Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes Federal Employees Make
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
Release Date: 08/05/2025
#137 Medicare & FEHB: Your Blueprint for Retirement Healthcare Success
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
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.
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Buy Back Military Time and Keep Retirement Pay – Is It Possible?
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
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.
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How Social Security and Medicare Work Together?
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
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...
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The Federal Employee’s Step-by-Step Medicare Enrollment Guide
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
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...
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#136 Maximizing Your Social Security: The Insider’s Guide
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
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...
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What Medicare Part B Covers That FEHB Doesn’t
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
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Mistakes That Can Reduce Your Social Security Benefits - Avoid These!
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
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.
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Coordinating Your FERS Benefits and Social Security: What You Need to Know
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
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#135 Your Last Year Before Retirement: The Ultimate Prep Guide
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
Are you a year away from retirement? The final 12 months before you retire from federal service are some of the most exciting — and most critical — months of your career. This is when decisions get real, timelines matter, and small mistakes can cost you big in the long run. In this episode, Micah and Floyd share their proven, month-by-month approach to making your last year as smooth and stress-free as possible.
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Timing is Everything: When to Claim Social Security as a Federal Employee
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
What age can I start collecting Social Security retirement benefits? What is my full retirement age, and how does it change if I delay or file early? - Jerry
info_outlineWhen planning your retirement from the federal government, small mistakes can lead to BIG problems, like delays, reduced pensions, or even being told you don’t have enough service time to retire!