Washington State’s Plan 2 pension is incredible, but is it enough to retire stress-free? Many employees assume their pension + Social Security will cover everything—but that’s not always the case. In this episode, we break down:

✅ Early retirement rules for Plan 2 – What penalties apply?

✅ Why your pension isn’t “set and forget” – Hidden financial risks

✅ Healthcare & taxes in retirement – Costs you might not expect

✅ Why you still need savings & investments – Even with a great pension

✅ Estate planning & long-term care – Protecting your legacy

🔹 If you’re relying only on Plan 2, you could be leaving yourself exposed to rising taxes, inflation, and healthcare costs. A strong retirement plan is more than just a pension—it’s a strategy for keeping more of your money and retiring with confidence!

00:00 – Intro

00:24 – Plan 2 Basics: How It Works & When You Can Retire

01:01 – Early Retirement Penalties & Why They Matter

02:03 – Biggest Mistakes Plan 2 Retirees Make

02:42 – Rolling the sick leave into VEBA

03:44 – How Social Security is Taxed (What Most People Miss!)

04:43 – Q&A: How do people expect the government to care for them?

07:27 – The Risk of Rising Taxes & Inflation on Your Pension

09:12 – Healthcare & Long-Term Care Costs in Retirement

11:40 – Inflation vs COLA

13:03 – Estate Planning: Why You STILL Need a Will & Power of Attorney

15:06 – Final Thoughts: How to Retire with More Confidence

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