In this essential episode for federal employees, Val dives deep into the biggest retirement planning mistakes and questions he gets asked frequently. sees time From misunderstood TSP strategies to healthcare confusion, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make smarter decisions for your financial future.

Val tackles questions like:

✅ Should I take a TSP loan or hardship withdrawal to pay off credit card debt?

✅ How do FEHB and Medicare work together—while you're still employed and after retirement?

✅ How can I withdraw from my TSP in retirement without triggering a major tax bill?

✅ What are Val’s thoughts on using the TSP Roth or converting traditional funds to Roth?

Whether you're five years from retirement or just starting to think about your financial plan, Val breaks it all down with clarity, and experience.

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/

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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.

Planning for a retirement outside the United States? In episode 145 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val discusses the pros and cons of retiring abroad, and the specific countries that could be beneficial and fit into your plans in retirement!

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.

Retirement shouldn't be a question mark - it should be a plan. In episode 144 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val explains a recent situation he came across in helping a federal employee and goes on to explain how federal employees can create guaranteed lifetime income streams and build a rock-solid financial foundation for retirement.

He breaks down:
✅ What "guaranteed income" really means—and why it matters
✅ Smart strategies within your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
✅ How to balance growth and safety as you near retirement
✅ The role annuities can play in creating predictable income
✅ Tips to build up your TSP and convert savings into retirement paychecks

Federal benefits are powerful—but only if you know how to use them. Don’t leave your retirement to chance. Learn how to turn your federal career into a future of financial confidence.

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 143, Val breaks down the key points of the updated retirement process for Federal Employees, including the OPM/Online retirement application process and various FEGLI options available during this process.

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 142, Val dives deep into the complexities of inheriting retirement accounts, specifically comparing the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and Inherited IRAs when the beneficiary is not a spouse. If you've recently inherited a retirement account—or you're planning your estate—this episode is essential listening.

https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/07/23/tsp-inheritance-vs-inherited-ira-rules-for-non-spouse-beneficiaries/

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 141 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val dives into the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority—better known as VERA—and what it means for federal employees weighing their retirement options. You could be a seasoned civil servant considering early retirement or a mid-career federal employee planning for the future, but understanding the true impact of VERA is critical.

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.

On this episode of The Federal Retirement Show, Val Majewski tackles one of the most important parts of a federal employee’s career: service separation. Whether you’re preparing to retire, transfer to a new role, or step away from federal service entirely, this phase brings big questions and critical decisions.

📌 Key topics include:

• How to prepare for departure from federal service

• What happens to your FEHB, FEGLI, and TSP

• Common mistakes to avoid during transition

• Where to find help and personalized guidance

🎙 Have a question for Val?
Your topic could be featured on a future episode! Reach out anytime — we’d love to hear from you.

Connect with Val:
📞 (512) 582-6050
📧 vmajewski@thinkabx.com
🌐 thinkabx.com
🌐 federalretirementshow.com
🔗 LinkedIn – American Benefits Exchange

🎧 Catch Up on Past Episodes:
https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

📺 Subscribe on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

About American Benefits Exchange:
American Benefits Exchange provides tailored financial solutions for federal, postal, and state employees, as well as military personnel and small business owners. With decades of experience, ABX helps clients navigate critical issues like retirement planning, FEGLI Option B replacement, TSP rollovers, and pension maximization — all with a deep understanding of the civil service landscape.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On episode 139 Val explains the top 10 mistakes made by Federal Employees when planning for retirement.

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.