What’s really changing for federal employees retiring in 2025? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the new retirement process, including survivor benefits, electronic filing, and the realities of interest rates, refinancing, and investment risks. You’ll hear clear guidance on how to navigate these updates, what to watch out for in “no closing cost” mortgage offers, and how to make confident financial choices during this pivotal transition.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• FEFP: Fork in the Road: Understanding Your Federal Retirement Options (EP86)
• FEFP: Social Security: Family and Survivor Benefits (EP37)
• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn:  LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What’s the difference between reacting to taxes and truly planning for them? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the latest year-end financial planning and tax strategies every federal employee needs to know. With recent tax law changes and shifting financial dynamics, they tackle big questions like how the enhanced senior deduction works, when a Roth conversion makes sense, and why timing matters when harvesting capital gains.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• FEFP: One Big Beautiful Bill Part 2 (EP100)
• FEFP: One Big Beautiful Bill Part 1 (EP99)
• FEFP: An Inside Look at Strategic Planning Season (EP94)
• FEFP: Mortgage Strategies for Federal Employees with James Anderson (EP80)
• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn:  LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What does the One Big Beautiful Bill mean for everyday taxpayers? And how will it shape the financial future of federal employees across the country? In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the bill with Stephen Kimberlin of Forvis Mazars US, breaking down what it really means for people. Listen in as Stephen explains the nuances, clarifies common misconceptions, and provides practical insights to help you navigate this new tax landscape with confidence.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Stephen Kimberlin: LinkedIn
• Forvis Mazars
• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn:  LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What does the new One Big Beautiful Bill really mean for federal employees nearing retirement? Passed on July 4th, 2025, this sweeping tax legislation has stirred conversations across the country, but today we’re zeroing in on how it impacts federal employees with significant investable assets. While business owners and high-income earners also feel the effects, our focus is on helping you understand what this bill means for your retirement planning, your tax strategy, and your financial future.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Stephen Kimberlin: LinkedIn
• Forvis Mazars
• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn:  LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What if the biggest threat to your financial plan isn’t the stock market or taxes, but being underinsured? In this episode, Tommy and John sit down with Broc Buckles, co-founder of BC Brokerage, to talk about why insurance is a critical cornerstone of any financial strategy. Listen in to learn how to avoid overpaying, why working with a broker can uncover better coverage and rates than sticking with a single provider, and why the right insurance coverage could save you thousands while giving you peace of mind.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Broc Buckles: LinkedIn
• BC Brokerage
• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn:  LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What if your federal pension is small and you’re not relying on it—should you still elect survivor benefits? In this episode, John and Tommy respond to a listener’s detailed YouTube question about pensions, TSP, and survivor benefits when service time is short and other retirement savings are strong. They break down the real value of keeping survivor benefits, even when your pension isn’t your main income stream.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn:  LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Federal Employees - DO NOT Decline Survivor Benefits! 

Are credit cards still worth using with all the fees being passed on to consumers? In this episode, Tommy and John dive into a hot topic on their minds lately: the real pros and cons of credit cards, debit cards, and cash. They share their personal credit card habits, how many cards they each use, and the strategy behind maximizing rewards without falling into the trap of overspending.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn:  LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What's the difference between active and passive investing, and when should you use mutual funds versus ETFs? In this episode, John and Tommy break down essential investing concepts that federal employees need to know, covering everything from the fundamentals of stocks and bonds to practical cash management strategies.

You'll learn about active versus passive investing philosophies, the mechanics and tax implications of mutual funds and ETFs, and why dollar-cost averaging can help overcome emotional barriers in investing.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn:  LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What does it really look like to work with a financial planning team that knows your federal benefits inside and out—and shows up for you year after year? In this episode, John and Tommy take you behind the scenes of Mason & Associates’ Strategic Planning Meeting Season (SPM), where they conduct over 400 client meetings in just six weeks. They share real conversations, real actions, and the process that makes it all work.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn:  LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What does it take to grow a financial advisory firm the right way, without sacrificing client experience? In this episode, John and Tommy pull back the curtain on the strategic direction of Mason & Associates, sharing how they’re enhancing services, refining internal systems, and ensuring their clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Whether you’re already a client or someone searching for the right financial advisor, this episode offers valuable insights into the kind of care and intentionality you should expect from your advisor.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn:  LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• SPECIAL EPISODE: New Client Process & Client Experience