Should you elect full survivor benefits when retiring as a federal employee? In this episode, John, Tommy, and Mike discuss one of the most critical decisions for federal retirees. They explore the costs, benefits, and long-term financial implications of survivor benefits, urging retirees to carefully consider their options. They also emphasize the importance of full survivor benefits for ensuring continued income for spouses after retirement, providing real-life examples to show how these benefits can impact financial security, tax advantages, and peace of mind.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)
• Stay Wealthy Retirement Show
• Federal Employees - DO NOT Decline Survivor Benefits!
• Mason & Associates Interview with Wavy 10- Military Survivor Benefits

Medicare decisions can be overwhelming, and with rising costs and policy changes, making the right choice is more important than ever. In this episode, Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance Group, shares his insights from helping over 20,000 clients navigate Medicare enrollment, insurance options, and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. He explains why working with his team can be a game-changer and how choosing the wrong plan could cost you in the long run.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Bryan Gay: LinkedIn | Website
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Compare

Is the Deferred Resignation Program an opportunity or a risk for federal employees? In this episode, Tommy, John, and Michael break down what this program means, how it’s impacting federal employees, and why having a solid financial plan in place is more important than ever. They’ll discuss why you can’t rely on every media headline, the importance of working with a knowledgeable team, and how to position yourself for financial stability—no matter how secure your job may seem. 

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• OPM FAQs

Did you know that the recent passage of the Social Security Fairness Act could significantly increase retirement income for many Americans? In this episode, John and Tommy break down the elimination of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), explaining how these changes impact public sector employees and their Social Security benefits. They discuss how financial advisors can help clients navigate these shifts, optimize their benefits, and prepare for potential tax implications.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Social Security Fairness Act
• MoneyGuide Pro
• RightCapital
• Dave Ramsey
• Episode 81: Social Security Shake-Up: What Proposed Changes Mean for Federal Employees
• Episode 73: Maximizing Social Security with Elaine Floyd
• Episode 41: Social Security In The News & We’re Confused
• Episode 38: Social Security: The Tax Torpedo
• Episode 37: Social Security: Family and Survivor Benefits
• Episode 36: Social Security: Beyond the Basics
• Episode 35: Social Security: How to Maximize Your Benefits
• Episode 30: SECURE 2.0
• Episode 12: Federal Employee Financial Planning Social Security Fairness Act: WEP
• Episode 11: Federal Employee Financial Planning Social Security Fairness Act: GPO

Are you ready to make informed decisions about your federal benefits and financial future? In this episode, Tommy, John and Ben explore the current market landscape and what the start of 2025 could mean for investors, especially those navigating the complexities of federal benefits. They discuss the importance of staying focused on long-term growth despite market volatility and share actionable tips on building a financial plan for the new year, balancing personal goals, tax considerations, and investment strategies.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Ben Raikes: Website
• Mason & Associates YouTube Channel
• Best Days to Retire as a Federal Employee  
• Don’t Close TSP 
• Don’t Max Your TSP
• Do NOT Decline Survivor Benefits

How will upcoming changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) impact your retirement strategy? In this episode, John, Tommy, and Ben explore the evolving landscape of TSP, focusing on new contribution limits and, coming in 2026, in-plan Roth conversions. They emphasize the importance of a collaborative approach to financial planning, avoiding groupthink, and tailoring strategies to each client’s unique needs.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Ben Raikes: Website
• Dave Ramsey
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
• Michael Kitces

What happens when Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy take the reins of government efficiency? In this episode, John, Tommy, and Ben dive into the bold initiatives of Trump 2.0's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Musk and Ramaswamy. With plans to slash $2 trillion in federal spending and eliminate entire agencies, this duo's vision could ripple through the federal and state systems, impacting employees, communities, and businesses alike.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned:

• Know The Score
• Key Retirement Options and Benefits for Federal Employees

Are you concerned about the future of Social Security? ith proposed changes to taxation and potential expansion of who is eligible for benefits, it's more important than ever to understand how these changes could impact your retirement.  In this episode, John, Tommy, and Ben, explain the complexities of Social Security.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Are you a federal employee curious about the best mortgage strategies in today’s market? In this episode, John and Tommy are joined by James Anderson, Regional Market Manager at CapCenter, to explore how inflation, interest rates, and economic resilience impact federal employees looking to buy or refinance. Learn how income is defined for mortgage purposes, why interest rates might improve over time, how to navigate today’s market without waiting for rates to drop, and how federal retirees can downsize smartly. 

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Are you still relying on traditional tax preparation methods or software? In this episode, John, Tommy, and special guest Rachel Meredith from Banks Mountain Financial dive into the crucial difference between tax planning and simple tax preparation. They explain why a proactive, year-round tax strategy is key to long-term financial success, as well as how their seamless collaboration helps clients navigate tax challenges with a forward-thinking approach.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC