Discover the ins and outs of federal employee retirement in this comprehensive episode of the Federal Retirement Experts podcast. Host Gregory Jameson delves into the crucial question: "When can I retire and get my full benefits?" He breaks down the eligibility criteria for full retirement under the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), including the 30-year rule, age 60 with 20 years of service, and age 62 with at least five years of credible service[1].

The podcast explores various retirement options, including the MRA+10 rule, postponed retirement, deferred retirement, and disability retirement. Jameson also discusses special retirement categories for law enforcement, air traffic controllers, and firefighters, highlighting their unique rules and considerations. Additionally, he addresses the three core components of retirement income: pension (including the FERS supplement), Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and Social Security.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into calculating retirement income, managing health insurance, considering long-term care options, and evaluating life insurance needs. The episode concludes with the importance of estate planning, emphasizing the need for wills, trusts, and up-to-date beneficiary designations. Throughout the podcast, Jameson stresses the benefits of working with a retirement coach to navigate the complexities of federal retirement and avoid costly mistakes.

Chapters:
00:00:07 - Introduction and eligibility for full benefits
00:02:52 - Special retirement categories
00:04:19 - Retirement income sources and calculations
00:07:00 - Health insurance considerations
00:08:18 - Long-term care planning
00:08:54 - Life insurance in retirement
00:09:54 - Estate planning essentials
00:11:19 - Conclusion and importance of preparation

Learn more about our team: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/about-us

Get Connected with a retirement coach: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/get-connected

Get in touch with us: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/contact-us

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3rGJHi0

Some federal employees will have the option to take a phased retirement, which will allow them to continue working in a smaller capacity while a replacement is brought on. Who is eligible for a phased retirement and what financial considerations need to be discussed before deciding if it’s a good option for you?

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

00:00 - Introduction

00:45 - What is Phased Retirement?

02:47 - Duration of Phased Retirement

04:55 - Financial Considerations

07:05 - Who is Phased Retirement Suitable For?

08:27 - Satisfaction with Phased Retirement

09:10 - Benefits Analysis and Conclusion

Learn more about our team: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/about-us

Get Connected with a retirement coach: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/get-connected

Get in touch with us: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/contact-us

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3rGJHi0

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for federal employees plays a crucial role in retirement planning, and it’s important to understand your options and the best ways to utilize the account. Whether you're diligently working towards retirement or already considering your income streams post-career, the TSP is a pillar you can't afford to overlook.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:40 – What is the TSP

4:44 – Traditional vs Roth

6:34 – Investing

11:42 – Creating income from your TSP

Learn more about our team: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/about-us

Get Connected with a retirement coach: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/get-connected

Get in touch with us: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/contact-us

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3rGJHi0

Today we have a special show for you as we welcome on one of our clients to talk about their experience preparing for retirement with Federal Retirement Experts. Kathy is a park ranger with the National Park Services and just two months from retirement. She’s been working with Gregory and FRE to prepare for the next chapter of her life, which will be busy taking care of animals, traveling, and spending time with family.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:23 – How did she learn about FRE

2:15 – The experience so far

3:41 – Her biggest retirement concern

6:00 – Behind the planning process

7:39 – Retirement seminars provided by the government

10:49 – Gregory’s experience working with Kathy

12:43 – Retirement plans

Learn more about our team: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/about-us

Get Connected with a retirement coach: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/get-connected

Get in touch with us: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/contact-us

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3rGJHi0

Are you prepared for what lies ahead? The future is unpredictable, but what if you could secure your golden years with long-term care insurance? It’s not something we want to think about, but it’s important to make sure you’re covered and your family is taken care of if this long-term care is ever needed for you.

This episode is loaded with everything you need to know about this safeguard. We tackle the costs, who genuinely needs it, and alternate options accessible for your consideration. We also touch on the government's skepticism about the feasibility of continuing this coverage for federal employees, and the possibility of self-pay options using your savings and other resources.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• 0:00 – Intro
• 2:14 – How long-term care coverage actually works
• 3:34 – When should you start discussing LTC?
• 4:09 – Two-year suspension of long-term care coverage for federal employees
• 6:51 – Understanding the different coverage options
• 9:37 – Self-paying for care
• 11:59 – How Federal Retirement Experts help with LTC

Learn more about our team: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/about-us

Get Connected with a retirement coach: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/get-connected

Get in touch with us: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/contact-us

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3rGJHi0

The complexities of retirement planning and insurance coverage often present a challenge for federal employees. Among these complexities is Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) and the different types of policies that are available. This is an important benefit for federal employees so we want to help you understand all of your options and make the best choices for your financial future.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

1:42 – The basic coverage you automatically enrolled in

2:42 – Reduction options available in retirement

7:19 – Option A coverage

8:17 – Option B is a big step up in cost

13:31 – Every 5 years the premium increases for Option B

15:00 – Option C

Learn more about our team: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/about-us

Get Connected with a retirement coach: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/get-connected

Get in touch with us: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/contact-us

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3rGJHi0

If you're a federal employee approaching retirement, understanding your survivor benefits and the impact of your choices on your future is crucial. Survivor benefits in federal retirement are not just a financial issue, they also play a vital role in securing healthcare for your spouse in retirement. This episode offers an in-depth exploration of these benefits and the vital decisions that come with them.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:18 – What is a survivor benefit? How does it work?
• 8:02 – Does everyone need a survivor benefit plan?
• 10:50 – Is the survivor benefit plan set in stone?
• 11:40 – What is the Federal Employee Benefits Analysis like?

Learn more about our team: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/about-us

Get Connected with a retirement coach: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/get-connected

Get in touch with us: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/contact-us

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3rGJHi0

A career as a federal employee provides flexibility when it comes to picking a retirement date, but there are some key considerations you need to make if your goal is to retire early.

Today we want to walk you through some of the conversations we have with federal employees when we help them determine a retirement date. There are a range of ages that come into play along with how many years of service you’ve accumulated and where you worked. Taking these different factors into account will help determine what your retirement benefits will be and whether any penalties might be assessed.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 – Intro

0:30 – The typical ages for retirement

4:10 – Postponed retirement and health insurance

7:49 – Requirements for pension bonus

12:52 – When should you start planning?

Learn more about our team: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/about-us

Get Connected with a retirement coach: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/get-connected

Get in touch with us: https://www.federalretirementexperts.com/contact-us

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3rGJHi0