Levine, Esquire, and Tom O'Rourke, Counsel. This is our final episode. We have enjoyed our weekly conversations for the past 18 years. Thank you to our loyal listeners for tuning in as we discussed topics ranging from benefits to finance to estate planning and everything in between. Our guests gather today to share their memories, stories, and closing thoughts. Join us as we reminisce about the years of hosting this radio program. We hope you have learned a great deal over the years and encourage you to visit our website to stay in touch with NITP. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

February 12, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Marc Levine, Esquire. We will discuss how your assets pass to your loved ones: Through joint ownership of land; Through joint ownership of bank and brokerage accounts; Through government beneficiary forms (including new rules for the TSP); and Through non-government beneficiary forms, and how often they may differ from each other. We will also discuss what we can do when the unexpected and unplanned transfer happens. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

February 5, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP®. The new year is a great time to review: Investment allocations and rebalancing needs Cash flow and budgeting for the new year Retirement contributions, plans and projections Insurance coverage, needs and premium changes For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

January 29, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA®, welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist. Have you ever considered how much additional income your loved ones might need if you were suddenly gone? Have you planned their survivor benefits? Today's program will focus on answering these questions: What types of Federal survivor benefits would go to your loved ones if you pass away? How can you be sure the benefits you have planned/elected for your survivors will be enough? If you have not elected benefits or designated specific beneficiaries, will your survivors be eligible for them anyway? What survivor benefits must be elected? Can you make these elections later or must they be in place before you pass away? Who ensures your survivors receive benefits? What is your Federal agency's responsibility? OPM's responsibility? Should survivor benefits be part of your financial plan? Are these benefits taxable? Which are and which are not?   For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

January 8, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Herb Casey, Federal Benefits Specialist. Topics include: Income COLA for FERS and CSRS retirees Salary pay raises & new locality rates Social Security Maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax COLA Earning limitations FEHB Insurances Increased premiums 12 fewer plans Medicare Rising premiums for Medicare Expansion of mental health coverage Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program Increasing premiums Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Contribution limits Secure 2.0 changes For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

December 18, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist. Bob will talk about: The annuity calculation FEGLI 5-year rule Medicare's different enrollment periods Long term care – What to consider while the Federal plan is suspended For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

December 11, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Laurie Lee, Chief Financial Officer, WAEPA, and Daniel Eck, CFP®, Ernst & Young Personal Finance. Today's guests will discuss the importance of wellness at the intersection of finance and mental health. They will also talk about the benefits of WAEPA's partnership with EY and their Navigate program, making immediate progress on financial goals and positively impacting your future. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

December 4, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director, NITP. Have you procrastinated on your Open Season homework? Don't worry, there is still time. Are you in the plan that matches your needs? Price is not the only factor which is why this decision can be confusing. During this program, Tammy will break this process down into simple steps everyone can take to review and select the best coverage for 2024. Step 1: Review your current coverage and changes in your current plan for 2024. Step 2: Did you have any significant healthcare events or issues in 2023? Do you anticipate any changes in your healthcare needs in 2024? Are you planning a move, a marriage, a milestone birthday? Do you now qualify for Medicare? Step 3: Use the www.opm.gov healthcare information and plan comparison tool and the Consumers' CHECKBOOK Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees to narrow down your options. What are your Top 3? Step 4: Consider your need to continue or enroll in a FEDVIP dental and/or vision plan. Evaluate cost along with value. Step 5: Current Federal employees – it's time to make your Flexible Spending Account election for 2024. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

November 27, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP®, and Kaitlin Schaeffer Yardley, CFP®. Karen and Kaitlin will talk about: The new and improved 529 plans Other strategies for meeting education costs Educating children about money For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

