Explore every episode of the podcast Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 118: Think Fastball, Then Adjust: How Federal Employees Navigate Curveballs with a Financial Planner | 25 May 2026 | 00:52:59 | |
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
| |||
| Episode 117: FEGLI vs. Term Life: When to Replace Your Federal Employee Life Insurance | 11 May 2026 | 00:51:19 | |
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
| |||
| Episode 108: Good Financial Hygiene: Cybersecurity, Addressing Scams, and Staying Financially Protected | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:46:04 | |
What if getting hacked isn't a question of if, but when? In this episode, Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the real-world cybersecurity risks they're seeing—not in theory, but from personal experience. After being compromised multiple times in a single year, John shares why even people with strong security habits can still be targeted, as well as what that means for retirees, business owners, and anyone managing meaningful assets.
Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 20: Federal Employee Financial Planning: Meet Your Hosts | 19 Sep 2022 | 00:24:35 | |
You've been listening to Michael, Tommy and John for 20 episodes now, but do you really know them? Every episode, they come together to share their knowledge about financial planning with you. However, they each have their own background and unique introduction into financial planning that they will be explaining today. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 19: Federal Employee Financial Planning: CSRS Vs. FERS | 05 Sep 2022 | 00:38:48 | |
Federal employees had the option to convert from CSRS to FERS when FERS was first created in 1987. Now all federal employees are automatically enrolled in FERS—there is no option to choose CSRS instead. Many federal employees who were hired after 1987 feel as though they were cheated out of a better retirement system, but Tommy, Michael and John would have to disagree. In this episode, they explain why FERS is actually just as good as CSRS, if not better, and several key components of FERS that you may not be aware of. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 18: Federal Employee Financial Planning: They Are Not Talking To You | 22 Aug 2022 | 00:26:31 | |
Not all financial advice and financial planning is created equally. If you are a federal employee and you are taking advice from an advisor who doesn't specialize in helping people with your unique set of benefits and pensions, then that advice is not going to be useful to you. In fact, these advisors will probably give advice that will do more damage than good. So, in this episode, Michael, Tommy and John will be sharing the importance of knowing where you're getting your information from and how to ensure you're getting the unique advice you deserve. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Special Episode: VCP Mega Mega Back Door Roth IRA | 11 Aug 2022 | 00:35:33 | |
A Mega Backdoor Roth IRA is a tax strategy available to employees whose retirement plans allow them to make significant after-tax contributions and to transfer their contributions to a Roth IRA. In other words, if you want to maximize your Roth contributions, you need to understand the power of the Mega Backdoor Roth. So, in this episode, Michael, Tommy and John will be sharing the steps you can take today to ensure you're not going to miss out on what could potentially be the biggest tax loophole of your lifetime, particularly if you are CSRS or CSRS Offset and have acess to the Voluntary Contribution Plan (VCP). Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 17: Federal Employee Financial Planning: The Year of Retirement | 08 Aug 2022 | 00:37:28 | |
You've made it! You have finished up with the career you worked in for decades and you are now stepping into your first year of retirement. What does this look like exactly? And what should you expect financially? In this episode, Michael, Tommy and John will be discussing everything that you should have in place as you enter your golden years, as well as what you can anticipate throughout this first year. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 16: Federal Employee Financial Planning: Not All Open Seasons Are Created Equal | 25 Jul 2022 | 00:31:58 | |
As a federal employee, open season is your annual opportunity to assess your health care needs and make any necessary changes to your health insurance for the following 12 months. You have much more control over the cost and/or coverage of your benefits, so it's essential to take advantage of that. In this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John will explain how to ensure you're making the most of your available benefits, including special, once-in-a-blue-moon open seasons, as not every open season is the same—and some deserve special attention. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 15: Federal Employee Financial Planning: The Year Before Retirement | 11 Jul 2022 | 00:44:15 | |
The year before retirement can be nerve-racking for many people. The career they've worked so hard for is coming to an end, they have to start making big plans for their work-free future, and there may be some financial anxiety coming up, as well. So, in this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John are going to be discussing what you can expect for the year before retirement and what you should have in place as you approach this next season. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 14: Federal Long-Term Care Insurance | 27 Jun 2022 | 00:48:27 | |
The Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) provides long-term care insurance to help cover the costs of care if you can no longer perform everyday tasks by yourself due to chronic illness, injury, or disability. This is something that you may need for the rest of your life, and it is important to ensure you're well looked after. To help Michael, Tommy, and John discuss this topic more in depth is Jill MacNeil, LLIS's long-term care insurance specialist. In this episode, she will be describing the emotional and financial needs of long-term care. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 13: Do Federal Employees Need a Financial Planner? | 13 Jun 2022 | 00:33:46 | |
For many people, a "need" is something you can't survive without. So, can federal employees survive without a financial planner? The answer is, of course, yes. However, their lives will be significantly easier with a financial planner guiding them. In this episode, Michael, Tommy and John will be sharing the value you can receive by having a financial planner and the common mistakes federal employees make when they don't have financial guidance. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 12: Federal Employee Financial Planning Social Security Fairness Act: WEP | 30 May 2022 | 00:31:12 | |
The windfall elimination provision (WEP) is an altered benefit procedure that reduces the Social Security benefits of certain retired or disabled workers who are also entitled to pension benefits. Its purpose is to remove a "windfall" that these workers would otherwise receive. WEP's supporters argue that the formula is a means to prevent larger payments and benefits to folks, whereas opponents argue that the provision radically reduces a benefit that workers may have included in their retirement plans. In this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John will be sharing how the recent legislation will impact this provision and how this may affect you. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 107: Should Federal Employees Do Roth Conversions? Do They Help Or Hurt? | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:54:30 | |
Do Roth conversions make sense for everyone? In this episode, we unpack the rules, strategies, and potential pitfalls of Roth conversions, as well as the role of taxes, spending, and charitable goals. You'll learn why it's not always wise to "just convert everything now" and why flexibility is a crucial part of any financial strategy. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 11: Federal Employee Financial Planning Social Security Fairness Act: GPO | 16 May 2022 | 00:21:20 | |
The Social Security Fairness Act would remove the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) from the Social Security Act. The WEP and the GPO have substantially decreased millions of retired public sector employees' Social Security benefits, impacting a significant amount of Social Security beneficiaries. So, in this episode, Michael, Tommy and John will be discussing what exactly this means for those that are paying into the social security system and how this might affect those who are not. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 10: Federal Employee Financial Planning TSP at Retirement or 59.5 | 02 May 2022 | 00:42:34 | |
We know that TSP can be a great way to save money for retirement whilst also receiving significant tax benefits. However, these benefits come with a number of rules that limit when and/or how you can access these funds. One very well-known rule is that for many retirement accounts you will have to pay a 10% penalty if you access them before age 59.5. In this episode, Michael, Tommy and John will be explaining several exceptions surrounding this penalty and how to ensure you use them correctly to avoid costly mistakes. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 9: Federal Employee Financial Planning TSP Accumulation | 18 Apr 2022 | 00:23:18 | |
It might surprise many of you how significantly your retirement funds can grow, simply by saving a small percentage of your salary each month into your TSP. However, there is much to be considered as you start to put money towards this. TSP contribution limits for 2022 are $20,500 and catch-up contributions for those over the age of 50 are $6,500. In other words, anyone over the age of 50 can contribute $27,000. In this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John will be sharing more on this and what you need to know about TSP accumulation. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 8: Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) | 04 Apr 2022 | 00:43:46 | |
The Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program is one of the largest group plans in the world, with over 4 million federal workers and retirees. It is made up of four components: basic coverage, and then options "A," "B," and "C." In order to receive "A," "B," and "C," you need basic coverage. However, each of these options covers you in different ways. So, in this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John will be explaining what each of these components entails. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 7: FERS (Part 3) | 21 Mar 2022 | 00:34:03 | |
Federal employees who execute particular duties are categorized as law enforcement officers (LEOs) and are entitled to enhanced retirement benefits under the CSRS or Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). So, for the third installment of the FERS episodes, Michael, Tommy, and John will be discussing the special provisions of law enforcement, specifically the differing factors between LEOs and normal FERS. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 6: FERS (Part 2) | 09 Mar 2022 | 00:31:12 | |
The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is not just a retirement system. It's a disability policy, a life insurance policy, and it's a cash accumulation vehicle. FERS is one of the most important benefits you receive as a federal employee, and its flexibility allows you to choose what is best for your individual situation. In this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John will be discussing how to utilize both FERS and Social Security benefits in your retirement. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 5: FERS (Part 1) | 21 Feb 2022 | 00:31:51 | |
