Confident Federal Retirement
Confident Federal Retirement is the retirement podcast for federal employees who want to retire from federal service without guessing. If you’re within about 5–10 years of retirement and worried about picking the wrong date, misunderstanding your pension, or messing up TSP and Social Security, this show is for you. In each short, focused episode, I break down FERS, CSRS, TSP, Social Security, FEHB, FEGLI, and retirement taxes into clear decisions you can actually act on, without jargon or spreadsheets. You’ll hear real‑world scenarios, simple checklists, and straight answers to questions like: “When can I retire?”, “Will my pension and TSP be enough?”, and “How do I avoid ugly tax surprises?” I’m a fee‑only fiduciary financial planner who specializes in federal retirement planning, and my goal is to help you go from confused and uncertain to clear and confident about your next chapter. When you’re ready for one‑on‑one help, visit gtwealthguide.com to request a personalized federal retirement plan and talk through your options.
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Federal Employees, Should You Retire at 57, 60, or 62? |Ep 197
09/15/2026
Federal Employees, Should You Retire at 57, 60, or 62? |Ep 197
Are you a federal employee in your late 50s or early 60s trying to decide whether to retire at 57, 60, or 62? The decision is not only about the largest pension. Your retirement date may affect your FERS pension, TSP withdrawals, FERS Supplement, Social Security, FEHB coverage, survivor benefits, taxes, health, and time with your family. In this episode, you’ll learn: What changes when you retire at 57, 60, or 62. Why age 60 may be an important middle option. How the FERS Supplement fits into your income plan. Why the 1.1 percent FERS formula matters at age 62. How to compare your pension with your TSP withdrawals. Why FEHB and survivor benefits belong in the decision. How to build a simple retirement date scorecard. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Five TSP Rules Federal Employees Should Understand Before Retirement |Ep 196
09/10/2026
Five TSP Rules Federal Employees Should Understand Before Retirement |Ep 196
This episode is for federal employees within about five to ten years of retirement, especially those with most of their retirement savings in the Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP. Many federal employees assume the TSP works just like an IRA. It does not. The differences can affect your retirement income, taxes, spouse, children, charitable giving, and rollover decisions. In this episode, you’ll learn: What may happen to your TSP after both spouses are gone. How the age 55 rule may help you take penalty-free income from the TSP before age 59.5. Why TSP withdrawals may come proportionally from your investment funds. Why the Roth TSP five-year rule does not simply transfer to a Roth IRA. How qualified charitable distributions generally work through an IRA. Why “roll everything into an IRA” and “leave everything in the TSP” are both incomplete answers. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Can I Retire at 60 With a FERS Pension and TSP? 7 Steps to Check |Ep 195
09/08/2026
Can I Retire at 60 With a FERS Pension and TSP? 7 Steps to Check |Ep 195
Can I Retire at 60 With a FERS Pension and TSP? 7 Steps to Check Are you a federal employee in your late 50s or early 60s wondering whether you can retire from federal service? You may have a FERS pension, a six-figure TSP, Social Security, FEHB, and possibly outside IRAs. But even with those pieces in place, it can still be difficult to know whether your retirement income will support the life you want. In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, Tom Poltersdorf, CFP®, walks through seven important questions for federal employees considering retirement around age 60. You’ll learn how to: Look at your FERS pension, TSP, and Social Security as one retirement income plan Decide whether retiring at 60 or working until 62 makes sense for your situation Define your true retirement spending number, including travel and family goals Build a cash and investment strategy for the first years of retirement Evaluate required minimum distributions, Roth conversions, and future taxes Coordinate FEGLI, survivor benefits, and other forms of spouse protection Plan for financial responsibilities involving aging parents and adult children --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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When Should Federal Employees Take Social Security With a FERS Pension? |Ep 194
09/03/2026
When Should Federal Employees Take Social Security With a FERS Pension? |Ep 194
If you're a federal employee within about ten years of retirement, you may already have a FERS pension and possibly a FERS supplement. You may also have most of your savings in the TSP and be unsure when to begin Social Security. The decision is about more than claiming at 62 or waiting until 70. You also need to consider your pension, TSP withdrawals, spouse protection, taxes, and Medicare premiums. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the FERS supplement is separate from Social Security. What happens when the supplement ends at age 62. How claiming early or late changes your monthly benefit. Why married couples need to plan for the surviving spouse. How taxes and Medicare fit into the decision. Why a break-even chart should not be your only tool. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Roth Conversions for Federal Employees. How to Decide If They Fit |Ep 193
