Episode 108: Good Financial Hygiene: Cybersecurity, Addressing Scams, and Staying Financially Protected
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
Release Date: 01/05/2026
Episode 116: Life After DRP: What We Learned from Federal Employees Who Took the Offer
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
What really happens after you accept a Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) offer—and how do you know if it was the right move? In this episode, you’ll learn what federal employees experienced on the other side of DRP, from emotional uncertainty to financial outcomes, and why preparation made all the difference. The conversation breaks down how DRP worked, who it benefited most, and what to expect if similar opportunities arise in the future. Access the full show notes at Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: John Mason: Tommy Blackburn: Ben...
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Episode 115: Let's Talk Taxes: Trump Accounts, Virginia Tax Changes & NIIT for Federal Employees
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
Do you actually understand how recent tax changes could impact your financial plan? In this episode, we break down several important tax topics, including Trump accounts, Virginia tax changes, Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), and estimated tax payments. Tax laws are constantly changing, and what seems permanent today may change with the next administration, which is why tax planning should always be part of a long-term financial strategy. Access the full show notes at Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: Tommy Blackburn: Ben Raikes:
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Episode 114: When Should Federal Employees Claim Social Security?
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
Is claiming Social Security early really the smartest move, or could it cost you more in the long run? In this episode, you’ll learn how financial planners actually think about claiming strategies beyond the headlines and viral YouTube advice. We break down the real factors that matter and why there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer when it comes to turning on your benefits. Access the full show notes at Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: Tommy Blackburn:
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Episode 113: Your FERS Retirement: Back to the Basics
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
Are federal employees sitting on far more wealth than they realize? In this episode, financial planners Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the fundamentals of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and explain why your pension is only one piece of a much larger financial picture. You’ll learn how the FERS pension formula works, what your “high-three” salary actually means, and how factors like minimum retirement age, years of service, and turning 62 can impact your retirement income. The conversation also covers how employee contributions have changed over time, how the...
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Episode 112: Medicare in 2026 Part 2: No One Size Fits All for Federal Retirees
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
Are you choosing your Medicare plan based purely on math or on what truly fits your life? In Part 2 of our Medicare 2026 series, Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance and seasoned Medicare expert, returns to expand your understanding of the options available, especially if you’re a federal employee or enrolled in TRICARE for Life. You’ll learn why Medicare decisions aren’t just about premiums and deductibles, why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and how to evaluate whether switching plans actually makes sense for your situation. Access the full show notes at Resources...
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Episode 111: Medicare in 2026: What Changed and What It Means for Federal Retirees
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
Is your Medicare plan still working for you, or are you just hoping it is? In this episode, we’re joined by Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance and a seasoned Medicare expert, fresh off another busy Annual Enrollment Period. Bryan breaks down how Medicare enrollment really works, what changed this past year, and why a “one-size-fits-all” approach often leaves people underinsured or overpaying. Access the full show notes at Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: Tommy Blackburn: Bryan Gay:
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Episode 110: The Mason & Associates New Client Experience for Federal Employees
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
Ever wondered what actually happens after you book an intro call with Mason & Associates? In this updated episode, we walk you through our new client experience from start to finish, including how our process works, what our fees look like, and what it’s really like to work with us long term. Even if you’re not ready to become a client, this episode gives you a clear picture of what to expect so you can make informed decisions, whether you hire us or someone else. Access the full show notes at Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: Tommy Blackburn: John...
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Episode 109: 10 Things You Can Do Outside of an Open Season
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
Think you have to wait for Open Season to make meaningful financial decisions as a federal employee? This episode breaks that myth wide open. John, Ben, and Tommy walk through the most impactful moves federal employees can make any time of year, from optimizing your TSP and HSA to updating insurance, beneficiaries, and retirement strategies. Whether you’re early in your federal career, nearing retirement, or already retired, this episode gives you a practical checklist to help you avoid costly mistakes, spot overlooked opportunities, and make more confident decisions year-round. ...
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Episode 108: Good Financial Hygiene: Cybersecurity, Addressing Scams, and Staying Financially Protected
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
What if getting hacked isn’t a question of if, but when? In this episode, Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the real-world cybersecurity risks they’re seeing—not in theory, but from personal experience. After being compromised multiple times in a single year, John shares why even people with strong security habits can still be targeted, as well as what that means for retirees, business owners, and anyone managing meaningful assets. Access the full show notes at Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: Tommy Blackburn: John Mason:
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Episode 107: Should Federal Employees Do Roth Conversions? Do They Help Or Hurt?
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
Do Roth conversions make sense for everyone? In this episode, we unpack the rules, strategies, and potential pitfalls of Roth conversions, as well as the role of taxes, spending, and charitable goals. You’ll learn why it’s not always wise to “just convert everything now” and why flexibility is a crucial part of any financial strategy. Access the full show notes at Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: Tommy Blackburn: John Mason:
info_outlineWhat if getting hacked isn’t a question of if, but when? In this episode, Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the real-world cybersecurity risks they’re seeing—not in theory, but from personal experience. After being compromised multiple times in a single year, John shares why even people with strong security habits can still be targeted, as well as what that means for retirees, business owners, and anyone managing meaningful assets.
Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC
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