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Federal Benefits Explained

Federal Benefits Explained

By: Andrew McNair
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About this listen

 Federal Benefits Explained is a podcast designed to help federal employees make sense of their retirement benefits with clarity and confidence.
Hosted by Andrew McNair, founder of SWAN Capital and son of a CSRS employee, the show breaks down complex topics like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), federal retirement timelines, survivor benefits, taxes, and income planning — without jargon or hype.
Each episode focuses on the real decisions federal employees face as they approach retirement, offering practical education, thoughtful strategy, and long-term perspective. The goal isn’t quick tips or risky moves but helping you understand how your benefits work together so you can retire confidently and sleep well at night.
Whether you’re early in your career, five years from retirement, or already planning your exit, Federal Benefits Explained gives you the knowledge you need to make informed choices about your future.
New episodes are released weekly. Follow the show to stay informed and confident about your federal benefits.

Copyright Chaesare Gray Economics
Episodes
  • Can I Retire with $300K in My TSP?

    Can I Retire with $300K in My TSP?
    Feb 20 2026
    If you are a federal employee under FERS or CSRS, the answer is not as simple as comparing your balance to a million-dollar headline. Your TSP is only one part of your retirement income. In this episode, Andrew McNair walks through:
    • How your FERS pension changes the equation
    • How Social Security fits in
    • What the 4 percent rule really means
    • How to calculate retirement income from $300K
    • The risks of inflation, healthcare, and longevity
    • When retiring early might actually work
    • Why it is not about the balance… it is about the plan
    If you are approaching retirement and wondering whether your TSP balance is “enough,” this episode will help you replace fear with clarity.

    Schedule your complimentary Discovery Visit using the link below: https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation

    If you would like a personalized Federal Benefits Report, visit swanncapital.com or call 800-848-8768.

    If you’d like help reviewing your TSP allocation or creating a personalized federal retirement strategy, schedule your complimentary visit today: https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation

    To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • How to Maximize Your FERS Benefits in 2026 (Pension, TSP, Social Security & FEHB)

    How to Maximize Your FERS Benefits in 2026 (Pension, TSP, Social Security & FEHB)
    Feb 6 2026
    Federal employees have some of the best retirement benefits available, but only if you know how to use them correctly. In this episode of Federal Benefits Explained, Andrew McNair walks through how to maximize your FERS benefits in 2026 by coordinating the five pillars of your federal retirement: your pension, TSP, Social Security, Special Retirement Supplement, and health and insurance benefits.

    Many federal retirees unintentionally leave income or coverage on the table simply because they do not understand how these benefits work together. This episode is designed to replace confusion with clarity and help you make confident decisions before you file your retirement paperwork.

    You will learn:

    • How to determine if you qualify for a full, unreduced federal pension
    • When the 1.1% pension multiplier applies and whether working longer is worth it
    • How much to realistically save in the TSP, even if you are late in your career
    • Why being too conservative in the G or F Fund can increase long-term risk
    • How to think about Roth vs Traditional TSP contributions in today’s tax environment
    • How to coordinate Social Security with the FERS Supplement and spousal benefits
    • What you must do to keep FEHB into retirement
    • How to approach FEGLI as costs rise with age

    Andrew also explains why a personalized Federal Benefit Report is the most important step you can take before retiring, helping you see your benefits clearly before you check the boxes that cannot be undone. If you are a FERS or CSRS employee planning to retire in 2026 or beyond, this episode will help you protect what you have worked decades to earn.

    Schedule your complimentary Discovery Visit using the link below: https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation

    Schedule your complimentary Federal Retirement Benefit Report:
    Call 1-800-848-8768 or email info@swan-capital.com

    Subscribe for more weekly guidance on federal retirement planning

    If you’d like help reviewing your TSP allocation or creating a personalized federal retirement strategy, schedule your complimentary visit today: https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation

    To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Best Ways to Withdraw from Your TSP in Retirement

    Best Ways to Withdraw from Your TSP in Retirement
    Jan 30 2026
    If you’re a federal employee or retiree, understanding how and when to withdraw from your TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) can make a significant difference in your retirement outcome. In this episode, Andrew McNair, founder of Swan Capital, breaks down the rules, strategies, and common mistakes around TSP withdrawals that federal employees need to avoid. You’ll learn:
    • When you can actually start taking penalty-free withdrawals from your TSP (including the key differences for regular, special provision, and early retirees)
    • The critical impact of state and federal taxes on your withdrawals—and why where you live in retirement still matters
    • How to choose between monthly, lump sum, or annuity options, and why most federal retirees should avoid the “one-size-fits-all” TSP annuity
    • The pros and cons of each withdrawal method, including how RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) work and why strategic timing matters
    • Why a careful income plan is vital to ensure your pension, Social Security, and TSP withdrawals work together—not at cross-purposes
    • The benefits of letting your Roth TSP compound, coordinating withdrawals with a CPA and financial planner, and common pitfalls like pushing yourself into higher Medicare premium brackets
    Andrew also explains how smart planning around TSP contributions, Roth vs. Traditional strategies, and relocation timing can dramatically improve how much you keep, not just how much you earn.

    Bottom line: You don’t spend gross income in retirement - you spend net. If you want personalized guidance, our team includes financial planners, a CPA, and an estate planning attorney, all under one roof, serving federal employees nationwide.

    Schedule your complimentary Federal Retirement Benefit Report:
    Call 1-800-848-8768 or email info@swan-capital.com

    Subscribe for more episodes breaking down federal retirement benefits in plain English.


    If you’d like help reviewing your TSP allocation or creating a personalized federal retirement strategy, schedule your complimentary visit today: https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation

    To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
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