09/01/2026
Roth Conversions for Federal Employees. How to Decide If They Fit |Ep 193
If you are a federal employee within about five to ten years of retirement, and most of your retirement savings are in the traditional TSP or traditional IRAs, you may be wondering whether Roth conversions make sense for you. Roth conversions can create more control over future taxes, but they are not automatically right for every FERS or CSRS employee. Your pension, Social Security timing, TSP balance, Medicare enrollment, required minimum distributions, survivor planning, and available cash for taxes all matter. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Roth conversions may matter for federal employees. How FERS pension income, Social Security, and required distributions can stack together. How to identify a potential Roth conversion window. Why smaller annual conversions may provide more control. How the Medicare two year lookback affects planning. Four common Roth conversion mistakes to avoid. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Federal Employees Turning 65. Should You Add Medicare Part B to FEHB? |Ep 192
08/27/2026
Federal Employees Turning 65. Should You Add Medicare Part B to FEHB? |Ep 192
Should federal employees enroll in Medicare Part B when they turn 65, or is FEHB coverage enough? In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, Tom Poltersdorf, CFP®, explains how Medicare Part B works with FEHB for federal employees and federal retirees. You’ll learn how the decision changes depending on whether you are still working or already retired at age 65. Tom also explains FEHB and Medicare coordination, Medicare Part B premiums, IRMAA surcharges, HSA contribution rules, Special Enrollment Periods, and the potential impact of delaying Medicare Part B. You’ll hear a practical example of a married federal couple comparing FEHB only with FEHB plus Medicare Part B. The episode also explains why your specific FEHB plan, expected healthcare use, income, retirement date, and comfort with uncertainty all matter. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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How Federal Employees Can Take TSP Money Without Big Tax Mistakes |Ep 191
08/25/2026
How Federal Employees Can Take TSP Money Without Big Tax Mistakes |Ep 191
Soon to retire federal employees under FERS often have one big question. How do we take money out of the TSP in retirement without wrecking our taxes or running out of money? If most of your savings are in the Thrift Savings Plan and you are in your 50s or early 60s, this episode is for you. In this episode, you will learn The key TSP withdrawal rule that makes cash bucket plans hard inside the TSP The main ages that drive TSP withdrawal rules and early withdrawal penalties How the age 55 rule for federal employees is different from IRA rules What happens when your spouse or kids inherit your TSP and how it affects taxes Three common TSP traps federal retirees fall into when they roll over or withdraw A simple way to match each account to the job it should do in your retirement plan --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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FEHB, Medicare, And TRICARE At 65 For Federal Employees |Ep 190
08/20/2026
FEHB, Medicare, And TRICARE At 65 For Federal Employees |Ep 190
For soon to retire federal employees trying to sort out FEHB, Medicare, and TRICARE, the rules at 65 can feel confusing and high stakes. Do you keep your federal health plan, add Medicare Part B, rely on TRICARE For Life, or something else? How do you avoid penalties and expensive mistakes? In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, you will learn: • How FEHB and Medicare actually work together in retirement, instead of one replacing the other • A simple two column way to compare FEHB alone versus FEHB plus Medicare Part B for your situation • When it makes sense to suspend your FEHB for TRICARE or other coverage instead of canceling it • Why Postal Service retirees under PSHB have different Part B requirements than other federal retirees • Common traps around premiums, late enrollment penalties, Roth conversions, and income based Medicare surcharges • How to think about total annual cost instead of just chasing “more coverage” --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Will My Spouse Be Okay If I Die First In FERS Retirement |Ep 189
08/18/2026
Will My Spouse Be Okay If I Die First In FERS Retirement |Ep 189