November 20, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, our hosts Bob Leins, CPA®, and Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director NITP, welcome insurance expert and author Walton Francis and his colleague Kevin Moss to talk about FEHBP Open Season. The Consumers' CHECKBOOK Guide shows that most families can save $2,000 or more by selecting better plan choices. Francis and Moss are the principal authors of both online and print versions of Consumers' CHECKBOOK Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees. The Guide gives you vital insurance information that you cannot get from any other source. It tells you how much money you can save by changing – or by staying in – your health insurance plan and summarizes thousands of facts about the plans to simplify your choice. At the Guide's website, www.guidetohealthplans.org, you can check to see if your agency has purchased access to the Guide for you. It rates about 160 health insurance plans available to Federal employees and retirees, including about 20 national plans, and about 140 health maintenance organizations (HMOs) and other local plan options, including two dozen Consumer-Driven and High Deductible plan options. The Guide rates not only regular insurance plans open to both employees and annuitants, but also about 40 plans open only to annuitants on Medicare that provide special Medicare benefits, pay most or all of the Part B premium, or both. Its ratings of plan costs take into account premiums, catastrophic limits, and estimates of likely out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses of every kind. The Guide compares plans for insurance value in dealing with unforeseen medical expenses, not just for the routine costs you can predict. It rates dental and vision plans as well. It provides dollar estimates of likely dental costs, taking into account both premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. It compares dental coverage in all plans, not just stand-alone plans. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

November 13, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, NITP, welcome Jay Fritz, Program Manager, Outreach & Program Services, Healthcare and Insurance, U.S. Office of Personnel Management. It is that time of year again for employees and annuitants to review their Open Season options, which include health plans, dental and vision plans, FSAs, etc. Today's discussion will include: Federal Open Season: November 13 – December 11, 2023 What programs participate in Open Season? How can I prioritize my Open Season shopping list? What options do I have? What if I do nothing? Resources for further information: Visit: opm.gov/openseason Follow OPM on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/opm/ For Twitter News and Updates: https://twitter.com/usopm See your Human Resources Office How do I make an Open Season election or change? Flexible Spending Accounts under FSAFEDS (employees only): FSAFEDS.com or call 1-877-FSAFEDS (372-3337) or TTY 1-866-353-8058. Dental or vision under FEDVIP: Everyone – go to BENEFEDS.com or call 1-877-888-3337, TTY 1-877-889-5680. FEHB: Employees – use the Health Benefits Election Form (SF 2809) or use an online self-service system; your agency's human resources office can help you. Retirees – go to Open Season Online at https://retireefehb.opm.gov or call Open Season Express at 1-800-332-9798, TTY 1-855-887-4957. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

November 6, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc. welcome back Paula S. Jakub, RHU, CEO at The American Foreign Service Protective Association, sponsor of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan.  Today's topic will focus on things to consider during Federal Open Season and how to get the most out of the health plan you choose. Paula is a Subject Matter Expert in Federal Health Insurance and serves on the adjunct faculty of the Foreign Service Institute.  Paula will discuss: FEHB PROGRAM OPM Initiatives and 2024 Benefits Obesity Treatment Infertility Treatment and Women's Health Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder Support Gender Affirming Care Lifelong Health/Wellness and Support for Chronic Conditions  Consider how you use health care Latest on Medicare, including the Federal Medicare Advantage Plans and NEW: Plans offering Medicare Prescription Drug Plan FEDVIP Make sure you understand these supplemental plans FSAFEDS ·     Pre-tax reimbursement for eligible costs ·     What is an eligible cost? ·     Rules on carryover amounts For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

October 30, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Marc Levine, Esquire, to talk about Health Care Directives. What is a Health Care Directive (and is it different from a Health Care Power of Attorney)? What should l look for in my Health Care Agent? Why an advocate matters. What is the difference between my Health Care Directive and a Do Not Resuscitate? What is MOLST? Resources for health care decisions. What else does my health care directive do? How does my Health Care Directive interact with my Power of Attorney? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

October 23, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Herb Casey, Federal Retirement Specialist. In retirement, some will decide to relocate to a different location or residence. Maybe you want to live in a warmer climate or move closer to family. Herb will discuss the main considerations and resources available in making this decision. And if you plan to relocate, it's important to manage the possessions you have collected over the years. How do you determine what to keep?  Understanding the reasons why it may be necessary to downsize possessions and the steps necessary in the process will be discussed. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

October 16, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP®.  Our guest today will talk about cash flow planning and debt payoff strategies for Federal employees and retirees. How much of an emergency fund do you need? How should you invest these assets? Which debt should you pay off first? What is the impact of higher interest rates on debt in general? Should you pay down your mortgage before retirement? What other cash flow changes might you have in retirement? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

