Podcasts about federal employees

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

More details are emerging about the practical implications of Schedule Policy/Career. New guidance from the Office of Personnel Management comes as agencies face a looming deadline to formally reclassify thousands of career federal employees … in effect, those reclassifications will strip workers of long-standing civil service protections. Here with the latest, Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More details are emerging about the practical implications of Schedule Policy/Career. New guidance from the Office of Personnel Management comes as agencies face a looming deadline to formally reclassify thousands of career federal employees … in effect, those reclassifications will strip workers of long-standing civil service protections. Here with the latest, Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

Are you maximizing the true value of your federal benefits, or are you unintentionally leaving money on the table? In this special episode, John and Tommy present an updated version of a classic seminar originally created by the firm's founders in the 1990s—now made current for 2026. They break down the unique complexities of the FERS system and expose the critical blind spots that often lead federal employees to make major, irreversible retirement mistakes. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn  John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn 

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

A proposal to create a governmentwide nondisclosure agreement for federal employees is raising new questions about transparency and accountability. The administration says it reinforces existing rules, but critics warn it could have a broader impact on how employees communicate and report concerns. That tension between policy and behavior is at the center of the debate. Joe Spielberger of the Project on Government Oversight joins me now to break down the possible outcomes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal employees with disabilities are suing the Justice Department for denying their reasonable accommodations requests to telework. A new class action complaint alleges that DOJ's new policy violates the Rehabilitation Act. Two DOJ employees involved in the lawsuit previously had approved telework accommodations for years, due to a disability. But after strict return-to-office requirements, their telework accommodations were later denied. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, WAMU checks in on Maryland primaries following a significant mail-in ballot error, a memo seeks to have all federal employees sign NDAs and a look at jazz concerts to enjoy this summer.

Apply for a Retirement Consultation: https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=%20Get the Digital Federal Retirement Guidebook:https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/Take the Checklist Challenge:https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Subscribe for Weekly Federal Retirement Planning Content:https://cdfinancial.com/newsletterComment Below:The G Fund Feels Safe, But Is It Really Protecting Your Retirement?If you are a federal employee or retiree using the TSP G Fund because the market feels uncertain, this may be one of the most important retirement planning decisions to review before moving your money. In this video, we break down why going 100% into the G Fund may feel safe in the moment, but could create long-term risks around inflation, income planning, and retirement purchasing power.Whether you are trying to protect your TSP, create stable retirement income, or avoid making emotional investment decisions during a market drop, this episode walks through the planning areas many federal employees overlook when they treat the G Fund as a complete retirement strategy.IN THIS VIDEO YOU CAN LEARNWhy the TSP G Fund may protect your balance but not your purchasing powerHow inflation can quietly affect federal retirees over a 20 to 30-year retirementWhy moving 100% into the G Fund after a market drop can lock in lossesHow fear, headlines, and market volatility can influence TSP decisionsWhy federal employees should avoid copying a co-worker's TSP allocationHow separating short-term income money from long-term growth money may help retirement planningWhy your TSP should have a specific job instead of being treated as one single decisionWhen the G Fund may still have a role as part of a broader retirement income plan━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━FEDERAL RETIREMENT RESOURCES━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TSP G Fund Information:https://www.tsp.gov/funds-individual/g-fund/OPM Retirement Center:https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/Thrift Savings Plan Information:https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/my-annuity-and-benefits/thrift-savings-plan/TIMESTAMPS0:00 Why Moving Everything to the G Fund May Be Risky0:28 The Hidden Cost of Being 100% in the G Fund0:53 How Inflation Can Reduce Retirement Purchasing Power1:27 What the TSP G Fund Actually Is2:22 Why 100% of Anything Can Be a Retirement Planning Problem2:45 The Fear Behind G Fund Decisions3:17 Why Retirement Income Money Should Be Separated3:43 Market Drops, Timing Risk, and Selling Shares in Retirement4:18 Four Common G Fund Mistakes Federal Employees Make4:44 Why Forgetting to Redeploy Can Hurt Your TSP Strategy5:10 Why a Co-Worker's TSP Allocation Is Not Your Retirement Plan5:32 Giving Your TSP a Specific Job in Retirement6:10 Next Video: Market Drops and Staying the Course━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WHO WE ARE━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━CD Financial helps federal employees and retirees make smarter retirement decisions around FERS, TSP, FEHB, Medicare, survivor benefits, retirement income planning, and health-focused financial strategies.Our mission is simple:Help federal employees retire with more clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.Subscribe for practical federal retirement planning content designed to help you better understand your benefits, avoid common planning gaps, and prepare for your next chapter with confidence.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.This video is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, tax, healthcare, or investment advice. Federal retirement decisions depend on your individual service history, agency records, health coverage, survivor needs, retirement income goals, and personal circumstances. Always consult qualified professionals and review official OPM guidance before making retirement elections.Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.TSP G Fund, G Fund TSP, federal employee retirement, federal retirement planning, Thrift Savings Plan, TSP retirement strategy, G Fund inflation risk, TSP allocation, FERS retirement, federal retirees, retirement income planning, market volatility retirement, TSP mistakes, federal employee benefits, CD Financial#TSPGFund #ThriftSavingsPlan #FederalEmployees #RetirementPlanning #CDFinancialSupport the show