Congress created the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) in 1986, and since that time, new federal civilian employees who have retirement coverage are covered by this system. FERS provides benefits from three different sources: a Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). However, many federal employees who have worked in the industry for years are still uncertain about what their benefits are going to be. So, in this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John will be discussing everything you need to know about FERS, including several surprising benefits you may not be aware of. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 4: Civil Service Retirement System (Part 2) | 07 Feb 2022 | 00:31:04 | |
After our last episode, you should be familiar with the benefit calculation, the survivor benefit decision, and the greatest tax loophole ever created surrounding the Civil Service Retirement System. However, that is not all you need to know on this subject. The CSRS is not just a pension program—it is so much more than that. So, in this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John will be discussing the additional benefits to be aware of in regards to the Civil Service Retirement System. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 3: Civil Service Retirement System (Part 1) | 24 Jan 2022 | 00:36:40 | |
The Civil Service Retirement System is a public pension fund that was created in January of 1920—and has remained virtually unchanged for over a century. During the coming years, we will see the retirement of the remaining active CSRS employees, so what can they expect? In this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John discuss the benefit calculation, the survivor benefit decision, and the greatest tax loophole ever created. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 2: Survivor Benefits - Military & Federal | 24 Jan 2022 | 00:21:25 | |
Whether you're military or a federal employee, there are many good reasons that you should simply say "yes" when it's time to elect survivor benefits. This may be one of the most important financial decisions you will make, and it is not one to make lightly. So, in this episode, Michael, Tommy, and John will be sharing the reasons to consider opting into the survivor benefit program. | |||
| Episode 106: Money Muscles and Financial Reps: Developing Spending, Saving, and Giving Habits That Last | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:48:44 | |
What would your life look like if you actually used the money you spent years saving? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the idea of "flexing your money muscles" and why those muscles can mean tightening your spending or giving yourself permission to enjoy more. You'll learn how habits, confidence, and values shape our decisions, and why many people struggle to spend even when they can afford to. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 1: The Home Stretch | 13 Jan 2022 | 00:34:23 | |
Welcome to the Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast, where you'll find unique planning techniques and strategies that will help federal employees maximize their benefits. Each episode, you'll hear from financial advisors with Mason & Associates, where we have over three decades of experience serving as financial planners for federal employees. In this inaugural episode, Michael Mason will be joined by Tommy Blackburn and John Mason to discuss everything you should (and should not) do to ensure your golden years are exactly the way they should be: exciting, relaxing, and financially stable. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC | |||
| Episode 105: Life After Death: Essential Estate Planning Thoughts for Every Federal Employee | 24 Nov 2025 | 01:01:07 | |
What really happens after someone passes away—and why are so many families blindsided even when they think everything was "set up correctly"? In this episode, John and Tommy pull back the curtain on the messy, emotional, and often confusing reality of settling an estate. You'll learn why wills and trusts don't operate the way most people assume, as well as the true challenges in modern estate planning. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 104: Federal Employee Health Benefit Considerations & TRICARE | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:52:25 | |
Are you making the most of your federal health benefits this open season? Whether you're an active federal employee or retired, this time of year can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options can save you thousands and help you plan smarter for the future. You'll learn how to evaluate your current plan, balance premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and make confident, informed decisions before open season ends. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 103: What Every Federal Employee Should Know About Their TSP | 27 Oct 2025 | 01:02:56 | |
What role should the G Fund really play in your TSP strategy? In this episode, Tommy, John, and Ben tackle one of the biggest questions federal employees ask during uncertain markets. You'll learn what to consider before making changes, how to rebalance your TSP effectively, and why trying to "time the market" often does more harm than good. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 102: Federal Employee Retirement in 2025 | 13 Oct 2025 | 01:06:31 | |
What's really changing for federal employees retiring in 2025? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the new retirement process, including survivor benefits, electronic filing, and the realities of interest rates, refinancing, and investment risks. You'll hear clear guidance on how to navigate these updates, what to watch out for in "no closing cost" mortgage offers, and how to make confident financial choices during this pivotal transition. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 101: Year-End Tax Planning for Federal Employees | 29 Sep 2025 | 00:59:05 | |
What's the difference between reacting to taxes and truly planning for them? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the latest year-end financial planning and tax strategies every federal employee needs to know. With recent tax law changes and shifting financial dynamics, they tackle big questions like how the enhanced senior deduction works, when a Roth conversion makes sense, and why timing matters when harvesting capital gains. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 100: One Big Beautiful Bill Part 2 | 15 Sep 2025 | 01:01:55 | |
What does the One Big Beautiful Bill mean for everyday taxpayers? And how will it shape the financial future of federal employees across the country? In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the bill with Stephen Kimberlin of Forvis Mazars US, breaking down what it really means for people. Listen in as Stephen explains the nuances, clarifies common misconceptions, and provides practical insights to help you navigate this new tax landscape with confidence. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 99: One Big Beautiful Bill Part 1 | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:47:55 | |
What does the new One Big Beautiful Bill really mean for federal employees nearing retirement? Passed on July 4th, 2025, this sweeping tax legislation has stirred conversations across the country, but today we're zeroing in on how it impacts federal employees with significant investable assets. While business owners and high-income earners also feel the effects, our focus is on helping you understand what this bill means for your retirement planning, your tax strategy, and your financial future. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 116: Life After DRP: What We Learned from Federal Employees Who Took the Offer | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:31:33 | |
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
| |||
| Episode 98: Why Federal Employees Can't Afford to Ignore Insurance with Broc Buckles | 18 Aug 2025 | 01:00:48 | |
What if the biggest threat to your financial plan isn't the stock market or taxes, but being underinsured? In this episode, Tommy and John sit down with Broc Buckles, co-founder of BC Brokerage, to talk about why insurance is a critical cornerstone of any financial strategy. Listen in to learn how to avoid overpaying, why working with a broker can uncover better coverage and rates than sticking with a single provider, and why the right insurance coverage could save you thousands while giving you peace of mind. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 97: Federal Employee Listener Mail - Survivor Benefits, IRA Rollovers, and Small Pensions | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:30:53 | |
What if your federal pension is small and you're not relying on it—should you still elect survivor benefits? In this episode, John and Tommy respond to a listener's detailed YouTube question about pensions, TSP, and survivor benefits when service time is short and other retirement savings are strong. They break down the real value of keeping survivor benefits, even when your pension isn't your main income stream. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 96: A Financial Planner's Guide to Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and Cash | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:31:34 | |
Are credit cards still worth using with all the fees being passed on to consumers? In this episode, Tommy and John dive into a hot topic on their minds lately: the real pros and cons of credit cards, debit cards, and cash. They share their personal credit card habits, how many cards they each use, and the strategy behind maximizing rewards without falling into the trap of overspending. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| EP 95: Investing Principles for Federal Employees: ETFs, Mutual Funds, and More | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:58:10 | |
What's the difference between active and passive investing, and when should you use mutual funds versus ETFs? In this episode, John and Tommy break down essential investing concepts that federal employees need to know, covering everything from the fundamentals of stocks and bonds to practical cash management strategies. You'll learn about active versus passive investing philosophies, the mechanics and tax implications of mutual funds and ETFs, and why dollar-cost averaging can help overcome emotional barriers in investing. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| EP 94: An Inside Look at Strategic Planning Season: Real Conversations, Real Impact | 23 Jun 2025 | 01:02:06 | |
What does it really look like to work with a financial planning team that knows your federal benefits inside and out—and shows up for you year after year? In this episode, John and Tommy take you behind the scenes of Mason & Associates' Strategic Planning Meeting Season (SPM), where they conduct over 400 client meetings in just six weeks. They share real conversations, real actions, and the process that makes it all work. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 93: Inside the Strategy Room: Growing with Purpose at Mason & Associates | 09 Jun 2025 | 00:29:35 | |
What does it take to grow a financial advisory firm the right way, without sacrificing client experience? In this episode, John and Tommy pull back the curtain on the strategic direction of Mason & Associates, sharing how they're enhancing services, refining internal systems, and ensuring their clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Whether you're already a client or someone searching for the right financial advisor, this episode offers valuable insights into the kind of care and intentionality you should expect from your advisor. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 92: It's Not Even Close: The 30–50% Gap and Why Federal Benefits Crush the Competition | 26 May 2025 | 00:51:05 | |
