Is there a cap on how much annual leave you can cash out when you retire?

In this episode of Federal Fact Check, Micah answers a critical question for federal employees: What happens to unused annual leave and sick leave at retirement?
You’ll learn:

✅ How much annual leave can you carry forward and cash out

✅ What makes sick leave different, and how it increases your pension

✅ Rare cases where employees may bank additional leave

✅ How to maximize the value of your benefits before you retire

Don’t leave money on the table. Watch now to get clarity on your FERS leave benefits!

https://zurl.co/x6Kbr

Are TSP Lifecycle (L) Funds the set-it-and-forget-it solution they promise to be? Or could they actually be playing it too safe, too soon?

In this episode of All About FERS, Christian takes a closer look at how the L Funds inside the Thrift Savings Plan work, including the L 2050, L 2040, and L 2030 funds. He breaks down:

• How the G, F, C, S, and I funds are allocated

• Why Lifecycle Funds automatically get more conservative over time

• The potential downside of “de-risking” too quickly

• What federal employees should consider before relying solely on L Funds

These funds can be a great tool, but only if they align with your long-term retirement goals.
Don’t let your money work less hard for you just because of a default setting.

Are you a federal employee who also served in the military? Did you know you can buy back your military time to boost your FERS pension and even retire earlier?

In this episode of All About FERS, John walks you through everything you need to know about military buyback, including:

✅ What buying back military time really means

✅ How the cost is calculated (and why timing matters)

✅ The powerful benefits

✅ When it might not make sense to buy back your time

✅ Step-by-step guidance on how to start the process

For many federal employees, this can be one of the smartest financial moves you ever make, but there are exceptions.

Don’t miss this ultimate guide to making an informed decision.

Healthcare is one of the most important, and often most confusing, parts of retirement. For federal employees, the combination of Medicare and FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) adds unique rules, costs, and opportunities. In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Micah and John break down the myths, penalties, and strategies you need to know. From eligibility requirements to coordinating Medicare and FEHB, this conversation will help you make informed decisions that could save you thousands of dollars and protect your long-term retirement security.

https://zurl.co/w091M

Can you buy back your military time and still keep your military retirement pay? 🤔
That’s exactly what Walt, a retired Air Force Veteran and combat-injured, wanted to know.
In this episode of the FERS Federal Fact Check, Micah will help you understand:

• The common rule for military buyback and retirement pay

• The exception for combat-related disabilities

• Why documentation is absolutely critical

• Steps you should take before you retire

If you’ve served in the Armed Forces and are now under FERS, this episode is a must-listen.

https://zurl.co/YKs4a

Social Security and Medicare are two of the most important benefits you’ll rely on in retirement, but they don’t always start at the same time, and the rules can get confusing.

In this episode, Christian Sakamoto answers a listener’s question, and he will walk you through:

• When you can claim Social Security vs. when you’re eligible for Medicare

• Whether Medicare enrollment happens automatically

• How premiums are deducted from Social Security

• The penalties for late Medicare enrollment

• What to know if you’re still working and covered under FEHB

If you’re a federal employee preparing for retirement, you won’t want to miss this breakdown.

Are you approaching retirement and wondering how Medicare fits in with your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)? You’re not alone! In this episode of All About FERS, John breaks down the step-by-step process of enrolling in Medicare as a federal employee.

Tune in and learn:

✅ When to enroll in Medicare and how to avoid costly penalties

✅ How Medicare coordinates with your FEHB coverage

✅ Which parts of Medicare federal retirees typically need (and which they don’t)

✅ Common mistakes to avoid

✅ How to review costs and reevaluate during Open Season

Don’t leave your retirement health coverage to chance; get the straightforward answers you need so you can retire with confidence.

Social Security is one of the most misunderstood parts of retirement planning. For federal employees and their families, it’s not about whether to take it early or late; it’s about how to coordinate Social Security with your pension, TSP, survivor benefits, and taxes.

In this episode, Micah and advisor John share real-life client experiences and dive into:

• The Pros and Cons of Claiming at 62 vs. Waiting Until 70

• Survivor benefits and why early decisions matter.

• How Social Security interacts with your overall retirement cash flow.

• What pending legislation could mean for your FERS supplement.

• Practical strategies to avoid common mistakes.

Listen now and get the clarity you need to make Social Security a strong part of your retirement plan.

https://zurl.co/cmYMV