Turning 65? Nearing retirement? This episode breaks down some of the most common—and confusing—questions federal employees and retirees face as they approach this milestone.

In episode 133 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val covers - Age-Based Reductions to Social Security –Taxing Social Security, FEHB vs. Medicare, TSP Withdrawals – Learn how to avoid unnecessary taxes and steer clear of the 10% early withdrawal penalty, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) – What they are, when they start, and how to plan for them.

If you're a federal employee or retiree looking for clarity on retirement finances, this episode gives you the straight answers you need—without the jargon.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review!

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

---

Listen to Previous Episodes:
https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

---

Connect with Val:
Phone --- (512) 582-6050
Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com
American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com
Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts
Linkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

---

About American Benefits Exchange:
American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 131 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val goes into the latest budget legislation proposals that could significantly impact federal employees and retirees. From raising FERS contributions and eliminating the FERS supplement, to shifting to a “High-5” pension calculation and introducing at-will employment measures. Val also explores proposed filing fees for MSPB claims and efforts to protect FEHB benefits amid ongoing fiscal negotiations.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review!

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

---

Listen to Previous Episodes:
https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

---

Connect with Val:
Phone --- (512) 582-6050
Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com
American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com
Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts
Linkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

---

About American Benefits Exchange:
American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 132 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explores supplemental income options like that can help bridge the gap between what you have and what you need. Most importantly, he answers a critical question: Why do so many people fail to secure the retirement they dream of? Spoiler: It’s not just about saving — it’s about planning.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review!

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

---

Listen to Previous Episodes:
https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

---

Connect with Val:
Phone --- (512) 582-6050
Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com
American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com
Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts
Linkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

---

About American Benefits Exchange:
American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 130 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val dives into a topic that often flies under the radar but can have a major impact on your federal retirement: Discontinued Service Time. Whether you're a seasoned federal worker or just starting your career in government service, understanding how prior federal service—especially service that was interrupted or ended—can affect your retirement benefits is crucial.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review!

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

---

Listen to Previous Episodes:
https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

---

Connect with Val:
Phone --- (512) 582-6050
Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com
American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com
Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts
Linkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

---

About American Benefits Exchange:
American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 129 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val explores the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and explains why market volatility is a risky game for retirees. While TSP is a powerful retirement tool for federal employees and members of the military, not all investment strategies are created equal—especially when you're no longer bringing in a paycheck.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review!

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

---

Listen to Previous Episodes:
https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

---

Connect with Val:
Phone --- (512) 582-6050
Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com
American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com
Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts
Linkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

---

About American Benefits Exchange:
American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Val dives into an often overlooked but important topic: the impact of death while actively employed as a federal worker. Val explains what happens to the benefits, salary, and retirement plans of a federal employee after their passing and discusses the policies and procedures that guide these situations, including survivor benefits, how life insurance works within federal employment, and the steps that families and loved ones must take in these difficult times.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review!

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

---

Listen to Previous Episodes:
https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

---

Connect with Val:
Phone --- (512) 582-6050
Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com
American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com
Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts
Linkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

---

About American Benefits Exchange:
American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Val dives into a crucial topic for federal employees — what happens to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loan when you separate from service? Whether you're retiring, resigning, or transitioning to a new job, dealing with an outstanding TSP loan is an important step in your financial planning. We break down your options, the consequences of inaction, and the best strategies for managing your loan balance.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review!

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

---

Listen to Previous Episodes:
https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

---

Connect with Val:
Phone --- (512) 582-6050
Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com
American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com
Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts
Linkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

---

About American Benefits Exchange:
American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Val dives deep into the intricacies of special groups retirement benefits within the federal government. From law enforcement officers to air traffic controllers, certain federal employees enjoy unique retirement packages designed to account for the physically demanding nature and high-risk environments of their jobs. We break down the different special groups, the eligibility requirements, and how their retirement benefits differ from traditional federal employee retirement plans.

Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review!

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

---

Listen to Previous Episodes:
https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

---

Connect with Val:
Phone --- (512) 582-6050
Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com
American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

---

About American Benefits Exchange:
American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.