For federal employees under FERS who are married and within about 5 to 10 years of retirement, one question comes up over and over. Will my spouse actually be okay if I die first. The survivor pension decision feels like a one time, high stakes choice, and most people are afraid of guessing wrong. In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, Tom walks through how the FERS survivor benefit really works and what it means for your spouse’s long term security, in plain English. In this episode, you will learn: • What you are actually choosing with the FERS survivor pension options and what they cost • Why electing zero survivor benefit can put your spouse’s FEHB health insurance at risk • What really happens to Social Security income when one spouse passes away • How taxes and Medicare premiums can change for the surviving spouse • Common traps federal employees fall into when they choose their survivor benefit • A simple “widow’s year” exercise to test if your spouse will truly be okay --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Retiring Before 62 As A FERS Employee What Really Changes |Ep 188
08/13/2026
Retiring Before 62 As A FERS Employee What Really Changes |Ep 188
This episode is for federal employees in their 50s and early 60s who are thinking about leaving before age 62 and are worried about what that does to their pension, health coverage, and the FERS supplement. If you want to retire from federal service without guessing, and you do not want to make an expensive timing mistake, listen in. In this episode, you will learn: The three main doors out of federal service and how they really work How retiring before 62 changes your pension amount and cost of living raises What has to be true to keep your federal health plan into retirement When you can and cannot receive the FERS supplement and how the earnings limit works The biggest traps I see federal employees fall into when they leave a little too early A simple way to price different retirement dates instead of just picking one --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Should Federal Employees Retire At 57 Or Wait Until 62 |Ep 187
08/11/2026
Should Federal Employees Retire At 57 Or Wait Until 62 |Ep 187
If you are a FERS federal employee in your 50s or early 60s and you are torn between retiring at 57 or waiting until 62, this episode is for you. In this Confident Federal Retirement episode, Tom walks through a simple example to compare retiring at your Minimum Retirement Age versus staying to age 62. You will hear how the FERS pension formula really works, what changes with the 1 point 1 percent multiplier at 62, and how much of the difference is just more years and a higher high-three salary. In this episode, you will learn: • How to compare FERS retirement at 57 versus 62 in plain English • What the FERS Retiree Annuity Supplement is and what happens to it at age 62 • How the Thrift Savings Plan can help fill the income gap when the supplement stops • Why FEHB health insurance is often not a good reason to work all the way to 62 • Four key questions to help you decide which retirement age fits your life and your spouse --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Are FERS Survivor Benefits Taxed Or Are You Paying Twice |Ep 186
08/06/2026
Are FERS Survivor Benefits Taxed Or Are You Paying Twice |Ep 186
If you are a federal employee and you are married, the survivor benefit can feel confusing. Your pension check goes down when you pick it. You may wonder if it is taxed, if it lowers your income, or if you are somehow paying twice. In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, Tom Poltersdorf, CFP, explains survivor benefits in plain, simple language. You will hear how the survivor choice changes your own pension check, what your spouse would see if you die first, and why the cost is not taxed twice. In this episode, you will learn How the survivor benefit changes your pension before tax How survivor checks are taxed to your spouse, and what part can be tax-free Why the IRS spreads out the money you paid in over many months How state taxes can change what lands in your bank account A simple way for you and your spouse to think about this choice together --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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FEHB Premium Conversion For Federal Couples Before And After Retirement |Ep 185
08/04/2026
FEHB Premium Conversion For Federal Couples Before And After Retirement |Ep 185
Many married federal employees feel confused about FEHB when one spouse retires and the other keeps working. They want to know who should hold the health plan, how long they need to be covered, and whether they can still pay premiums pre tax. In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, Tom explains FEHB premium conversion and the five year rule in plain English, with a special focus on dual federal couples. You will hear how coverage as a spouse counts toward your own five years, what happens when you move the FEHB enrollment to the working spouse, and how survivor benefits tie into FEHB for the surviving spouse. In this episode, you will learn. How FEHB premiums work for active federal employees and retirees. What the FEHB five year rule really means for each spouse in a two fed home. When it may make sense to keep one family plan or use two Self Only plans. A step by step example of moving FEHB to the working spouse for pre tax savings. How survivor pension choices and timing can affect FEHB for the surviving spouse. A simple checklist to help you avoid gaps and protect your FEHB in retirement. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Smart Ways Federal Employees Can Pay Taxes On Roth Conversions |Ep 184