October 2, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Karen Schaeffer, CFP®, welcome Kay Bransford, Daily Money Manager, Professional Financial Advocate & Fiduciary, MemoryBanc. We never know what life will bring. Too often spouses, partners, family, and friends are unable to help because they do not have the information they need. If you are unable to manage the day-to-day bill pay and expenses, how will your loved ones: Pay for the household expenses? Cover your healthcare needs and know what resources are available to pay for medical expenses? Manage if you are terminally ill or die and they have no information about your accounts, retirement plans, insurance, loans? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

September 25, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tom O'Rourke, Counsel. On today's program, Tom will discuss how Federal employees can use their Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program as a tax reduction tool. Specifically, how all FEHB premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses can be paid on a pre-tax basis. Tom will also talk about how a Health Savings Account (HSA) can be used to both reduce current tax liability and be used as a vehicle to accumulate funds to pay future health care costs. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

September 18, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Joe Sullender, CFP® to talk about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Basics of RMDs Understanding RMDs with inherited IRAs Timing your RMDs For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

September 11, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes M. Shane Canfield, CEO, and Stacy Outlaw, Chief Marketing Officer, WAEPA. September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Today's guests will discuss the importance of and uses for life insurance. Why do we need life insurance? What are other uses of life insurance? How does life insurance benefit families? How does WAEPA compare to FEGLI? For questions or comments, email us inadvance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

August 21, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and cohost Ray Kirk, Ph.D., welcome Phil Gardner, Federal Benefits Specialist. Today's guest will talk about the cost of benefits for both the employee and the agency. He will discuss the value to the employee, the agency, and the Federal government. We will look through the lens of: Early career employees; Mid-career employees; and, Employees planning to retire. How much can a new/early career employee expect to pay for benefits? How does this differ for a mid-career employee? What about the retiring employee? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

August 14, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP® and Megan Schaeffer, Estate Planning Attorney. In honor of National Make a Will Month, Karen and Megan will talk about: Essential documents for everyone. How to get the process started. What happens when the documents aren't in place. Why every 18-year-old should have at least health care documents. How and when to update your will and other estate planning documents. Strategies for streamlining transfers to family and charities. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area

August 7, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes John Jilek, CFP®. The Basics: Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA The Advanced: Roth TSP vs. Pre-Tax TSP Tax law changes that will affect your decisions The decision to not have some tax-free Roth money available in retirement could be a significant issue in your spending years Impact of the SECURE Act and SECURE Act 2.0 on beneficiaries of retirement accounts For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

July 31, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David De Jong, Principal, and Sarah Broder, Senior Associate, Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC. The program will review SECURE 2.0 which changed the landscape of retirement plans upon enactment seven months ago. Among the topics to be discussed are: Multiple changes to “over 50” elective deferrals to employer plans Emergency withdrawals permitted from an employer plan or IRA and new emergency savings plans The change in the required beginning date from age 72 to 73 The slashing of the minimum distribution penalty and the elimination of the penalty for excess contributions to an IRA For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

July 24, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP. It seems that everyone has an opinion when it comes to retirement decisions. Many of these opinions are stated as though they're facts. Some of the questions from Federal employees about retirement center around relatively straightforward facts in law or policy. Here are some of the most common: Will I get a cost-of-living adjustment on my retirement benefit? What are the requirements to continue my health insurance coverage into retirement? Do I have to begin taking payments from my TSP account when I retire from Federal service? Other questions, though, require opinions because they lack a definitive right or wrong answer. In the retirement world, these often start with “Should I…” Here are some of the ones frequently asked: Should I… File for Social Security at 62? Leave my money in the Thrift Savings Plan after retirement, or move it to an IRA? Retire when I am first eligible to collect a benefit, or continue working? The answer to all of these is, well, it depends. When it comes to retirement decisions that may be hard to change later, it is important not to focus on the money you save now, but the cumulative cost your decision can have over the next decade or several decades. After all, for many Federal retirees, life after government may last longer than their working careers. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

July 17, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Justin Dean, CFP®. Justin will share tips to help ensure your investments are working consistently hard for you even when you are away on summer travel. Know your destination Avoid distractions and accidents Check your progress Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