Federal employees may soon see opportunities to move up the career ladder more quickly. The Office of Personnel Management is proposing to eliminate a required waiting period for federal promotions. Here with more, Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apply for a Retirement Consultation:https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=%20Get the Digital Federal Retirement Guidebook:https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/Take the Checklist Challenge:https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Subscribe for Weekly Federal Retirement Planning Content:https://cdfinancial.com/newsletterComment Below:Which FERS Mistake Could Cost You the Most Later?If you are a federal employee getting close to retirement, these FERS retirement mistakes can affect your pension, survivor benefits, FEHB coverage, TSP withdrawals, Medicare costs, and long-term retirement income. In this video, we break down seven of the biggest federal retirement planning mistakes we see employees make before leaving federal service.Why FERS survivor benefit elections can affect both pension income and FEHB coverageHow the wrong federal retirement date may impact annual leave, taxes, and retirement timingWhy FERS COLA rules can create long-term inflation pressure in retirementHow pension income, Social Security, TSP withdrawals, and military pension income can stack for taxesWhat IRMAA is and why Medicare costs may rise after certain income eventsWhy coworker advice may not fit your federal retirement situationHow to think through irreversible retirement decisions before signing final election formsWhy federal retirement planning should be based on your full financial picture, not one isolated benefit━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━FEDERAL RETIREMENT RESOURCES━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━OPM Retirement Center:https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/OPM Survivor Benefits:https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/survivor-benefits/OPM Cost-of-Living Adjustment Information:https://www.opm.gov/frequently-asked-questions/retire-faq/post-retirement/how-is-the-cost-of-living-adjustment-cola-determined/SSA IRMAA Information:https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0601101020Medicare 2026 Premiums and Deductibles:https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2026-medicare-parts-b-premiums-deductibles━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━TIMESTAMPS━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━0:00 The 7 Biggest FERS Mistakes Federal Employees Make1:09 Why Pension Mistakes Stay Invisible Until Later2:13 Mistake 1: Survivor Benefit and FEHB Coordination5:22 Mistake 2: Retiring on the Wrong Date8:24 Mistake 3: FERS COLA and Inflation Drag11:51 Mistake 4: Tax Stacking in Federal Retirement14:35 Mistake 5: IRMAA and Medicare Cost Surprises20:19 Mistake 6: Believing Retirement Myths Instead of Planning23:21 Why Coworker Advice Can Lead to the Wrong Retirement Decision24:17 What May Still Be Fixable After Retirement24:40 Health Tip: Decision Fatigue and Retirement Forms26:02 Next Step for Federal Employees Near Retirement━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━WHO WE ARE━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━CD Financial helps federal employees and retirees make smarter retirement decisions around FERS, TSP, FEHB, Medicare, survivor benefits, retirement income planning, and health-focused financial strategies.Our mission is simple:Help federal employees retire with more clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.Subscribe for practical federal retirement planning content designed to help you better understand your benefits, avoid common planning gaps, and prepare for your next chapter with confidence.IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERAdvisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.This video is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, tax, healthcare, or investment advice. Federal retirement decisions depend on your individual service history, agency records, health coverage, survivor needs, retirement income goals, and personal circumstances. Always consult qualified professionals and review official OPM guidance before making retirement elections.Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.FERS retirement mistakes, federal retirement planning, FERS survivor benefits, FEHB in retirement, federal employee retirement date, FERS COLA, TSP withdrawals in retirement, IRMAA Medicare, federal pension planning, OPM retirement, federal employee benefits, retirement income planning, federal employees nearing retirement, survivor annuity, federal retirement taxes, CD Financial#FERSRetirement #FederalRetirement #FederalEmployees #RetirementPlanning #CDFinancialSupport the show