07/30/2026
Smart Ways Federal Employees Can Pay Taxes On Roth Conversions |Ep 184
If you're a federal employee in your 50s or early 60s with most of your savings in the traditional TSP and IRAs, Roth conversions can feel confusing. You may like the idea of tax-free growth, but worry that a big tax bill today could hurt your retirement plan or your spouse later. In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, Tom explains Roth conversions in plain English for FERS and CSRS employees. You will see how tax brackets really work, how your FERS pension and TSP fit into the picture, and three smart ways to pay the tax bill without guessing. In this episode, you will learn What a Roth conversion is for federal employees with TSP and pensions How tax brackets work like buckets and why gap years matter Three main ways to pay the tax bill, including cash, pension withholding, and quarterly payments Why using outside cash often wins, and what to do if you cannot How Medicare premium surcharges can sneak in if conversions push income too high --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Unused Sick Leave And The 1.1 FERS Multiplier For Federal Employees |Ep 183
07/28/2026
Unused Sick Leave And The 1.1 FERS Multiplier For Federal Employees |Ep 183
For FERS federal employees with a big unused sick leave balance, the rules can feel confusing. Can sick leave help you retire earlier? Can it boost your FERS pension by getting you the 1.1 percent multiplier at age 62? Or does it only make a small difference in your federal retirement? In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, Tom explains what unused sick leave really does in the FERS pension formula, and where it fits into your retirement timing decision. In this episode you will learn: What unused sick leave can and cannot change in your FERS pension The two rules you must meet to get the 1.1 percent FERS multiplier When sick leave can push you over twenty years of service at age 62 Why sick leave does not change your age, retirement date, or eligibility How to think about “burning” sick leave versus banking it before retirement --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Should Federal Employees Take A VERA Early Retirement Offer |Ep 182
07/23/2026
Should Federal Employees Take A VERA Early Retirement Offer |Ep 182
If you're a FERS federal employee and your agency is talking about VERA, Voluntary Early Retirement Authority, it can feel scary and rushed. You may be in your 50s or early 60s with many years of service, and now there's an early retirement offer on the table. You do not want to guess wrong on VERA, a buyout, or a future reduction in force. In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, fee-only fiduciary planner Tom Poltersdorf explains VERA for federal employees in plain English so you can slow down and make a clear decision. In this episode, you will learn: What VERA, Voluntary Early Retirement Authority, is and why agencies use early outs during big workforce changes and RIFs. Who can qualify for a VERA early retirement under FERS and CSRS, and the basic age and service rules. What VERA does not do, including how it does not change the pension formula and is different from a VSIP buyout. How a VERA offer can affect your FERS pension, FEHB health insurance, TSP withdrawals, and your cash flow in retirement. Simple questions to talk through with your spouse before you say yes or no to any federal early retirement offer. A simple case study of a couple who compared taking VERA to working a few more years. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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4 Ways Federal Employees Accidentally Reduce Their FERS Pension And Retirement Pay |Ep 181
07/21/2026
4 Ways Federal Employees Accidentally Reduce Their FERS Pension And Retirement Pay |Ep 181
Many federal employees are surprised when their FERS pension in retirement is smaller than the estimate they saw on paper. In this episode, Tom Poltersdorf, CFP, walks through four common FERS pension reductions so you can plan your federal retirement with clear numbers instead of guessing. You will learn how deductions like federal income tax, state tax, survivor benefits, FEHB health insurance, dental, vision, and life insurance can lower your FERS pension check. Tom explains which types of federal service do not count as creditable service for FERS, and how military service deposits and other deposits can increase or reduce your pension if they are not handled correctly. You will also hear how part‑time federal service is used to reduce your pension based on actual hours worked, and how the FERS MRA plus ten retirement option can trigger a permanent age reduction if you start your pension before age 62. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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FERS Special Retirement Supplement For Federal Employees Explained in Plain English |Ep 180
07/16/2026
FERS Special Retirement Supplement For Federal Employees Explained in Plain English |Ep 180
If you're a FERS federal employee and you want to retire before age 62, you've probably heard about the “Special Retirement Supplement.” But what is it really? Is it part of Social Security? How long does it last? And what happens if you work another job after you retire? In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, Tom explains the FERS Special Retirement Supplement in simple, plain English so you can see how it fits into your retirement paycheck. In this episode, you will learn: What the FERS Special Retirement Supplement is and what gap it is meant to fill Which retirement paths qualify for the supplement, and which do not A simple way to estimate your supplement using your age 62 Social Security amount and your FERS years Why the supplement stops at 62 and does not change your Social Security How wages from a new job can reduce or erase your supplement, while pensions and TSP do not count in that test How the supplement is taxed and how to think about it inside your full retirement plan --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Two TSP Mistakes Federal Employees Make When They Start Retirement |Ep 179
07/14/2026
Two TSP Mistakes Federal Employees Make When They Start Retirement |Ep 179
For federal employees in their 50s and early 60s with most of their savings in the Thrift Savings Plan, the shift from saving to spending can feel confusing. The market does what it wants. The tax code has its own rules. And small decisions about how you set up your TSP and withdrawals can have a big impact on how confident you feel once the paychecks stop. In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, Tom Poltersdorf, CFP, walks through two common TSP mistakes he sees with soon to retire and newly retired federal employees, and how to start fixing them. In this episode you will learn: What sequence of returns risk really means when you have a FERS pension and a large TSP balance. How a simple three to five year sleep at night bucket can help you ride out early market drops. Why taking all your retirement income from traditional TSP can push you into higher tax brackets. A basic way to blend withdrawals from TSP, taxable savings, and Roth accounts more intentionally. How a clear withdrawal map ties together your TSP allocation, income plan, and tax picture. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Roth Conversions When You Have A FERS Pension |Ep 178
07/09/2026
Roth Conversions When You Have A FERS Pension |Ep 178
Many federal employees keep hearing the same story. Retire, let your income drop, then do big Roth conversions from your TSP in the low-income years. The issue is that once a FERS pension and maybe a spouse pension start, those years are often not very low at all. That can leave you worried you are missing something or paying extra tax now for very little benefit later. In this episode, you will learn: Why the classic Roth conversion playbook was built for people without pensions How a FERS pension, the supplement, and later Social Security can keep you in similar tax brackets after you retire A simple example of a federal couple with about one hundred and thirty thousand dollars of pension income before Social Security The five key questions to look at before you decide how much to convert A step by step way to start with your retirement paycheck instead of starting with your accounts --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Should You Cut Your FERS Survivor Benefit? (Married Feds) |Ep 177
07/07/2026
Should You Cut Your FERS Survivor Benefit? (Married Feds) |Ep 177
If you're a married federal employee under FERS, the survivor benefit election is one of the biggest one time choices you'll make at retirement. Check the wrong box, and your spouse could lose income, or even health coverage, if you pass first. Check too safe, and money can feel tight while you're both still here. In this episode, I break down the three main FERS survivor options in plain English. You'll get a simple five step checklist you can do at the kitchen table, covering income, expenses, TSP and savings, FEHB and taxes, and one honest gut check with your spouse. I also walk through when a smaller survivor benefit might be okay, and when cutting it could leave the surviving spouse under real stress. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Two Big Fears Federal Employees Face Before And After Retirement |Ep 176
07/02/2026
Two Big Fears Federal Employees Face Before And After Retirement |Ep 176
Many married federal employees in their 50s and early 60s feel the same two fears. Before retirement, the fear is, do we have enough to stop working? After retirement, the fear is, are we spending this money too fast? In this episode, you will hear simple stories from real federal couples and see how a clear plan can help calm your mind before and after you retire. In this episode, you will learn: The two main fears most FERS and CSRS federal employees face How missing information about spending, pension, and TSP feeds those fears A simple way to think about your “retirement paycheck” from FERS, TSP, and Social Security How a basic bucket plan can guide your spending after you retire Easy steps you can take this week to start turning vague worry into clear questions --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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How Your TSP And Survivor Benefit Choice Affect Your Spouse |Ep 175