July 10, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist at NITP, welcome Theresa Brownson and Darnetta Bascomb, Senior Medicare Patrol Project, AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly. What is Medicare fraud and abuse? What is the difference? Who does Medicare fraud affect? Examples of fraud and abuse How to detect potential problems What you can do to help stop Medicare fraud How to report your concerns How Medicare and FEHB work together For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

June 26, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kathy Lavinder, founder of Security & Investigative Placement Consultants, a niche executive search firm. Kathy will provide the information you need to know about the private sector jobs market. Transitioning from the public sector to the commercial sector can be mystifying. It's certainly different from the public sector. Executive recruiter Kathy Lavinder will offer guidance on how to navigate your job search and increase the odds of a good outcome. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

June 12, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tony Zerante, Chief Strategy Officer, and Stephanie Baker, Chief Experience Officer, WAEPA.  Across the country, there is still a significant need for life insurance, both from consumers who don't own any and from those who have some but need more. The Insurance Barometer Study, published annually by LIMRA, works to identify this need. Blending estimated U.S. adult population data with the survey results suggests the total life insurance need gap now encompasses 101 million adults. Today's guests will talk about the insurance need gap. What exactly is it? Why is it important for the insurance industry, and consumers, to consider? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

May 22, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Herb Casey, Transition and Federal Benefits Specialist. There are many things to consider when making the decision to transition to retirement. Most people plan for retirement without thinking about how family can impact the process.  How will your spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, and extended family affect your retirement?  There are positives and negatives. Herb will talk about how family can impact finances, emotions, and mental health in retirement. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

May 15, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, hosts Bob Leins, CPA® and Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director NITP, welcome Mary Beth Franklin, Certified Financial Planner®, Contributing Editor for InvestmentNews, President of RetirePro, and foremost Social Security expert. What are the claiming strategies for Social Security that will maximize your retirement security? When does it make sense to claim Social Security at 62? When does it make sense to delay claiming Social Security? Can you still do-over your Social Security election or can you suspend your benefit payments? What is the difference between payroll taxes and the income taxes you may have to pay on your benefits? What are the “Social Security Trust Funds”? How is Social Security financed? Is Social Security going broke? What does the 2023 Social Security Trustees report mean when it states: The fund's reserves will become depleted and continuing tax income will be sufficient to pay 77% of scheduled benefits? What are the likely changes that lawmakers will make to reduce or eliminate the long-term financing shortfalls in Social Security and Medicare? What is the purpose of the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment? Inflation is at near record highs; will the COLA keep up with inflation? If I delay Social Security past age 62, will I miss out on the COLAs? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

May 8, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kari Utz-Wolsky, Nutrition and Conditioning Specialist, CFT, SPN, SSC (ISSA).  We do spring cleaning for the house, why not for ourselves? Get a head start on your summer fitness goals. On today's program, Kari will talk about: How to clean up your mental space Using gardening as grounding Tips for seasonal allergy relief Don't be a target for the pesky bugs Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

May 1, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc. Choosing YOUR best date to retire will help you maximize and coordinate your final days on the payroll of your agency with the first days of receiving your hard-earned retirement benefit. Today's program will address the details that you need to know as you begin your transition to retirement under FERS and CSRS: Determine if choosing the end of the year for your retirement makes sense. Learn the benefits of a mid-year separation for your retirement. Once you decide on your exact retirement date, then you can figure out the value of your lump sum annual leave payout and the amount of “use or lose” sick leave you will have. Tax planning should be part of your “best date to retire” decision. Learn how to prepare for delays in retirement processing that may occur throughout the retirement planning process. There are clues to know when it's “time” for retirement. YOUR best retirement date may not be the same as your coworkers. There are important retirement planning steps everyone should take during the months leading up to your retirement date. Know when to “turn on” your Social Security retirement.   For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

April 24, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Joel Cundick, CFP®. On today's program, Joel will talk about what to do after the sudden death of a spouse, parent, or other family member.  He will discuss the importance of having finances in order in advance and answer the questions: What information can you gather now to minimize the difficulty of a possible death of a spouse? What modifications should be made to a portfolio to stress-test it for that kind of change? If you have recently lost a spouse, what are the most important things to do financially? What dates are critical to remember and why? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

April 17, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc., welcome Kim Weaver, Director, External Affairs, Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board. Today's discussion will focus on answering the following questions: The TSP changed recordkeepers last June. What did participants get from the transition? SECURE 2.0 became law at the end of 2022 and made a number of changes that apply to the TSP. What are they and when are they going to be implemented? Stats! How many participants receive the 5% match? How many millionaires? Average account balances? What were the administrative expenses for 2022?

