How Should I Allocate My TSP For Retirement Security?
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
Release Date: 10/15/2025
Avoid Running Out: Smart Withdrawal Strategies for Your TSP
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
Have you ever wondered how to avoid running out of money in retirement? In this episode of All About FERS, Certified Financial Planner™ John Raleigh breaks down practical withdrawal strategies for your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) so you can enjoy retirement without worrying about outliving your savings.
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#141 Furloughed! What Federal Employees Can Do When Paychecks Stop
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Jamie C. Shilanski, RFC®, talks about one of the most stressful situations federal employees face: a furlough. Whether this is your first or fifth time experiencing one, Jamie breaks down practical, real-world strategies to help you stay financially stable, protect your benefits, and make smart decisions while waiting for Washington to get back to work. From building your “911” emergency account to understanding how your FEHB premiums, retroactive pay, and TSP contributions are affected, this episode is all about controlling the...
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The True Value of Staying One More Year in Federal Service
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
Description For many federal employees, deciding when to retire is one of the biggest financial and emotional choices you will ever face. In this All About FERS episode, Christian breaks down both the financial math and emotional reality of delaying retirement by just one year.
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VERA Early Retirement: Great Opportunity or Financial Trap?
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
Thinking about taking a VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority) offer? Before you decide, make sure you understand the benefits and pitfalls that come with it. In this episode, John breaks down: ✅ What VERA early retirement really means ✅ Who qualifies - and when it’s offered ✅ The big advantages, like keeping your FEHB and avoiding layoffs ✅ The hidden traps, like lower pensions, delayed FERS supplements, and potential TSP penalties Whether VERA is a great opportunity or a financial trap depends entirely on your situation, and understanding the fine print could save your...
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#140 What Federal Employees Are Really Asking About Retirement
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
Ever wonder what questions other federal employees are asking as they plan for retirement? In this special episode, we’re taking you inside our recent in-person workshop, where we spent the day with federal employees diving deep into their benefits, tax planning, and retirement strategies. From understanding the 2026 TSP Roth conversion changes to life insurance math, Social Security surprises, and estate planning traps, this episode highlights the honest discussions and insights that came from the classroom. Join the Plan Your Federal Retirement team as we share key highlights and lessons...
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Do trusts pay higher taxes on inherited TSPs and IRAs than individual beneficiaries?
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
Did you know that a trust could be taxed at up to 40%? If your trust isn’t set up correctly, you could unintentionally send nearly half your estate to the IRS. That is why in this episode, Micah breaks down how inherited TSPs and IRAs are taxed when a trust is listed as the beneficiary and why so many estate plans fail to consider income taxes, not just estate taxes.
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Safe Withdrawal Strategies: Protecting Your Nest Egg
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
When is the best time to retire from the federal government? Choosing your retirement date isn’t just about flipping a calendar; it can determine how much you actually take home. In this All About FERS episode, Christian breaks down: ✅ The most strategic retirement dates (and why they matter) ✅ How your annual leave payout could add tens of thousands to your final paycheck ✅ The tax and TSP contribution timing traps you need to avoid ✅ Why December 31 isn’t always the magic number, and how to find your perfect date Whether you’re eyeing 2025 or still a few years away, this...
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How to Prepare for the Looming Retirement Crisis
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
Retirement isn’t just about leaving your job. It’s about maintaining your security, dignity, and lifestyle for decades. In this episode of All About FERS, John breaks down the looming retirement crisis facing federal employees. Discover what past generations got wrong about retirement, why planning for just 10 years is no longer enough, and how you can build a strategy that protects your lifestyle for decades to come.
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How Should I Allocate My TSP For Retirement Security?
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
When it comes to retirement planning, one of the biggest questions federal employees face is: How should I allocate my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to make sure I don’t run out of money? The TSP is a powerful tool for building wealth and creating income security in retirement. With just five core funds (plus Lifecycle Funds that mix them), your options may seem limited, but how you allocate between them makes a big difference in protecting your retirement lifestyle.
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How Does OBBBA Affect Federal Employees and Retirees
Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has officially reshaped the tax landscape, and if you're a federal employee or retiree, the changes matter more than you think. That's why in this All About FERS episode, Christian breaks down the most important updates, including: Why tax brackets aren't going up in 2026 (good news for your retirement plan!) The new Senior Bonus Deduction and how it could save you thousands Big changes to the SALT tax deduction (jumping from $10k to $40k) What the new "no tax on overtime" rules really mean for federal employees Charitable giving deductions...
info_outlineWhen it comes to retirement planning, one of the biggest questions federal employees face is: How should I allocate my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to make sure I don’t run out of money?
The TSP is a powerful tool for building wealth and creating income security in retirement. With just five core funds (plus Lifecycle Funds that mix them), your options may seem limited, but how you allocate between them makes a big difference in protecting your retirement lifestyle.