Episodes

  • How to Invest Your TSP with a FERS Pension (Avoid These Costly Mistakes)

    How to Invest Your TSP with a FERS Pension (Avoid These Costly Mistakes)
    May 1 2026
    If you're a federal employee, your FERS pension and Social Security change everything about how you should invest your TSP.

    Yet most retirement advice treats you like an average investor…

    And that’s where costly mistakes happen.

    In this episode, Andrew McNair breaks down how to think about your TSP as part of a complete retirement income plan—not in isolation. You’ll learn:
    • Why your pension acts like a built-in “bond”
    • The biggest mistake federal employees make with TSP
    • Why the traditional 60/40 portfolio may not fit your situation
    • How to balance growth with peace of mind
    • The hidden risks (like sequence of returns) that can impact your retirement
    This conversation is designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a smarter strategy so you can retire knowing your plan is built to last. If you're a federal employee and want help building a personalized retirement income plan, we’ll walk you through:
    • Your TSP strategy
    • Pension & Social Security integration
    • Tax-efficient withdrawal plan
    • Long-term income projections
    Schedule your complimentary visit here: https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation

    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
    26 mins
  • Do I Make Too Much for Roth TSP? (What Federal Employees Need to Know)

    Do I Make Too Much for Roth TSP? (What Federal Employees Need to Know)
    Apr 24 2026
    Many federal employees believe that once their income reaches a certain level…
    they’re no longer eligible to contribute to a Roth account.
    But when it comes to Roth TSP—that’s not true.

    In this episode, Andrew McNair breaks down one of the most common (and costly) misunderstandings we see:

    👉 There is NO income limit for Roth TSP contributions.
    👉 But there are income limits for Roth IRAs.
    We walk through a real-world example of a federal employee who unintentionally made the wrong decision simply because of confusion between these two rules.

    Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

    • The key difference between Roth TSP and Roth IRA income limits
    • Why high-income federal employees can still use Roth TSP
    • How this mistake can impact your long-term tax strategy
    • When a backdoor Roth IRA may make sense
    • How to prioritize Roth TSP vs Roth IRA contributions
    If you're planning for FERS retirement and want more control over your future tax bill, this is a strategy you need to understand.

    Bottom line:

    Roth TSP is one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—tools available to federal employees.
    If you’d like help building a personalized federal retirement strategy,
    you can request your free Federal Benefits Review below.
    https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation

    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
    18 mins
  • Before You Move Your TSP to the G Fund

    Before You Move Your TSP to the G Fund
    Apr 17 2026
    If you’re approaching retirement and considering moving your TSP into the G Fund… you’re not alone.

    For many federal employees, the G Fund feels like the “safe” choice. But what if that decision could quietly cost you more than you realize?

    In this episode, Andrew McNair breaks down when the G Fund makes sense and when it could put your retirement at risk. From understanding market volatility to building a reliable income strategy, this conversation will help you make smarter, more confident decisions with your TSP.

    You’ll learn why reacting to market swings can do more harm than good, how to think about your retirement income in “pillars,” and what most federal employees misunderstand about the G Fund.

    If you’re within 5 years of retirement, this is a must-listen.

    What You’ll Learn

    • Why the G Fund is not truly “safe” long-term
    • How inflation silently impacts your retirement income
    • The danger of making emotional, fear-based decisions
    • How to build a retirement income bridge
    • Why market drops are normal—and even necessary
    • The hidden limitation of TSP withdrawals most people miss

    If you want clarity on how your TSP, pension, and other benefits work together, we offer a complimentary second opinion for federal employees. Schedule your visit with one of our advisors today: https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation

    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
    18 mins
  • Is 100% C Fund a Mistake? TSP Strategy for Federal Retirement

    Is 100% C Fund a Mistake? TSP Strategy for Federal Retirement
    Apr 10 2026
    Most federal employees believe the C Fund is the best place to be. And for years… it’s been hard to argue with that. But here’s the problem:
    What works during your working years doesn’t always work in retirement. In this episode, we break down:
    • What the C Fund actually is (and what it’s missing)
    • Why recent performance can create dangerous assumptions
    • The real risk of going “all in” as you approach retirement
    • How volatility impacts your income—not just your returns
    • A more balanced TSP strategy for federal employees
    If you’re within 10–15 years of retirement—or already retired—this conversation could help you avoid one of the most common and costly mistakes we see. Who This Is For:
    • Federal employees (FERS / CSRS)
    • Ages 45–70
    • Nearing retirement or recently retired
    • TSP-focused investors
    Next Step:
    • If you want help aligning your TSP with your pension, Social Security, and income needs, request your free Personalized Federal Benefits Report today: https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation


    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
    20 mins
  • When You Should Use Traditional vs Roth TSP

    When You Should Use Traditional vs Roth TSP
    Apr 3 2026
    Most federal employees are told one simple rule:

    “Choose Roth if taxes will be higher later. Choose traditional if they’ll be lower.”

    But real life is not that simple.

    In this episode, we walk through when Roth TSP makes sense and when traditional TSP may actually be the better strategy for federal employees under FERS and CSRS.

    We break down key factors like:

    • Your current vs future tax bracket
    • The Roth five-year rule
    • Early retirement and the Rule of 55
    • State tax strategy
    • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
    • When tax diversification may be the smarter approach

    You’ll also learn why many federal employees benefit from blending Roth and traditional contributions rather than choosing just one.

    If you’re within 5–10 years of retirement, this conversation can help you make more confident decisions about your TSP and overall retirement income strategy.

    If you’d like a personalized Federal Benefits Report, including your pension, TSP, FEHB, and survivor benefits mapped out clearly, you can request one using the link below.

    Key Takeaways

    • Roth TSP locks in today’s tax rate, which is not always optimal
    • Traditional TSP provides tax deferral and flexibility later
    • The Roth five-year rule impacts when earnings become tax-free
    • The Rule of 55 allows penalty-free access to traditional TSP earlier
    • State taxes can significantly impact your strategy
    • QCDs favor traditional IRA assets for charitable giving
    • Many federal employees benefit from a blended tax strategy


    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
  • TSP Loans Explained: Rules, Risks, and Retirement Consequences Every Federal Employee Must Know

    TSP Loans Explained: Rules, Risks, and Retirement Consequences Every Federal Employee Must Know
    Mar 27 2026
    A TSP loan may feel like easy money. After all, it is your money. But for federal employees under FERS or CSRS, borrowing from your Thrift Savings Plan can quietly derail your retirement if you do not understand the rules, risks, and long-term consequences.

    In this episode of Federal Benefits Explained, Andrew McNair breaks down:

    • How TSP loans really work
    • The difference between general purpose and residential loans
    • Loan limits and interest rates
    • The hidden cost of lost compounding
    • Tax penalties if you default
    • What happens if you retire with a loan outstanding
    • When a TSP loan may be appropriate and when it is not

    If you are considering borrowing from your TSP or simply want to understand how it could impact your FERS retirement income, this episode will give you clarity and confidence before you make a decision.

    Retirement is not just about saving well. It is about protecting what you have built.

    If you would like a personalized Federal Retirement Benefits Report, call or text 1-800-848-8768 to schedule a complimentary Discovery visit.

    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
    11 mins
  • Warren Buffett’s Advice Every Federal Employee Should Apply to Their TSP

    Warren Buffett’s Advice Every Federal Employee Should Apply to Their TSP
    Mar 20 2026
    What does Warren Buffett have to do with your TSP?

    More than you think.

    In this episode, Andrew McNair breaks down timeless investing wisdom from Warren Buffett and shows how federal employees can apply it directly to their Thrift Savings Plan.

    If you are a FERS or CSRS employee, this episode will help you:

    • Understand why patience beats panic inside your TSP
    • Learn how diversification really works in the C, S, and I Funds
    • Avoid costly mistakes driven by headlines and elections
    • Keep investment costs low and protect long term growth
    • Think like Buffett when building your federal retirement strategy

    Here is something most federal employees do not realize. If you own the C Fund, you already own Berkshire Hathaway. Warren Buffett is in your portfolio.

    The bigger question is whether you are applying his principles.

    Andrew explains:

    • Why logging into your TSP daily can hurt your decision making
    • How market timing transfers money from the impatient to the patient
    • Why low cost index investing gives you a long term edge
    • What Buffett would likely do if he had a TSP

    Retirement is not just about building your TSP. It is about knowing how to use it wisely when you stop working.

    If you are within 5 to 10 years of retirement, or already retired, this episode is especially important.

    Want a personalized Federal Benefits Report?
    Click the link in the show notes to schedule your complimentary discovery visit.
    https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation

    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
    12 mins
  • The One Fund the TSP Is Missing

    The One Fund the TSP Is Missing
    Mar 18 2026
    The Thrift Savings Plan offers strong investment options. The C Fund. The S Fund. The I Fund. The F Fund. The G Fund. But what if your TSP is missing an entire asset class? In this episode of Federal Benefits Explained, Andrew McNair breaks down the one fund the TSP does not include — and why that gap could matter for federal employees approaching retirement. You will learn:

    • A clear overview of the 5 core TSP funds
    • How the L Funds are structured
    • Why real estate behaves differently than stocks and bonds
    • The difference between public REITs and private real estate
    • How TSP participants over 59½ or separated from service can explore broader options
    • Risks and restrictions of self-directed IRAs
    • Why diversification is about risk-adjusted return — not chasing performance

    If you are a FERS or CSRS employee preparing for retirement, this episode will help you think more strategically about income, inflation, and long-term diversification.
    Want a personalized Federal Benefits Report?
    Call 1-800-848-8768 or schedule a Discovery Visit today.

    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