Federal salaries don't always tell the whole story. In this episode, John and Tommy take a closer look at the true value of federal employment, highlighting how benefits like pensions, FEHB health coverage, TSP matching, and survivor options stack up against the private sector. You'll learn why it could take a 30-50% higher salary elsewhere to match the federal total compensation package, and why those numbers matter when making career decisions. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 91: Taxes Is a Year-Round Sport: Planning Smarter for Federal Employees | 12 May 2025 | 00:40:27 | |
Is reviewing your tax return enough or are you missing the bigger picture? In this episode, Tommy and John break down why simply looking at last year's return doesn't cut it, and how projection-based planning connects directly to key financial decisions like Roth conversions, mortgage deductions, and retirement income strategy. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 90: More than TSP: Real Financial Planning for Real Federal Employees | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:45:56 | |
What does a real financial planner actually do—and how do you know if you've hired one? In this episode, Michael, Tommy and John break down the most common misconceptions about financial planning and explain why it's about much more than just investment management. You'll learn why financial planning is especially crucial for federal employees, how fiduciary standards impact the advice you receive, and what red flags to look for in a planner. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 89: Beyond the 6-Month Rule: Rethinking Emergency Funds for Federal Employees | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:43:57 | |
What if your six-month emergency fund isn't enough? In this episode, John, Michael, and Tommy tackle the shifting financial landscape for federal employees in 2025. As government changes create uncertainty—think early retirements and layoffs—they share smart, strategic ways to prepare. You'll learn how to build a tiered emergency plan, optimize your liquidity, and adapt your lifestyle budget in case your income suddenly takes a hit. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 115: Let's Talk Taxes: Trump Accounts, Virginia Tax Changes & NIIT for Federal Employees | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:56:50 | |
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
| |||
| Episode 88: Retiring in Uncertain Times? Avoid This Survivor Benefit Mistake | 31 Mar 2025 | 01:04:04 | |
Should you elect full survivor benefits when retiring as a federal employee? In this episode, John, Tommy, and Mike discuss one of the most critical decisions for federal retirees. They explore the costs, benefits, and long-term financial implications of survivor benefits, urging retirees to carefully consider their options. They also emphasize the importance of full survivor benefits for ensuring continued income for spouses after retirement, providing real-life examples to show how these benefits can impact financial security, tax advantages, and peace of mind. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 87: Medicare Masterclass on Enrollment, Costs, and the Inflation Reduction Act with Bryan Gay | 17 Mar 2025 | 01:06:18 | |
Medicare decisions can be overwhelming, and with rising costs and policy changes, making the right choice is more important than ever. In this episode, Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance Group, shares his insights from helping over 20,000 clients navigate Medicare enrollment, insurance options, and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. He explains why working with his team can be a game-changer and how choosing the wrong plan could cost you in the long run. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 86: Fork in the Road: Understanding Your Federal Retirement Options & Staying Prepared | 03 Mar 2025 | 00:42:56 | |
Is the Deferred Resignation Program an opportunity or a risk for federal employees? In this episode, Tommy, John, and Michael break down what this program means, how it's impacting federal employees, and why having a solid financial plan in place is more important than ever. They'll discuss why you can't rely on every media headline, the importance of working with a knowledgeable team, and how to position yourself for financial stability—no matter how secure your job may seem. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 85: Social Security Shake-Up Part 2: Big Changes Are Here–WEP and GPO Eliminated | 17 Feb 2025 | 00:46:50 | |
Did you know that the recent passage of the Social Security Fairness Act could significantly increase retirement income for many Americans? In this episode, John and Tommy break down the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), explaining how these changes impact public sector employees and their Social Security benefits. They discuss how financial advisors can help clients navigate these shifts, optimize their benefits, and prepare for potential tax implications. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
| |||
| Episode 84: Federal Employee YouTube Favorites: Best Retirement Days, TSP Mistakes, and Survivor Tips | 03 Feb 2025 | 00:51:05 | |
Are you ready to make informed decisions about your federal benefits and financial future? In this episode, Tommy, John and Ben explore the current market landscape and what the start of 2025 could mean for investors, especially those navigating the complexities of federal benefits. They discuss the importance of staying focused on long-term growth despite market volatility and share actionable tips on building a financial plan for the new year, balancing personal goals, tax considerations, and investment strategies. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned:
| |||