Sometimes the work done by law students can surprise everyone. This episode may shock you. Continuing a tradition, we honor the annual winner of the John F. Burton Jr. College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers Law Student Writing competition. This year, guest Roxanne Mosley is the winner with her findings in “The Uncompensated Risk: Federal Workers' Compensation and the Human Toll of the Weaponized Shutdown.” Mosley examined the nexus of government shutdowns and the impact on federal employees protected under FECA, the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. Government shutdowns aren't just political showdowns, they have the potential to harm real people: federal workers protected under federal Workers' Comp programs. Mosley witnessed the human toll of a federal shutdown, including missed mortgage payments and simply making the ends meet at the end of the month. But she also found the unexpected toll inflicted on those federal workers, the potential Workers' Comp shortfalls. During a government shutdown, federal employees deemed essential may be asked to keep working without concurrent compensation, which can be marked as a “zero” on a worker's pay stub. This is critical if a worker is injured on the job, as benefits are determined by past payment records. A period without pay can be included in that compensation calculation, resulting in reduced benefits. Mosley is calling for federal protections and Congressional action.  If you have thoughts on Workers' Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you'd like to hear, contact us at JPierce@ppnlaw.com or APierce@ppnlaw.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid soaring gas prices, a union is urging the Trump administration to allow telework flexibilities for federal employees. The National Treasury Employees Union says a full in-office mandate, coupled with high gas prices, is creating financial burdens for many employees. In a letter to the Office of Personnel Management, NTEU argues that feds should be approved to telework at least until gas prices go back down to normal. The vast majority of federal employees have been working fully in person since 2025, under orders from the White House.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal employees may soon have to start signing non-disclosure agreements. The Office of Personnel Management has unveiled a governmentwide NDA template for agencies. It's an attempt to stop government documents from being leaked to the press. Here with more, Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when the financial plan you created five years ago no longer matches the life you're living today? In this episode, John and Tommy explore why great financial planning is never static and how the best plans evolve alongside career changes, unexpected opportunities, market shifts, retirement decisions, and personal goals. Through real-life client stories, they break down how ongoing financial planning relationships help people confidently navigate uncertainty, major career transitions, and complex financial decisions.  Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn  John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn 

Apply for a Retirement Consultation: https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=%20

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

Some adjustments to financial security, retirement payments and insurance options for feds are in the beginning stages of consideration in Congress. Four recent bills that House and Senate lawmakers have introduced over the last few weeks aim to tackle a range of benefits issues across government. Here with details, Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

Tax delinquency rates among federal employees and retirees have been increasing since 2021. That's according to a new report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration that finds about 50,000 federal employees failed to file a tax return for multiple years, including 122 employees who have not submitted one for eight or more years. TIGTA says the suspension of some collection programs during the COVID-19 pandemic is partly to blame for this increased delinquency. The program that collects this information, the Federal Employment/Retirement Delinquency Initiative, saw a staff reduction of 50% last year. TIGTA didn't include recommendations in its report, but says it has referred cases to IRS Criminal Investigations. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

“Die with zero does not mean reckless spending. It means thinking intentionally about how to use your money for experiences, family, giving, and purpose while still protecting your retirement plan.”Get the digital book at no cost to you here: https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-book/Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Apply for a 15-minute call: https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=%20Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

House Republicans are demanding more information about the costs of settlements for federal employee disputes with their agencies. A new letter from leaders on the Oversight committee argues that agencies are settling too often, instead of fighting cases they could likely win. But the letter is also coming under scrutiny from federal employment attorneys. Here with more, Federal News Network's Drew Friedman.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Federal employees may hear “COLA increase” and assume their retirement income keeps full pace with inflation, but under FERS, the cost-of-living adjustment can work differently than many expect. Before you retire, it is important to understand how FERS COLA, CSRS COLA, Social Security COLA, and your overall federal retirement income may interact over time.Apply for a federal benefits retirement review: https://perspectivefunnel.co/682642d22275ec003bfa6626/691df07396253e003c42b434/?ps_hello=%20Get the digital book at no cost to you here: https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter“Many federal employees do not realize that the COLA number they hear in the news may not be the same adjustment applied to their FERS pension.”LINKS AND RESOURCESOfficial OPM COLA Information:https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/publications-forms/benefits-administration-letters/Social Security COLA Information:https://www.ssa.gov/cola/WHO ARE WE?CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.TIMESTAMPS0:00 Federal Retirement COLA and the “Diet COLA” Problem0:30 Why Real Cost of Living Can Feel Higher Than Your COLA0:56 Grocery, Housing, and Inflation Pressure on Retirees1:31 How Rising Food Prices Can Affect Retirement Income2:11 Housing Costs, Rent, and Family Financial Pressure2:36 Regional Inflation and Cost-of-Living Challenges3:14 FERS, CSRS, and COLA Differences in Retirement3:41 Why Future Growth May Matter in Retirement Planning4:02 Balancing Safety, Income, and Inflation RiskAdvisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.Support the show

