https://youtu.be/pRFxrYx4tJ8 When most people think about investing, the first thing that comes to mind is asset allocation—the mix of stocks, bonds, and other investments in their portfolio. And that’s important. But what often gets overlooked—and can make an even bigger difference in retirement—is asset location. Asset location is all about Read more…
https://youtu.be/d01R_1ab9MI If you are a federal employee, is paying off your mortgage early smart—or just plain stupid? Like most financial questions, the answer is: it depends. There are some situations where paying off your mortgage makes all the sense in the world, and others where it could be one of Read more…
https://youtu.be/ciO1A4sAaXY Healthcare is one of the largest and most unpredictable expenses in retirement. For federal employees, however, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program offers a powerful tool to help manage these costs. Unlike most workers in the private sector, federal retirees can continue their FEHB coverage into retirement—an incredibly Read more…
https://youtu.be/wL69pw–2Gc When you fill out your retirement application, you have to elect whether you want to leave part of your pension behind for your spouse. Without a survivor benefit, your pension ends when you do. It is not automatically passed on—it is a lifetime benefit for you only unless you Read more…
https://youtu.be/FBliQZeH5nQ For many federal employees, retirement planning conversations often include a familiar saying: “Move everything into the G Fund when you get close to retirement.” This advice, passed around at the stereotypical water cooler, may sound safe, but it’s one of the most dangerous financial moves a federal employee can Read more…
https://youtu.be/0zIAES1QTEA As a federal employee, you have access to one of the most complex benefit systems in the country—complete with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), FERS or CSRS pensions, FEGLI life insurance, retiree health coverage (FEHB), and more. While these benefits can be incredibly valuable, they can also be confusing Read more…
https://youtu.be/Zgh0tkyKsnQ If you’re a federal employee approaching retirement, chances are you’ll have some unused leave on the books. The big question is: What happens to it? Does it boost your pension? Do you get paid for it? Or is it better to “burn” it before you go? The answer depends Read more…
https://youtu.be/DEbFbVKZyBk Federal employees often find themselves standing at financial and emotional crossroads: Should they retire early and enjoy more years of freedom, or keep working to maximize their pension and build greater financial security? Unfortunately, you can’t do both. You cannot retire early and also get the absolute largest pension Read more…
https://youtu.be/Aav6n9N8104 Let’s talk about estate planning. Now before you click away thinking, “I’ll deal with that later,” I urge you—please hang with me. Estate planning may not be fun, but it is one of the biggest gaps I see in federal employees’ retirement plans. And that’s a problem. You’ve Read more…
https://youtu.be/njuBp_E2ors For federal employees, one of the most important retirement benefits is the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). COLAs help ensure that your retirement income keeps pace with inflation over time. Without these adjustments, your pension would lose purchasing power every year—and what once felt like a comfortable retirement could quickly become Read more…
