Advertise on podcast: Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast

Many federal employees care deeply about charitable giving, but the way you give can really affect your taxes. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down strategies that may help you make more tax-efficient charitable contributions, based on current IRS rules. They cover practical concepts like Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), donor-advised funds, and how standard vs. itemized deductions can affect your overall tax picture. The goal is simple: help you better understand the rules so you can make more informed retirement decisions. If you want to help make sure you take the right step while handling your federal benefits, schedule a consultation call with one of our advisors today - https://zurl.co/PWkw  

Can contributing to a 401(k) help protect your FERS Special Retirement Supplement? Many people assume this, but the rules don't always work the way federal employees expect. In this FERS Federal Fact Check, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, answers a listener's question and walks you through how the earnings test applies to your supplement and why certain strategies, like increasing 401(k) contributions, may not reduce the impact. Working after retirement may reduce your supplement depending on your earnings. Understanding how income is measured can help you avoid unexpected changes to your retirement income. Tune in and find out: - How the FERS Special Retirement Supplement works - What the earnings test is and how it applies - Why 401(k) contributions don't reduce counted income - What types of income are included (and excluded)  - Planning considerations if you expect to work in retirement 👉 Learn more and read the full breakdown here: Have a retirement question on your mind? Give us a call at 907-931-1775 and leave us your question - we're here to help create solutions that fit your goals! ➡️We have had hundreds of federal employees ask us to discuss the TSP more in-depth so that they can stop "emotionally trading" their accounts. Get our FREE guide and find out the details about your TSP AFTER retirement - https://zurl.co/R3RYd Happy Planning!

Understanding how to withdraw from your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a critical part of retirement planning for federal employees. While many spend decades building their TSP balance, the decisions made at retirement, especially around distributions. can have a lasting impact on income, flexibility, and long-term outcomes. In this episode, Micah Shilanski walks through several common TSP withdrawal options, including systematic withdrawals, life expectancy-based payments, partial rollovers, and annuity elections. He explains how each option works, highlights potential trade-offs, and outlines considerations federal employees may want to evaluate before making a decision.  

In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down one of the most common and potentially costly investment questions federal employees ask: "Should I wait for the market to drop before investing?" They walk through real-life examples of missed opportunities, explain why market timing often fails in practice, and outline practical strategies for navigating volatility, especially for those approaching or already in retirement. The focus: having written investment rules, a distribution strategy, and a plan for when (not if) markets decline. If you are a fresh retiree or nearing retirement, this episode is for you! https://zurl.co/uNeKt

Federal employees often wonder: "If I delay Social Security and pass away before starting benefits, what happens to my spouse?" The answer depends on Social Security Administration (SSA) rules and your specific situation. It's also important to know that Social Security survivor benefits and FERS survivor annuity elections are separate, each with their own rules. https://zurl.co/5TtUu

  If you're a federal employee or retiree approaching age 65, you've likely asked: "Do I really need Medicare Part B if I already have FEHB?" In this Federal Fact Check episode, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, explains how Medicare Parts A, B, and D work with your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage, and what federal retirees should consider before deciding. In this episode, we discuss: • The 7-month Medicare enrollment window • When Part A is typically required • Why Part B is often considered "quasi-optional." • The 10% per year late enrollment penalty • How IRMAA can increase Medicare premiums • How FEHB prescription coverage impacts Part D decisions • Key financial planning considerations at age 65 Medicare decisions are highly personal and depend on your income, health outlook, and retirement plan. This episode is designed to help you understand the structure of the rules so you can make a more informed decision. If you're nearing 65 or helping someone who is, this conversation is worth your time.  Check out the full episode here:https://zurl.co/Jake1 https://zurl.co/7P2P3

Inflation doesn't always show up loudly, and for many federal employees and retirees, the biggest danger is assuming COLA will protect their retirement income. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down the "COLA mirage": why cost-of-living adjustments often fail to keep pace with real inflation, rising FEHB premiums, and increasing expenses. They explain how COLA works differently for federal employees, FERS retirees, Social Security, and special provision employees, and why many retirees see their buying power shrink year after year, even after an increase. Listen in to find out what practical steps you can take before and during retirement to guard against inflation, help protect your cash flow, and avoid spending down your retirement savings too quickly. https://zurl.co/RFWJd

Are you working in retirement and wondering if it could reduce your federal benefits? In this FERS Federal Fact Check, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, answers a real question from a retired federal employee who started collecting his pension and FERS Supplement at age 61, while still working full time.  https://zurl.co/OxAlU

Retirement isn't just about making your money last, it's about using it wisely while you still can. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, is joined by his father, Floyd Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, to unpack one of the most complicated challenges federal employees face: balancing today's lifestyle with tomorrow's longevity. From distribution strategies and liquidity planning to housing decisions, aging in place, and preparing for unexpected large expenses, this conversation dives deep into what actually happens over a 30–40 year retirement. With decades of real-world client experience, Floyd shares stories that highlight why flexibility, intentional planning, and foresight are essential, not optional. If you're a pre-retiree or early retiree wondering how to enjoy retirement without becoming a burden or running out of money, this episode is for you. https://zurl.co/xFbFx

Ever wondered how the big players in financial services got to where they are? Matt and Micah dive deep into the secret behind Edward Jones' remarkable success story – and why independent advisors should be taking notes instead of throwing shade. They challenge the common "David vs. Goliath" mindset that often leads independent advisors to dismiss larger firms' achievements and reveal how Edward Jones' strategic playbook can be adapted for independent practice success. Listen in as they explore the often-overlooked truth about building a thriving advisory practice: it's not just about working harder but working smarter with intentionality. https://zurl.co/r6F3t

Social Security headlines are everywhere, and much of what federal employees are hearing is confusing, incomplete, or flat-out wrong. In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Floyd Shilanski, Wealth Manager, cuts through the noise and explains what federal employees actually need to know about Social Security as retirement approaches. https://zurl.co/awQVP

As the year closes, federal employees can't afford to miss critical planning opportunities that protect their retirement and avoid costly mistakes. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down real-world, end-of-year action items they are actively handling with clients right now. They talk about last-minute planning for 2025, including Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), Roth conversions, and estimated tax payments, all with a focus on being aware of IRS penalties. Tune in to learn about strategies for January 2026, like new TSP contribution limits, Roth and HSA planning, and why it's better to start early rather than wait until the end of the year. If you are a federal employee or retiree who wants to end the year well and begin the next one with clear plans and confidence, this episode offers practical tips you can use right away. https://zurl.co/iaMcA

Have you ever wondered what a Social Security bridge strategy is? In this episode, Floyd Shilanski, CFPⓇ breaks down how these strategies can help retirees wait to claim Social Security and boost their lifetime income. Rather than filing for Social Security at 62, some retirees use their TSP, 401(k), or other savings to cover income needs until they reach full retirement age or even 70. Floyd discusses why living longer matters, how waiting can increase your monthly income, and why each person needs a plan that fits their situation. Most importantly, this episode focuses on planning, coordination, and making choices that fit you, instead of following advice from friends, neighbors, or social media. If you're getting close to retirement and unsure about when to claim Social Security, this episode will help you see your options and the pros and cons of each.

Big changes are coming to your TSP catch-up contributions in 2026 and if you miss them, you could accidentally throw off your entire tax strategy.