Herb's story feels familiar to a lot of people in their late fifties. After a long career in DC, he decided a changd was right, despite what his family thought.Overcoming obesity, moving states, facing cancer, and an incredible attitude that will leave you inspired.If you're in your fifties or sixties wondering what's next, this episode is for you. You'll hear how stepping away from work can open new space to live, learn, and move at your own pace. Sometimes the next chapter isn't about doing more. It's about finally breathing.--Herb is not a client of Root Financial Partners, LLC and received no compensation for participating in this video. His statements reflect his own opinions and experience and are not indicative of any specific client's experience and are not a guarantee of results. No cash or non-cash compensation was provided, and no material conflicts are known.This endorsement is provided by an individual who is not a client of Root Financial and has not paid for this statement. No compensation or other material benefit was provided in exchange for this endorsement. To the best of our knowledge, there are no material conflicts of interest between the speaker and Root Financial. This statement reflects the individual's personal views and does not reflect the experience of actual clients, nor should it be construed as a guarantee of future results. Past experience is not a guarantee of future performance.Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy HereGet access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy hereAri Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA  is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.

What should federal employees actually do with their life insurance, and when does FEGLI stop making sense? In this episode, John and Tommy break down everything you need to know about Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), including Basic coverage, Options A, B, and C, and how these choices evolve throughout your career and into retirement. You'll learn how FEGLI pricing really works, why Option B becomes expensive over time, and when it might make sense to explore term life insurance instead. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: FEFP: Why Federal Employees Can't Afford to Ignore Insurance with Broc Buckles (EP98) Term4Sale.com Mason & Associates: LinkedIn  John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn 

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

Most federal employees are told to roll over their TSP when they retire, but that decision should start with a better question: What is this money supposed to do for you in retirement? In this episode, we break down common TSP rollover mistakes, IRA rollover considerations, tax treatment, withdrawal rules, and how a written retirement income plan can help federal employees make more informed decisions.Apply for Your Retirement Review: https://www.cdfinancial.org/fa93xi62eGet the digital book at no cost to you here: https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

Federal workers' compensation is getting an overhaul from the Trump administration. The Labor Department says it's expanding the Federal Employees' Compensation Act to cover more types of beneficiaries and compensation programs. That includes claimants under the Black Lung Benefits Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Labor Department leadership says the goal is to improve drug pricing transparency, as well as promote cost savings.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

What really happens after you accept a Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) offer—and how do you know if it was the right move? In this episode, you'll learn what federal employees experienced on the other side of DRP, from emotional uncertainty to financial outcomes, and why preparation made all the difference. The conversation breaks down how DRP worked, who it benefited most, and what to expect if similar opportunities arise in the future. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn  John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn  Ben Raikes: LinkedIn

OPM's request for more granular FEHB health data and the Postal Service's suspension of employer pension contributions raise separate issues, but they share common questions about privacy, authority and long‑term trust in benefit structures. John Hatton joins us with NARFE's perspective.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

FREE Federal Employee Book (PDF):https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/The market drops. Don't flinch.Market corrections reveal whether you have a real retirement plan, especially if you are deciding whether to keep funding your TSP or 401(k), move toward the G Fund, or stay disciplined through market volatility.Most people don't realize this until the market forces the decision.This video breaks down what to do during a market correction, how TSP investing works in downturns, and why long-term retirement planning requires discipline over reaction.Here's the reality: dollar cost averaging, not chasing returns, and reducing risk a few years before retirement matter more than emotional reactions or trying to time the market.If you're feeling that pressure right now, this is exactly where a real plan matters.LINKS & RESOURCESChecklist Challenge:https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/Schedule a complimentary call if you want help building your retirement plan:https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtubeNewsletter:https://cdfinancial.com/newsletterWHO ARE WE?CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, and compliant.TIMESTAMPS0:00 Market Corrections and Why You Should Not Flinch0:25 Dollar Cost Averaging in Your TSP or 401(k)0:49 Buying on Sale During Market Volatility1:15 Why You Should Not Stop Retirement Contributions1:40 Before You Move Everything to the G Fund2:12 Why Timing the Market Means Being Right Twice2:38 Build a Retirement Plan Before You Retire3:09 Federal Employees, TSP, and Your Benefits Guide3:39 Next Steps for Retirement Planning#MarketCorrections #RetirementPlanning #FederalEmployees #TSP #CDFinancialAdvisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.Support the show

