Thinking about taking a VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority) offer? Before you decide, make sure you understand the benefits and pitfalls that come with it.

In this episode, John breaks down:

✅ What VERA early retirement really means
✅ Who qualifies - and when it's offered
✅ The big advantages, like keeping your FEHB and avoiding layoffs
✅ The hidden traps, like lower pensions, delayed FERS supplements, and potential TSP penalties

Whether VERA is a great opportunity or a financial trap depends entirely on your situation, and understanding the fine print could save your retirement.

Ever wonder what questions other federal employees are asking as they plan for retirement? In this special episode, we're taking you inside our recent in-person workshop, where we spent the day with federal employees diving deep into their benefits, tax planning, and retirement strategies.

From understanding the 2026 TSP Roth conversion changes to life insurance math, Social Security surprises, and estate planning traps, this episode highlights the honest discussions and insights that came from the classroom.

Join the Plan Your Federal Retirement team as we share key highlights and lessons from our recent in-person workshop with federal employees.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to prepare for higher future tax rates and build tax diversification

• The 2026 TSP Roth conversion opportunity and what it means for your retirement

• When life insurance makes sense (and when it doesn't)

• Why checking your beneficiary designations matters more than you think

• Common estate planning mistakes federal retirees should avoid

• Surprising updates on Social Security spousal benefits

If you missed the class, this episode gives you the next best thing - real questions, real answers, and fundamental strategies to help you plan your federal retirement with confidence.

Tune in to hear what your peers are asking, and maybe the answers you've been looking for, too!

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Did you know that a trust could be taxed at up to 40%?

If your trust isn't set up correctly, you could unintentionally send nearly half your estate to the IRS.

That is why in this episode, Micah breaks down how inherited TSPs and IRAs are taxed when a trust is listed as the beneficiary and why so many estate plans fail to consider income taxes, not just estate taxes.

https://zurl.co/14gpQ

When is the best time to retire from the federal government? Choosing your retirement date isn't just about flipping a calendar; it can determine how much you actually take home.

In this All About FERS episode, Christian breaks down:

✅ The most strategic retirement dates (and why they matter)

✅ How your annual leave payout could add tens of thousands to your final paycheck

✅ The tax and TSP contribution timing traps you need to avoid

✅ Why December 31 isn't always the magic number, and how to find your perfect date

Whether you're eyeing 2025 or still a few years away, this episode will help you make a confident, financially wise choice about when to retire.

Retirement isn't just about leaving your job.

It's about maintaining your security, dignity, and lifestyle for decades.

In this episode of All About FERS, John breaks down the looming retirement crisis facing federal employees.

Discover what past generations got wrong about retirement, why planning for just 10 years is no longer enough, and how you can build a strategy that protects your lifestyle for decades to come.

When it comes to retirement planning, one of the biggest questions federal employees face is: How should I allocate my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to make sure I don't run out of money?

The TSP is a powerful tool for building wealth and creating income security in retirement. With just five core funds (plus Lifecycle Funds that mix them), your options may seem limited, but how you allocate between them makes a big difference in protecting your retirement lifestyle.

https://zurl.co/J39fv

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has officially reshaped the tax landscape, and if you're a federal employee or retiree, the changes matter more than you think.

That's why in this All About FERS episode, Christian breaks down the most important updates, including:

Why tax brackets aren't going up in 2026 (good news for your retirement plan!)

• The new Senior Bonus Deduction and how it could save you thousands

• Big changes to the SALT tax deduction (jumping from $10k to $40k)

• What the new "no tax on overtime" rules really mean for federal employees

• Charitable giving deductions starting in 2026

This law is nearly 900 pages long, but don't worry, we pulled out the highlights that matter most to you. Whether you're preparing for retirement or already enjoying it, understanding these changes can help you make smarter financial decisions.

It's one of the most common and most confusing questions out there: Should you take Social Security at 62, wait until full retirement age, or hold off until 70?

In this All About FERS episode, Floyd Shilanski, with his 50+ years of financial advising experience, breaks down the pros, cons, and math behind claiming Social Security early vs. delaying.