April 10, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes John Jilek, CFP®. Are you thinking about retiring soon? Do you understand the consequences of taxes on fixed income? Tune in to this program to enhance your understanding of the following: Tax Withholding 101 for Federal employees. Be prepared to fully understand how you are taxed at the Federal, State, and Local levels. Unwinding the myth of retirement in a lower tax bracket. It just doesn't happen for FEDs. Understanding the taxation issue associated with TSP pretax contributions and growth. Roth TSP contributions. It's not too late, take advantage of this before you retire to build a tax-free nest egg. No – You don't make too much income to contribute. Consider a team of professionals to help you through the critical years transitioning from working income to retirement income. The Secure Act and Secure Act 2.0 may not favor you or your beneficiaries. Make sure you plan appropriately. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

April 3, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP® It's Financial Literacy Month! People who are financially literate are generally less vulnerable to financial fraud and more likely to be financially secure. Join Karen Schaeffer, CFP® to learn how to master important financial skills and concepts including: Tracking and managing personal spending, Using debt responsibly, The miracle of compounding, Investment dos and don'ts, and Resources for improving your financial literacy. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

March 27, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David Santana, Health Insurance Specialist from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Understand your Medicare coverage choices to maximize your benefits Evaluate the cost of enrolling in Medicare and premium payments Summarize the choices to make an informed Medicare enrollment decision Learn about recent laws that affect the Medicare program For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

March 20, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tom O'Rourke, Counsel. Today's program will focus on issues related to meeting your 2022 tax filing deadline, including: The need to file and pay your taxes in a timely manner What to do if you owe taxes but cannot afford to pay How you can use the 2022 tax filing season as a guide to future tax saving opportunities to minimize your 2023 tax liability The recently enacted Secure 2.0 and the major changes in the law affecting individual taxpayers For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

March 13, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes M. Shane Canfield, CEO, and Laurie Lee, Chief Financial Officer, WAEPA. Today's guests will talk about financial well-being and that life insurance has more uses than many are aware of. March is Women's History Month. Today's discussion will also focus on women and how to ensure they have the financial tools and resources they need. Needs analysis for life insurance at the individual level Coverage gap: What does it mean and how do we solve it Determine your financial goals and create a timeline for each goal The importance of financial preparation Obtaining the right amount of life insurance, especially for women What WAEPA is doing to help Federal employees  For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

March 6, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes John Jilek, CFP®. There is a 100 percent chance we will all pass away some day. Life insurance, for the majority of us, can be an important vehicle to provide financial security for those left behind. What are the milestones of life insurance for Federal Employees? Why you should think of life insurance as death insurance. Does life insurance make financial sense if held for the long term? LTC Insurance is a necessity for all Federal employees that are not able to self-insure. Putting Long Term Care Insurance into perspective now that the Federal LTC program is on hold. Find an alternative. Don't procrastinate. Property Casualty Insurance is the most overlooked personal insurance by Federal employees. PIC = Proper Insurance Coverage Umbrella Liability Insurance is the least understood and bought by Federal employees. No Umbrella Liability = Bullseye for Lawsuit For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

February 27, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP® to talk about questions to ask yourself before setting a retirement date. Have you saved enough for retirement? What investment changes should you consider? What can derail your retirement plans? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

February 13, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Ray Kirk, Ph.D., welcome Josh Huder, Ph.D., to discuss the 118th Congress. Josh is a Senior Fellow at The Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Federal employees about Congress and its operation. Why did it take 15 ballots to elect the Speaker of the House? How do Speaker of the House McCarthy's concessions impact Congressional decision making? How will the 118th Congress differ from the 117th Congress? How will Congress raise the Federal debt limit? Will Congress pass a budget? Will agencies receive their funding on time? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com