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

Roth conversions and IRMAA are deeply connected—one decision today can impact your Medicare premiums two years from now.Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtubeNewsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

A federal union is raising alarms about the Trump administration's planned reorganization of the Forest Service. The National Federation of Federal Employees warns that the agency's plan to move its headquarters to Utah and eliminate regional offices, will hurt the ability to effectively combat wildfires. The Forest Service reorganization will impact about 6,500 federal employees. Union officials say the relocations will almost certainly lead some of those employees to quit their jobs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many former federal employees are navigating the job market for the first time in years, only to find that the rules around hiring and networking have shifted. Research suggests the process feels more transactional, but that doesn't mean experience and competence no longer matter. Helping us make sense of the new normal is managing director of business intelligence at Express Employment International, Stephanie Miller.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

Federal employee retirement income stacking can quietly push you into higher tax brackets—turning your pension, TSP withdrawals, and Social Security into a costly tax surprise if not planned properly.“Income stacking in retirement isn't about earning more—it's about how multiple income sources like your FERS pension, TSP distributions, and Social Security combine to increase your taxable income.”

Do you actually understand how recent tax changes could impact your financial plan? In this episode, we break down several important tax topics, including Trump accounts, Virginia tax changes, Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), and estimated tax payments. Tax laws are constantly changing, and what seems permanent today may change with the next administration, which is why tax planning should always be part of a long-term financial strategy. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn  Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn  Ben Raikes: LinkedIn

Free Copy of My Book: Building Wealth In the TSP: Your Road Map To Financial Freedom as A Federal Employee: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/free-tsp-e-book Want to schedule a consultation? Click here: https://app.hawsfederaladvisors.com/whatservicemakessense I am a practicing financial planner, but I'm not your financial planner. Please consult with your own tax, legal and financial advisors for personalized advice.

There's a persistent narrative about federal employees: slow-moving, overly bureaucratic, and disconnected from urgency. But step inside the reality of government leadership—especially for women navigating high-stakes, mission-driven roles—and a very different picture emerges.In a recent conversation featuring federal workplace expert Mika Cross and executive coach and former Senior Executive Service leader Love Rutledge, we aim to break the bureaucracy, and explored what it truly means to lead, serve, and sustain a career in government today. The discussion uncovered powerful insights about leadership, burnout, and the misconceptions that continue to shape public perception. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trump administration fired over 300,000 federal employees, with Black women disproportionately represented among those let go. Pete Hegseth purged generals and military personnel. Kash Patel fired more than a thousand experienced FBI agents. Pam Bondi gutted the DOJ of over 6,400 people. The result: the very agencies Trump wanted to weaponize against his enemies are now too hollowed out to function. The Minneapolis U.S. Attorney's Office lost 75% of its staff after prosecutors refused to charge protesters with terrorism-related felonies. Grand juries are rejecting politically motivated cases. Federal judges are throwing out prosecutions targeting figures like Letitia James and James Comey. Illegally appointed U.S. attorneys like Alina Haba and Lindsay Halligan are being blocked by the courts. Hawk identifies three categories of resistance keeping democracy alive: everyday Americans confronting ICE, citizens serving on grand juries and rejecting bad cases, and federal district court judges like Judge Boasberg refusing to rubber-stamp political prosecutions. The episode closes with a brutally honest reflection on Trump voters and a focus group story about a disabled mother on Medicaid who supported stripping healthcare from trans kids even as the big beautiful bill threatened to leave her and her children homeless. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