06/30/2026
How Your TSP And Survivor Benefit Choice Affect Your Spouse |Ep 175
Many married federal employees look at their FERS pension and their TSP as two separate choices. Then they treat the survivor benefit form like a small checkbox, without seeing how it can change a spouse’s income and healthcare for the rest of their life. That can lead to a lot of stress. In this episode, you'll learn how your TSP and survivor benefit really work together, and how Federal Employees Health Benefits, or FEHB, can keep that choice from being as simple as it looks on the form. In this episode, you will learn: The three FERS survivor benefit options in plain English. How to think about your TSP as a second paycheck in this choice. The key FEHB rule that can affect a surviving spouse’s health coverage. A simple four question framework you can walk through at home. Case style examples of how different federal couples approached this decision. Common mistakes and myths that can put a spouse at risk. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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How Married Federal Employees Can Choose FERS Survivor Benefits Without Overpaying |Ep 174
06/25/2026
How Married Federal Employees Can Choose FERS Survivor Benefits Without Overpaying |Ep 174
Many married federal employees under FERS feel stuck on the survivor benefit choice. They do not want to give up too much of their pension while both spouses are alive. But they also do not want to leave the surviving spouse short if the federal employee dies first. This episode is for federal employees in their 50s and early 60s who are within about 5-10 years of retirement, and where only one spouse is the federal employee. In this episode, you will learn. What the FERS survivor benefit really is and how the cost shows up in your monthly pension. Why this choice feels so scary and what “overpaying” can look like. The key questions to ask about the non-federal spouse before you choose an option. A simple step by step checklist to compare full, smaller, and zero survivor benefits. A short story of how one couple worked through this decision together. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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5 Costly TSP Mistakes Federal Employees Make Near Retirement |Ep 173
06/23/2026
5 Costly TSP Mistakes Federal Employees Make Near Retirement |Ep 173
Soon‑to‑retire federal employees with most of their savings in the traditional Thrift Savings Plan often worry about making a mistake in the final stretch before retirement. The rules are not always clear-cut and small decisions can have big effects on your stress level later. In this episode, you will learn: Why maxing out your TSP too fast can cause you to lose part of your agency match How drifting into the G Fund over time can reduce the growth you need in later years When it can backfire to roll your entire TSP to an IRA as soon as you retire How TSP withdrawals really work when you are trying to use a safe bucket in a down market What it means to have a tax window in your 60s, and how missing it can lead to higher taxes and Medicare premiums later --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Military Buyback Rules For Federal Employees Who Are Retirees Or Reservists
06/18/2026
Military Buyback Rules For Federal Employees Who Are Retirees Or Reservists
If you are a federal employee with a military pension in the mix, the rules around buying back your time can feel especially confusing. Maybe you retired from active duty and now work under FERS. Or you spent years in the reserves or Guard and are trying to sort out what can count toward your civilian retirement. You might have heard that you can never buy it back if you get a pension. Or that you would have to give up your military check. Or that reserve time does not count at all. A lot of that is incomplete or only true in certain situations. In this episode, you will learn How military buyback works differently for active duty retirees versus reserve and Guard retirees When an active duty retiree might consider a buyback, and what waiving retired pay would really mean How reserve and Guard retirees can often buy back active duty periods and still keep their reserve or Guard pension Why drill weekends usually do not count, but federal active orders often can Simple steps to gather records, request deposit estimates, and compare your options calmly --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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Hidden Tax Problems For High-Income Federal Couples With Big Pre-Tax Balances |Ep 171
06/16/2026
Hidden Tax Problems For High-Income Federal Couples With Big Pre-Tax Balances |Ep 171
