• The Ultimate Guide to Buying Back Military Time for Federal Employees
    Sep 23 2025

    Are you a federal employee who also served in the military? Did you know you can buy back your military time to boost your FERS pension and even retire earlier?

    In this episode of All About FERS, John walks you through everything you need to know about military buyback, including:

    ✅ What buying back military time really means

    ✅ How the cost is calculated (and why timing matters)

    ✅ The powerful benefits

    ✅ When it might not make sense to buy back your time

    ✅ Step-by-step guidance on how to start the process

    For many federal employees, this can be one of the smartest financial moves you ever make, but there are exceptions.

    Don’t miss this ultimate guide to making an informed decision.

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • #137 Medicare & FEHB: Your Blueprint for Retirement Healthcare Success
    Sep 22 2025

    Healthcare is one of the most important, and often most confusing, parts of retirement. For federal employees, the combination of Medicare and FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) adds unique rules, costs, and opportunities. In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Micah and John break down the myths, penalties, and strategies you need to know. From eligibility requirements to coordinating Medicare and FEHB, this conversation will help you make informed decisions that could save you thousands of dollars and protect your long-term retirement security.

    https://zurl.co/w091M

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Buy Back Military Time and Keep Retirement Pay – Is It Possible?
    Sep 17 2025

    Can you buy back your military time and still keep your military retirement pay? 🤔
    That’s exactly what Walt, a retired Air Force Veteran and combat-injured, wanted to know.
    In this episode of the FERS Federal Fact Check, Micah will help you understand:

    • The common rule for military buyback and retirement pay

    • The exception for combat-related disabilities

    • Why documentation is absolutely critical

    • Steps you should take before you retire

    If you’ve served in the Armed Forces and are now under FERS, this episode is a must-listen.

    https://zurl.co/YKs4a

    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • How Social Security and Medicare Work Together?
    Sep 16 2025

    Social Security and Medicare are two of the most important benefits you’ll rely on in retirement, but they don’t always start at the same time, and the rules can get confusing.

    In this episode, Christian Sakamoto answers a listener’s question, and he will walk you through:

    • When you can claim Social Security vs. when you’re eligible for Medicare

    • Whether Medicare enrollment happens automatically

    • How premiums are deducted from Social Security

    • The penalties for late Medicare enrollment

    • What to know if you’re still working and covered under FEHB

    If you’re a federal employee preparing for retirement, you won’t want to miss this breakdown.

    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
  • The Federal Employee’s Step-by-Step Medicare Enrollment Guide
    Sep 9 2025

    Are you approaching retirement and wondering how Medicare fits in with your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)? You’re not alone! In this episode of All About FERS, John breaks down the step-by-step process of enrolling in Medicare as a federal employee.

    Tune in and learn:

    ✅ When to enroll in Medicare and how to avoid costly penalties

    ✅ How Medicare coordinates with your FEHB coverage

    ✅ Which parts of Medicare federal retirees typically need (and which they don’t)

    ✅ Common mistakes to avoid

    ✅ How to review costs and reevaluate during Open Season

    Don’t leave your retirement health coverage to chance; get the straightforward answers you need so you can retire with confidence.

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • #136 Maximizing Your Social Security: The Insider’s Guide
    Sep 8 2025

    Social Security is one of the most misunderstood parts of retirement planning. For federal employees and their families, it’s not about whether to take it early or late; it’s about how to coordinate Social Security with your pension, TSP, survivor benefits, and taxes.

    In this episode, Micah and advisor John share real-life client experiences and dive into:

    • The Pros and Cons of Claiming at 62 vs. Waiting Until 70

    • Survivor benefits and why early decisions matter.

    • How Social Security interacts with your overall retirement cash flow.

    • What pending legislation could mean for your FERS supplement.

    • Practical strategies to avoid common mistakes.

    Listen now and get the clarity you need to make Social Security a strong part of your retirement plan.

    https://zurl.co/cmYMV

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • What Medicare Part B Covers That FEHB Doesn’t
    5 mins
  • Mistakes That Can Reduce Your Social Security Benefits - Avoid These!
    Sep 2 2025

    Did you know that the way you claim Social Security could cost you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime? In this episode of All About FERS, Christian breaks down the most common mistakes federal employees (and retirees) make with Social Security and how to avoid them.

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins