PODCAST · education
FedSmart
by FedSmart
Helping equip federal employees with the knowledge they need to prepare to retire.
Episodes
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Federal Retirement Q&A
Federal retirement comes with plenty of questions,especially when it comes to healthcare and the FERS supplement. In this FedSmart Podcast Q&A episode, Jesse Black andSteven Puckett discuss Medicare Part B for federal retirees, what federal employees need to know about keeping FEHB coverage in...
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What Does A Great Federal Retirement Plan Look Like
What actually makes a federal retirement plan a great one? In this episode of the FedSmart Podcast, Jesse Black andSteven Puckett break down the key elements they believe federal employees should consider when preparing for retirement. They discuss retirement income from FERS, Social Security and...
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The #1 Federal Retirement Misconception: "My Pension Is Enough"
Think your federal pension will cover retirement on its own?Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the biggest misconception they see after 22 years of helping federal employees retire: relying solely on your pension instead of building a real income strategy. Learn why the FERS systemdepends…
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Federal Retirement Q&A
In this FedSmart Q&A episode, Jesse Black and StevenPuckett answer three common federal retirement questions that many employees face as they approach retirement. They discuss how the Rule of 55 works with TSP withdrawals, what spouses need to keep FEHB health coverage after retirement, and…
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TSP Withdrawal Rules in Retirement
Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the updated TSPwithdrawal rules for federal employees in retirement. In this episode, they cover lump sum withdrawals, installment payments, TSP annuities, tax withholding considerations, and important details retirees should understand before accessing...
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Top Federal Retirement Questions
In this FedSmart Q&A episode, Jesse Black and StevenPuckett answer three of the most common questions federal employees ask when planning for retirement. From Social Security earnings limits to Roth TSP misconceptions and the differences between postponing and deferring retirement,this episode...
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When You’re Ready to Get Serious About Federal Retirement
Many federal employees spend decades saving and reparingfor retirement, only to enter it without a clear plan for how to actually use their money. In this episode, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett walk throughwhat they are seeing in real conversations with federal employees across the country. From...
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Federal Retirement Q&A
In this FedSmart podcast Q&A, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett answer three common questions from federal employees preparing for retirement. They explain how TSP withdrawals work, when the FERS supplement starts under an early retirement, and what documents federal employees should download before...
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What An Ideal Federal Retirement Looks Like and How To Get There
What does an ideal federal retirement actually look like,and how do today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s outcome? In this episode, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explore thekey elements that often define a well structured federal retirement. They discuss how FERS employees think about income…
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Top Retirement Questions Answered
Federal employees are asking smart questions about retirement, and in this Q&A edition of the FedSmart Podcast, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett tackle the ones showing up the most right now. From whether AI can really be trusted for retirement planning, to updated earnings limits for those…
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Federal Retirement Timelines
Wondering how long federal retirement processes actuallytake? In this episode of the Fed Smart Podcast, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the most common federal retirement timelines, from when to submit your paperwork to when you might see your leave payout, interim pension payments, and...
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Fedsmart Team Retirement Briefing (recorded October 2025)
In this episode of the FedSmart Podcast, Jesse Blackand Steven Puckett sit down with Nick Black to share the latest updates every federal employee should know heading into 2026. They cover real-time insights on OPM processing times, retirement paperwork, and an important new change coming to the...
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Big TSP Changes Coming 2026!
Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the good, the badand the "maybes" of the brand new TSP changes happening starting January 2026! Everyone with a TSP will want to watch this, whether working or retired!
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Understanding FEGLI
Most federal employees don’t realize their life insurance costs can skyrocket as they age. In this episode, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett sit down with Brandon Johnson, the Federal Life Insurance Guru,” to break down the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program. They explain what...
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Federal Retirement Q&A Part 1
In this episode of the FedSmart Podcast, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett tackle the most common retirement questions federal employees ask. From knowing when you’re truly ready to retire, to what counts toward the Social Security earnings limit, to deciding when to take your benefits, this episode...
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How To Get Educated About The Federal Retirement System
Is FederalRetirementCourse.com the ultimate no costresource to get you prepared for your specific retirement? Jesse Black and Steven Puckett discuss what parts of your Federal Retirement system you need to pay attention to the most and what resources might be best to prepare you forretirement.…
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Understanding Survivor Benefits: What Every Fed Needs to Know
Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down one of the mostimportant — and misunderstood — elements of your federal retirement plan: survivor benefits. Whether you're years away from retirement, about to retire, or already collecting your FERS pension, this episode will help you better understand...
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Milestone Ages For Retirement (Updated)
In this episode of the FedSmart Podcast, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the critical milestone ages that shape a federal employee’s retirement journey. From TSP access at 55 to Medicare enrollment at 65, and RMDs at 73, they walk through what to consider at each phase. Whether you’re...
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Federal Retirement and Other F Words
Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the five things every federal employee needs to think about before and after retirement—and it’s not just finances. Most people retire from something… but what if you focused on what you're retiring to? #FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack...
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Federal Retirement Mistakes to Avoid
Retirement planning is more than numbers — it's about living with purpose and clarity. In this episode of the FedSmart Podcast, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett break down the most common retirement planning mistakes federal employees make and how to avoid them. Whether you're 5 years or 15 years...
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RIFs and Early Retirement
With all the news about potential RIFs and Early Retirement, Steven Puckett and Jesse Black break down what you really need to know about these options. As always you can count on FedSmart bringing information that will help you fully understand the key things to know about these potential...