Brigadier General Michael Meese details the critical decisions military families must make before retirement. Transitioning into retirement is a major life change for anyone. But for military families, that transition isn't just about leaving a job. It's about moving from one entire system of life into another. As Brigadier General Michael Meese explained, this shift requires more than just paperwork. It requires understanding your benefits, your options, and your goals—before the transition begins. “Understanding all of the military benefits and the circumstance that you’re in… and then aligning that with the goals that you might have” is essential to getting this right. That alignment is where good planning begins. Why Military Transitions Are Different Most civilian career changes are relatively straightforward. You move from one company to another, often with similar systems, benefits, and expectations. But transitioning out of the military is fundamentally different. You're not just changing jobs. You're shifting from a structured environment—with defined benefits, systems, and support—into a civilian world where many of those decisions are now your responsibility. That's why preparation matters so much. This isn't something you want to figure out for the first time when someone puts paperwork in front of you. You want to understand your options before that moment arrives. The Decisions That Matter Most There are several things that all former service members and their families need to evaluate before jumping into retirement. The Survivor Benefit Plan One of the most important decisions is whether to elect the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). This plan provides ongoing income to a surviving spouse, but it comes with trade-offs. While this benefit is valuable, it doesn't fully replace income: The maximum your survivor can get is a 55% payout once you're gone. How confident are you that your survivor's bills will drop by more than 45% when you're gone? That means SBP should be viewed as part of a broader plan—not the entire solution. Coordinating SBP with Social Security, savings, and other assets is essential to ensuring a surviving spouse is truly protected. Life Insurance Decisions Another key transition happens with life insurance. Many service members are covered under SGLI (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance) while on active duty. After leaving the military, they may transition to VGLI (Veterans' Group Life Insurance). But that transition often comes with higher costs. The key insight is that timing matters. If you're in good health, you may be able to secure more affordable coverage through private insurance—but that process takes time and underwriting. That's why planning ahead is critical. You don't want to wait until after separation to explore your options. Don't Overlook Your TSP The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is another major asset for many service members. One of its biggest advantages is cost. It offers low expenses and access to unique investment options like the G Fund, which provides a stable return without the same price volatility as traditional bonds. That makes it a valuable component of a retirement strategy—even after leaving the military. The key decision isn't simply whether to keep money in the TSP or move it elsewhere. It's understanding how it fits into your overall plan. Advocate for Yourself Another important topic in the conversation was VA disability benefits. These benefits are designed to compensate service members for conditions developed during their time in the military. But receiving them requires active participation. This is a moment where service members need to shift their mindset: You've taken care of everybody else. It's time to make sure you get that disability determination. This isn't about taking advantage of the system. It's about receiving the benefits you've earned. Preparation Is the Advantage One of the most powerful insights from the episode came from a military principle itself. Preparation. When I was in ROTC training, a significant portion of time was spent preparing and rehearsing before any action took place. That same mindset applies to retirement. You don't want to improvise your transition. You want to prepare for it. Because when you understand your benefits, align them with your goals, and make decisions ahead of time, you reduce the chances of regret. And that's the goal. Not just to retire—but to transition with confidence into the next chapter of life. Don't forget to leave a rating for the “Retire Today” podcast if you've been enjoying these episodes! Subscribe to Retire Today to get new episodes every Wednesday. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/retire-today/id1488769337  Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/RetireTodaySpotify About the Author: Jeremy Keil, CFP®, CFA is a retirement financial advisor with Keil Financial Partners, author of Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Income Plan in 5 Simple Steps, and host of the Retirement Today blog and podcast, as well as the Mr. Retirement YouTube channel. Jeremy is a contributor to Kiplinger and is frequently cited in publications like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Additional Links: Buy Jeremy's book – Retire Today: Create Your Retirement Master Plan in 5 Simple Steps Brigadier General Michael Meese on LinkedIn Retirement Transition Timeline – Armed Forces Mutual Armed Forces Mutual Connect With Jeremy Keil: Keil Financial Partners LinkedIn: Jeremy Keil Facebook: Jeremy Keil LinkedIn: Keil Financial Partners YouTube: Mr. Retirement Book an Intro Call with Jeremy's Team Media Disclosures: Disclosures This media is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not consider the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any consumer. Nothing in this program should be construed as investment, legal, or tax advice, nor as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and any guest, current as of the date of recording, and may change without notice as market, political or economic conditions evolve. All investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Legal & Tax Disclosure Consumers should consult their own qualified attorney, CPA, or other professional advisor regarding their specific legal and tax situations. Advisor Disclosures Alongside, LLC, doing business as Keil Financial Partners, is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise. Advisory services are delivered through the Alongside, LLC platform. Keil Financial Partners is independent, not owned or operated by Alongside, LLC. Additional information about Alongside, LLC – including its services, fees and any material conflicts of interest – can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/333587 or by requesting Form ADV Part 2A. The content of this media should not be reproduced or redistributed without the firm’s written consent. 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