Episodes

  • Bonus Interview: Healthy Eyes, Healthy Lives: Vision Tips from the National Eye Institute
    May 20 2025
    Guest: Dr. Chantal Cousineau-Krieger, Ophthalmologist, National Eye Institute ️ May is Healthy Vision Month, and Matt McClure sits down with Dr. Chantal Cousineau-Krieger, an ophthalmologist with the National Eye Institute, to explore how your eye health connects to your overall wellness—especially as you age. We discuss:
    • How conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure impact your vision
    • The 20-20-20 rule to reduce screen strain
    • What foods support healthy eyes
    • The surprising connection between exercise and eye health
    • When and how often you should get a complete eye exam
    • Why early detection is critical—even if you feel fine
    • What those of us over 40 () need to keep in mind after LASIK or other vision corrections
    Whether you’ve been putting off that eye exam or are looking for ways to maintain clear vision into retirement, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more: https://nei.nih.gov

    Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.c...

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    7 mins
  • Law Enforcement Officers: Your FERS Benefits Decoded
    May 16 2025

    Are you a federal law enforcement officer, firefighter, air traffic controller, or other “special category” employee? If so, your retirement benefits come with very different rules—and better perks. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, we break down the unique FERS retirement system for Leos (law enforcement officers) and other special category feds.

    You’ll learn:

    • ✅ How your FERS pension is calculated (hint: 1.7% is magical)
    • ✅ When you can retire early (age 50 with 20 years, or earlier with 25)
    • ✅ How the supplement works—and when the earnings test kicks in
    • ✅ Big updates to TSP withdrawal rules under SECURE Act 2.0
    • ✅ Why your retirement income plan needs to include tax strategy

    Whether you’re in uniform or behind the scenes, this episode is your roadmap to retirement with clarity and confidence.

    Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

    Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

    Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

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    9 mins
  • Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes: What’s Shifting in Your Federal Retirement Benefits
    May 9 2025

    In this episode, Rayna Reyes tackles the potential increases in FERS pension contributions and what they mean for federal employees planning for retirement. Using her signature “Gatorade” analogy, she simplifies complex retirement concepts and helps you understand how your pension, Social Security, and TSP work together to build your future. If you’ve ever been confused by the numbers on your pay stub—or worried about upcoming legislative changes—this one’s for you.

    Got questions? Call Rayna at (850) 450-6500 or visit AmericanFederal.org to connect with her team.

    Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

    Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

    Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

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    10 mins
  • Bonus Interview: Crushed by Credit? There’s Hope — with Robin Growley
    May 6 2025

    In this bonus episode, we dive into the importance of tackling credit card debt before it spirals out of control. You'll hear insights from Robin Growley of Bank of America, who shares practical tips and a message of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by debt. Whether you're just starting to manage your finances or already feeling buried, this interview reminds us it’s never too late to take control.

    Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

    Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

    Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

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    2 mins
  • Rayna’s Roadmap: Live Retirement Events in 10+ States!
    May 2 2025

    Rayna Reyes is on the move—and so is her team! In this episode, Rayna walks you through a jam-packed schedule of upcoming Rayna Retirement events happening across the country, from Mississippi to Maine. Whether you're a federal employee in Texas, New York, Missouri, or Maryland, there's likely an in-person event coming to your backyard. These free sessions cover everything from your TSP to Social Security, Medicare, life insurance, and more. Bring your spouse, bring your questions, and most of all—bring your curiosity. Registration is free, and individual follow-ups are available. Don’t miss your chance to get the retirement answers you’ve been waiting for!

    Got questions? Call Rayna at (850) 450-6500 or visit AmericanFederal.org to connect with her team.

    Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

    Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

    Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

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    9 mins
  • The Truth About Health Insurance for Retired Feds
    Apr 18 2025

    Retirement doesn’t mean you stop making health plan choices—it means they matter more than ever. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna reveals how federal retirees can avoid costly health insurance mistakes, reduce premiums, and potentially get money back. Plus: how to decode your OPM codes and maximize Medicare coordination.

    Got questions? Call Rayna at (850) 450-6500 or visit AmericanFederal.org to connect with her team.

    Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

    Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

    Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

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    10 mins
  • Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Federal Retirement
    Apr 11 2025

    Headed toward your own Emerald City—retirement? ️ In this episode, Rayna Reyes helps federal employees map out the twists and turns on the journey to retirement. Whether you're eyeing a VERA, DSR, MRA+10, or just trying to figure out where you are on the path, this episode gives you practical tools to move forward with confidence.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • The differences between VERA, DSR, and MRA+10 retirements
    • How your age and years of service affect your eligibility
    • What benefits you keep (like health and life insurance) in each scenario
    • The pros and cons of deferring or postponing your retirement
    • How severance plays into your retirement options
    • Tips on protecting your FEGLI coverage and understanding reductions

    If you're facing uncertainty, consider this your compass. Let’s get you to the Emerald City—one smart step at a time.

    Got questions? Call Rayna at (850) 450-6500 or visit AmericanFederal.org to connect with her team.

    Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

    Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

    Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

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    16 mins
  • Bonus Interview: Spring Clean Your Finances for America Saves Week
    Apr 9 2025

    t’s America Saves Week—a perfect time to recommit to those financial resolutions you made in January. In this special podcast extra, Matt McClure speaks with Robin Growley, Head of Consumer Deposits at Bank of America, about smart, simple ways to build your savings. From automating deposits to using the 50/30/20 rule, learn how to set yourself up for financial success—without feeling overwhelmed.

    Why saving doesn’t have to be hard

    The psychology of naming your savings goals

    How to balance debt repayment with growing your savings

    Easy tools to help you “set it and forget it”

    For more tools and tips, visit americasaves.org.

    Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

    Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

    Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

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    6 mins