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Taxes In Retirement
Welcome to the first episode of FedSmart in 2025! 🎉 Join Jesse Black and Steven Puckett as they kick off the year discussing retirement planning, staying on track with your financial goals, and the surprising truth about New Year's resolutions. Whether you're gearing up for retirement or…
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Your Top 5 Retirement Questions
Let's talk through the top 5 questions about retirement planning... from how much you need in your TSP to setting realistic financial goals, maximizing contributions, and staying flexible in retirement! We'll walk you through each step to help you prepare for a comfortable future. Whether you’re...
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TSP Allocations
When it comes to allocating funds within the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), federal employees need to understand that financial planning is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual’s financial situation is unique, which makes general financial advice risky. Whether you are in the early…
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Be Prepared For Federal Retirement
Steven Puckett and Jesse Black talk about key considerations that will prepare you for your Federal Retirement. How much income do you need? What will your take home pay be? What age should you retire? When are you eligible for retirement? This is a podcast you don't want to miss!...
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The Ultimate Federal Retirement Resourc
Jesse Black and Steven Puckett highlight an exciting new Federal Retirement Resource that will help you set yourself up for success when planning for retirement! https://fedsmartretirement.com/schedule-appointment, https://fedsmartretirement.com/, www.FedSmartPodcast.com, www.FEGLISavings.com...
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Risks Federal Employees Face In Retirement
Jesse Black, Steven Puckett and Chad Owen explore various risks, challenges and strategies for navigating the complex retirement landscape. https://fedsmartretirement.com/schedule-appointment, https://fedsmartretirement.com/, www.FedSmartPodcast.com, www.FEGLISavings.com Jesse Black Steven…
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Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, and one component that individuals must be well-acquainted with is Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). In this podcast, Jesse Black and Steven Puckett delve into the intricacies of RMDs, focusing on retirement assets such as the...
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TSP Distribution Strategies
Jesse Black and Steven Puckett talk through different things to consider when setting up your TSP Distribution Plan. It's very important to not take a "one strategy fits all" approach. https://fedsmartretirement.com/schedule-appointment, https://fedsmartretirement.com/, www.FedSmartPodcast.com,...
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Education - A Key Ingredient to a Successful Retirement
Jesse Black and Steven Puckett talk through the importance of being educated about your retirement benefits. After meeting with thousands of Federal Employees, they can tell that the employees who have educated themselves are usually the most prepared for retirement. This Podcast will help you...
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Medicare
Jesse Black and Steven Puckett talk through the different parts of Medicare, when you should consider taking it as you approach retirement, and the premiums and penalties involved.
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What to look for when considering a Financial Advisor
Jesse Black and Steven Puckett talk about key relationships to have as you appreoach Federal Retirement. They also talk about what your Financial Advisor should know about you and your Federal Retirement situation.
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FEGLI Options in Retirement
Nick Black joins Steven Puckett and Jesse Black to discuss FEGLI Options In Retirement.
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Income, Income, Income!
In this episode Jesse and Steve talk about why income truly is the most important thing to consider when entering into retirement.
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Dangers Of General Financial Advice
In this episode Jesse and Steven cover the different kinds of financial advice and how they can help or hurt your investments as you approach retirement. They also cover the kinds of advisors to consider when needing advice on investing and allocating your TSP.
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FEGLI Part 1
In this episode Jesse Black and Steven Puckett are joined by Nick Black, who is a specialist on federal life insurance to discuss coverages and options. This episode covers how Federal Employee Group Life Insurance works while working and in a later episode the guys will cover what it looks like...
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TSP Withdrawals
In this episode Jesse and Steven go over the three main ways to pull from the TSP and strategies to consider around withdrawals.
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8 Milestone Ages For Federal Employees
In this episode Jesse and Steven cover important ages to consider as retirement approaches.
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Cost Of Living Adjustments
In this episode Jesse and Steven discuss how cost of living adjustments work for federal retirees.
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Federal Retirement Process
Jesse and Steven cover what to expect when going through the retirement process. Topics include when to submit paperwork, interim pension checks, how long the process takes on average and some potential ways to plan ahead of time.
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Special Provisions
On this episode Jesse and Steven discuss retirement for Special Provisions. Topics include retirement eligibility, TSP rules, calculation, etc.
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FERS Supplement
In this episode Jesse and Steven go over in detail the often misunderstood FERS Supplement.
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Upcoming TSP Changes
In this episode Jesse and Steven discuss the changes coming to the Thrift Savings Plan in the coming weeks. Topics include new home page, mobile app, mutual fund window and more.
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Early Retirement Options
In this episode Jesse and Steven cover early retirement options. Topics covered are Pension Deferral, Postponement, MRA+10 and "Early Out".
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FedSmart-Retirement Eligibility
In this episode Jesse Black and Steven Puckett discuss when a regular FERS employee is eligible to retire and everything to consider with that eligibility.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Helping equip federal employees with the knowledge they need to prepare to retire.
HOSTED BY
FedSmart
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does FedSmart have?
FedSmart currently has 45 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is FedSmart about?
Helping equip federal employees with the knowledge they need to prepare to retire.
How often does FedSmart release new episodes?
FedSmart has 45 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to FedSmart?
You can listen to FedSmart on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts FedSmart?
FedSmart is created and hosted by FedSmart.
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