Fed Pilot Podcast

If you’re a federal employee nearing retirement, you’ve probably heard about “interim payments” — those partial checks OPM sends while your full pension is being processed. In this episode, we break down exactly how those payments work, when to expect them, and whether you’ll get paid back in full (spoiler: yes, you will). Hear a real workshop question answered with clarity, including what to expect on COLAs and survivor benefit deductions during the wait. Don't let uncertainty cloud your transition — tune in and get the facts.#Intrim #FederalRetirement #SurvivorBenefits #RetirementPlanning #FERS #CSRS #FederalEmployee #FinancialSecurity #RetirementWorkshop

Most federal employees think use-it-or-lose-it hits on September 30 — but that’s a costly myth.At a FedPilot workshop, we clarified when the leave year actually ends and what you must do now to protect your hours.A few simple planning moves can save hundreds of hours — and real money at retirement.This is exactly the kind of clear, practical guidance FedPilot workshops deliver.#FederalRetirement #SurvivorBenefits #RetirementPlanning #FERS #CSRS #FederalEmployee #FinancialSecurity #RetirementWorkshop

Preparing for retirement as a federal employee? Ensuring that your retirement application is accurate and complete is crucial to avoid delays from OPM and HR.Join our workshops (fedpilot.com) for expert insights on navigating the nuances of your application process—because a smooth transition into retirement starts with the right information!#FederalRetirement #FEDS #OPM #RetirementPlanning #FedEmployees #RetireSmart #RetirementApplication #FinancialWellness #GovernmentEmployees

How well do you know your TSP? Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better.Register: https://fedpilot.comWant to ask a question for me to answer in a video? Ask at https://fedpilot.com/contact-us#heyfeds #fedpilot #federalemployees #federalretirement #federalbenefits #RetirementPlanning #TSP

Most Feds don’t know their real retirement number.Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better.Register: https://fedpilot.comWant to ask a question for me to answer in a video? Ask at https://fedpilot.com/contact-us#heyfeds #fedpilot #federalemployees #federalretirement #federalbenefits #RetirementPlanning

If you’re a federal employee, here’s what you need to know about a RIF. Join us for a Fed Pilot workshop to learn about benefits and retirement prep. Register: https://fedpilot.com Questions? Ask at https://fedpilot.com/contact-us #heyfeds #fedpilot #federalemployees #RetirementPlanning #LTCPlanning #federalretirement #FedRetirement #SurvivorBenefits #FederalEmployee

Get educated on your federal retirement! Join us for a Fed Pilot workshop to learn about benefits and retirement prep. Register: https://fedpilot.com Questions? Ask at https://fedpilot.com/contact-us #heyfeds #fedpilot #federalemployees #RetirementPlanning #LTCPlanning #federalretirement #FedRetirement #SurvivorBenefits #FederalEmployee

Heard something about your retirement benefits from a coworker? Don’t panic. In this episode, Kevin breaks down why you shouldn’t make major retirement decisions based on hallway chatter—and what to do instead to make informed, confident choices about your future. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better.Register: https://fedpilot.comWant to ask a question for me to answer in a video? Ask at https://fedpilot.com/contact-us#heyfeds #fedpilot #federalemployees #federalretirement #federalbenefits #RetirementPlanning

Preparing for retirement as a federal employee? Ensuring that your retirement application is accurate and complete is crucial to avoid delays from OPM and HR. Join our workshops (fedpilot.com) for expert insights on navigating the nuances of your application process—because a smooth transition into retirement starts with the right information!#FederalRetirement #FEDS #OPM #RetirementPlanning #FedEmployees #RetireSmart #RetirementApplication #FinancialWellness #GovernmentEmployees

Wondering what happens to your benefits if you’re laid off through a RIF? We break down the key details surrounding layoffs, including what typically happens with your healthcare, TSP, and pension benefits. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better.Register: https://fedpilot.comHave questions? Ask at https://fedpilot.com/contact-us

We clarify the often-confusing employment terms that have surfaced recently, such as Deferred Resignation, Buyouts, and RIFs. Understanding these concepts is crucial for making informed career decisions. We explore the differences between voluntary and involuntary separations, providing you with the insights needed to navigate your options effectively.Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better.Register: https://fedpilot.com

Curious about the income limits for the Roth TSP? We dove into the exciting news that there are no income restrictions when contributing to your Roth TSP, setting it apart from traditional IRAs. Plus, discover the impressive contribution limits that allow federal employees to maximize their savings potential! Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

We delve into the critical distinction between what you can and should do regarding financial decisions, particularly concerning the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) before retirement. While you may be able to invest a large sum in the TSP, we emphasize the importance of carefully weighing the pros and cons and considering alternative options like IRAs, which may offer more flexibility. Join us in our workshops to explore these crucial financial strategies and ensure that your retirement plan is tailored to your unique circumstances. Register: https://fedpilot.com

We dive deep into the critical relationship between OPM and HR and why their alignment is essential for a seamless retirement process. Discover the complexities of how different agencies manage HR functions and the impact this can have on your retirement experience. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

We tackled a question from one of our workshops about retirement eligibility for federal employees, specifically addressing the implications of retiring with less than 20 years of service. Discover why you must be at least 62 years old to qualify for full retirement benefits and how the Special Retirement Supplement (SRS) can impact your financial planning if you retire before this age. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

We demystify the concept of the “High Three” retirement calculation, clarifying common misconceptions. Contrary to the belief that it’s simply the average of your highest pay over three years, we explain that it actually involves averaging the last 78 pay periods, with only certain types of pay contributing to this total. Join us as we break down this complex formula, ensuring you’re fully informed about your retirement benefits and how to accurately calculate your High Three. Register: https://fedpilot.com

After five years of full-time service, you may indeed qualify for a pension, depending on your age at retirement. The pension amount varies based on your earnings and specific factors like your “high three” average salary. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

Thinking about retiring at 62 with 25 years of service? We explain the nuances of buying back 13 years of military time and how it can impact your retirement benefits. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

There is widespread misinformation among federal employees, particularly regarding retirement rules. It’s crucial to understand that common sayings, like “age plus years equals 80,” often stem from outdated or exaggerated claims that can mislead individuals into making poor life decisions. The reality is, that these assumptions can create confusion and hinder your planning efforts. We emphasize the importance of verifying information and encourage you to attend our workshops. There, you’ll encounter real, accurate guidelines and gain clarity on the rules that impact your retirement and career decisions. Don’t let myths dictate your future—arm yourself with facts!Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better.Register: https://fedpilot.com

Discover how federal employee health benefits work when one spouse carries the FB policy. Learn that as long as your spouse is covered under your policy for 5 years before retirement, they’re eligible for benefits. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement.

There are some common misconceptions about retirement timing for federal employees. For example, want to clarify that retiring on January 30th isn’t the best choice; instead, January 31st is preferable for maximizing benefits. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

Curious about the ‘Basic’ life insurance plan through the federal government? Discover how you can potentially access free benefits after age 65 and what factors to consider when making your decision. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better.Register: https://fedpilot.comWant to ask a question for me to answer in a video? Ask at https://fedpilot.com/contact-us

Personal health conditions significantly influence the decision to withdraw Social Security, as they can impact life expectancy and financial needs. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

Curious about Roth contributions and matching? Yes, you can get matched at 5%, but it depends on how and when you contribute. Learn the key details to maximize your benefits!Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better.Register: https://fedpilot.com

Are you feeling the pressure of watching your TSP account lose value as retirement approaches? You’re not alone! In this video, we discuss the common concerns around TSP losses and provide insights on how to shift your mindset. Learn how to approach your TSP with confidence, even during economic downturns. Discover effective strategies to feel good about your investments and turn uncertainty into empowerment. Join our workshops to gain the knowledge you need to truly love your TSP! Register: https://fedpilot.com

Join us as we explore the complexities of Medicare Part B and its interaction with IRMAA. Learn how your income level can affect your premiums and discover strategies to optimize your benefits. Understanding these nuances can help you make informed decisions for your healthcare needs. Don’t miss out—attend our workshop for comprehensive insights! Register: https://fedpilot.com Want to ask a question? Ask at https://fedpilot.com/contact-us #heyfeds #fedpilot #federalemployees #federalretirement #federalbenefits #RetirementPlanning

Understanding MRA is crucial for federal employees! It stands for Minimum Retirement Age, which determines eligibility for full retirement benefits. Confused about your specific MRA? Join our workshops for clarity!Register: https://fedpilot.comWant

FEHB rates are available after retirement. If you have access to something before you retire, within FEHB, you will also have it afterward. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better.Register: https://fedpilot.comWant

Join us as we explore the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP) and its compatibility with Medicare Part B. Learn how to assess which plan suits your health needs, uncover potential financial benefits, and find out how to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Don’t miss the tips from our workshops! Register: https://fedpilot.com

Are you curious about what happens to your Medicare contributions when you turn 65 and don’t add them in retirement? We explain how your payments fund Medicare Part A, which is usually premium-free at 65. We also discuss the key differences between Medicare Part A and B, helping you make informed retirement decisions!Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better.Register: https://fedpilot.com

Learn how contributing 10% to your TSP can lead to a total of 15% with matching! Discover the rules and maximize your retirement savings. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

A financial adviser can guide converting a TSP to a gold IRA, but understanding federal benefits is crucial for informed decisions. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits but also about how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

Many people take federal jobs for health insurance benefits after retirement, allowing them to keep healthcare coverage if specific criteria are met.Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better.Register: https://fedpilot.com

It's never too early to start planning for your retirement. We recommend attending financial planning classes every 5 years, and increasing the frequency as you get closer to retirement age. This will help you stay informed about the latest retirement policies and make informed decisions about your financial future. Remember to keep a personal copy of all your important financial documents. Having a centralized location for your documents will make it easier to manage your finances and ensure a smooth retirement transition. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and learn not only about your benefits but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com Want to ask a question for me to answer in a video? Ask at https://fedpilot.com/contact-us

The government made changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) by introducing a mutual fund window in 2022, offering access to 5,000 additional mutual funds beyond the typical GFC Sni funds. To explore these mutual funds, individuals can log into tsp.gov, create a mutual fund window account, and assess the fees associated with these funds. Despite the potential for higher fees, it's essential to evaluate if utilizing these mutual funds aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

The Survivor Benefit Plan provides money and access to health care for a spouse if an employee were to die before retirement, with the benefit being free and automatic. After retirement, the spouse can still access the plan, but the employee would need to start paying for it if desired to continue the coverage. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

We want to highlight the importance of distinguishing between different Service Computation Dates (SCDs) for retirement and leave purposes. While the SCD for retirement can be found on pay stubs, the SCD for leave is different and crucial to understand to avoid making poor decisions.

To adjust contributions in your TSP, access your employee portal and modify the settings either by a percentage of your salary or a specific dollar amount. Opting for a percentage allows for automatic adjustments with raises, suggesting a strategy of saving extra income for retirement. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com Want to ask a question for me to answer in a video? Ask at https://fedpilot.com/contact-us #heyfeds #fedpilot #federalemployees #federalretirement #federalbenefits #RetirementPlanning

In retirement, FHB premiums are taken out of your pension, but not all other deductions. Different parts of your pension have different rules. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

We want to highlight the importance of asking questions about retirement benefits, such as net pension and social security amounts, maximizing income and minimizing expenses, and tips to increase benefits. Attending workshops can help individuals ask the right questions to maximize their retirement. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

Remember to take in consideration the diferences between FEGLI and private life insurance, emphasizing that the best choice depends on individual circumstances. There is the option to increase FEGLI after certain life events, but we also suggest evaluating the cost and value of private life insurance. We want to highlight the importance of regularly assessing one's insurance needs and adjusting policies accordingly. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

We want to share our advice on the best day to retire being the last calendar day of the month for maximum benefits. Contrary to HR suggestions, retiring at the end of a pay period may not be in employees' best financial interest. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

The workshop on retirement benefits is far from boring; participants express surprise at the engaging content, with comments like "great presentation" and "I feel like such a newbie." We want to emphasize the importance of taking action after learning, we ensure participants will stay awake, engaged, and motivated throughout the workshop! Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

In federal workshops, it is crucial that the individual assisting with retirement planning comprehends Federal benefits to avoid costly mistakes common with generalists lacking specific expertise. We emphasize the necessity of seeking help from professionals with experience in dealing with federal employees to leverage insider knowledge and maximize benefits through various "hacks." My non-negotiable advice stresses the significance of understanding Federal benefits when crafting a retirement plan, highlighting the potential pitfalls of relying on generalists unfamiliar with the intricacies of federal employment. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

A valuable lesson for retirement planning we'd like to emphasize is the need to not only learn about benefits but also ensure proper execution to avoid wasted efforts or ineffective strategies. Just like in workshops, in retirement planning, it is essential to have guidance and validation to steer towards the right path for a successful outcome. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

n discussions about survivor benefits during a workshop, it was clarified that once retired, individuals cannot easily rejoin the benefits system later. There might be a workaround through marriage. This highlights the importance of making informed choices during retirement paperwork as each benefit has unique rules and exceptions. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

We talked about the importance of considering Medicare Part A and Part B eligibility and penalties when planning for retirement healthcare. We want to emphasize the necessity of making informed decisions early to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure adequate coverage. Additionally, remember the significance of evaluating other healthcare options like TRICARE to optimize benefits and minimize expenses. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

By understanding what deductions are made from the pension before it reaches their bank account, people realize the need for additional retirement savings. Taking proactive steps to adjust, optimize, and plan for retirement can lead to a more financially secure future compared to solely relying on government support. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com

We wanted to discuss the ability to stop paying the monthly premium for Medicare Part B at any time without penalty, highlighting the importance of considering the potential consequences of dropping coverage. We'd like to emphasize the complexity of Medicare rules and the need to understand the specific guidelines for each benefit to make informed decisions. Join us at a Fed Pilot workshop (webinar or in-person) and not only learn about your benefits, but how to prepare for retirement. The earlier in your career, the better. Register: https://fedpilot.com