If you and your spouse are both high-income federal employees under FERS, earning strong salaries and maxing the traditional TSP, the biggest risk you face is often not saving too little. It is how and when all of that pre-tax money comes out, and what that does to your taxes, Medicare costs, and surviving spouse. In this episode, you will learn Why large traditional TSP and IRA balances can turn into very large required withdrawals later on How many high-income federal couples miss their early retirement tax window without realizing it What the widow's penalty is, and how a surviving spouse can pay higher tax on lower income How Medicare IRMAA can increase your Part B and Part D premiums years after a big withdrawal or Roth conversion Why a clear withdrawal order and paycheck design is a form of advanced retirement income planning, not just “where do we pull from this year” --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- Federal Retirement YouTube Videos -
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How Federal Employees Can Avoid The Widow Tax Trap In Retirement |Ep 170
06/11/2026
How Federal Employees Can Avoid The Widow Tax Trap In Retirement |Ep 170
Many married federal employees focus on whether they have enough to retire, but not on what happens to the surviving spouse’s taxes when one of them passes away. The hard truth is that a widow or widower can end up paying more in taxes and Medicare costs on less income, because the tax brackets, deductions, and Medicare IRMAA thresholds all tighten for single filers. In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, Tom breaks down the widow tax trap in plain English and shows how it plays out for federal retirees with FERS pensions, TSP balances, and Social Security. In this episode, you will learn: What actually changes in the tax code when a married couple becomes a single filer. A simple case study of a retired federal couple, before and after one spouse passes away. Why pensions, Social Security, and TSP required minimum distributions can push a surviving spouse into higher brackets. How Roth conversions and other planning moves can help manage future surviving spouse taxes. A practical checklist to start this conversation now, while you are both alive. --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes: --------------- YouTube Link -
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Military Service Buyback For FERS Federal Employees, Is It Really Worth It? |Ep 169
06/09/2026
Military Service Buyback For FERS Federal Employees, Is It Really Worth It? |Ep 169
Many federal employees with prior military service have heard about “buying back” their time, but are not sure if it's worth writing a big check just a few years before retirement. The rules are confusing, the stakes feel high, and most people only get one shot at this decision. If you're a FERS federal employee in your 50s or early 60s, with active duty, reserve time on orders, or academy service in your past, this episode will help you think through the decision without guessing. In this episode, you will learn What a military service buyback really is under FERS, in plain English How military time can affect both your retirement eligibility and your pension amount Why the service date on your paystub can be misleading for retirement planning Three simple examples of active duty, reserve, and academy service, with real break even math A step by step overview of how to request your deposit estimate and start the process --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes:
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How Federal RMDs Stack With Your Pension And Social Security In Retirement |Ep 168
06/04/2026
How Federal RMDs Stack With Your Pension And Social Security In Retirement |Ep 168
If you're a married federal employee in your 50s or early 60s with most of your savings in the traditional Thrift Savings Plan, you might be wondering how required minimum distributions will affect your taxes and retirement paycheck. Many federal employees have never seen their FERS pension, Social Security, and future RMDs all on one page, which can lead to nasty surprises in their 70s. In this episode of Confident Federal Retirement, you will learn What required minimum distributions are How RMDs stack on top of your FERS pension and Social Security in your 70s A real-world style case study of a federal couple whose income jumped more than they expected How RMDs can push you into higher tax brackets and trigger Medicare IRMAA surcharges Five simple steps to map your own “income stack” and spot your gap years When it might make sense to explore Roth conversions or shifting your savings mix --------------- When you're ready for a personalized plan built around your specific federal benefits, visit to request your free Federal Retirement Blueprint. We’ll map out your federal benefits, TSP, Social Security, and tax plan on one page so you can retire from federal service without guessing. --------------- Get your copy of the Federal Retirement Readiness Blueprint: a 7‑step checklist to pick the right retirement date and see what will actually hit your bank account after survivor benefits, FEHB, and taxes:
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