For Your Benefit

January 24, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist.

Do you have questions about coordinating Medicare with FEHB? Email questions in advance and tune in to learn:

What FEHB and Medicare both cover

What Medicare does not cover

What FEHB does not cover

Why have both?

Coordinating FEHB with Medicare for “wraparound” coverage

Coordination issues to consider when making a Medicare enrollment decision

January 10, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Herb Casey, Federal Benefits Specialist.

“Retirement is a time to experience a fulfilling life derived from many enjoyable and rewarding activities.” – Ernie Zelinski

What lifestyle do you want in retirement? As you prepare for that glorious event, think of those emotional and personal factors that will bring retirement happiness to you. Determine which activities you enjoy, activities to eliminate, and activities that you feel are important to you.

Sure, most of you have been focused on financial readiness but it is equally important to look at the social, emotional and lifestyle issues which facilitate a healthier adjustment process.

What’s your vision of retirement?

What are those activities you enjoy and want to include in your retirement transition?

How can you anticipate and rehearse your future vision?

What social relationships will you have?

How will you spend your leisure time?

For questions or comments, email us in advance at [email protected]

January 3, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP®.

Looking to avoid financial missteps and getting a great start to the New Year? Join Karen Schaeffer, CFP®, and learn how to:

Maximize your TSP

Take advantage of HSAs

Protect your wealth with an Umbrella Policy

Rethink your mortgage

Give a warm and generous hand, and other smart financial strategies

For questions or comments, email us in advance at [email protected]

December 27, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP®. As the year comes to a close it is a good time to review your finances. Today’s discussion will focus on:

Year-end tax strategies

Retirement contributions

Reviewing your budget

Setting financial goals for the new year

Rebalancing investment accounts

For questions or comments, email us in advance at [email protected]

December 20 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tom O’Rourke, Esquire.  Today’s program will focus on tax updates including:

Changes in the tax law that will become affective in 2022

Changes currently pending in Congress

Steps individuals may take by year end to reduce their 2021 taxes

Income tax questions from our webinars

For questions or comments, email us in advance at [email protected]

December 13, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes WAEPA Senior Vice Presidents Tony Zerante and Stephanie Baker.

When making a New Year’s resolution to be healthier and more active in 2022, you might already know what type of gym package or exercise equipment you want to purchase. But do you know what type of life insurance coverage your family needs? Are you covered in the event of a short-term disability? A new year brings new opportunity, and WAEPA’s leadership will offer advice on using this opportunity to gain the peace of mind that your family’s future is secure.

For questions or comments, email us in advance at [email protected]

December 6, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Phil Gardner, Federal Benefits Specialist.  Today’s discussion will focus on recapping changes thus far in 2021 and what is ahead in the coming year.  There is good news and not so good news.

FEGLI rate increases

FEHB and Medicare rate increases on the horizon

Near record COLA increases for CSRS, FERS and Social Security

End of year retirement surge processing

Covid relief extended deadlines for FSA reimbursement

There is still time to make Open Season changes

For questions or comments, email us in advance at [email protected]

November 29, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, our hosts Bob Leins, CPA®, and Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director NITP, welcome Mary Beth Franklin, Certified Financial Planner®, Contributing Editor for InvestmentNews, and President of RetirePro.

Tune in for relevant information about your Social Security retirement benefit. During the broadcast you will learn the answers to some of the big questions you may have about Social Security such as:

How does the solvency of the Social Security Trust Fund impact your future?

Learn about the 2022 numbers that are going to impact your Social Security benefits.

Covid-19 and Social Security.

Why 2020 is no longer “a bad year to turn 60”.

Does Social Security pay retroactive benefits?

When does it make sense to delay claiming Social Security benefits?

When can Social Security benefits be suspended?

Why is it important to have a MySocial Security account?

The new and improved Social Security benefits statement.

Are Social Security benefits subject to income tax?

Who is eligible to receive Social Security benefits based on my work record?

For questions or comments, email us in advance at [email protected]

November 22, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Patti Hudson, Lifetime Health and Fitness Expert.

Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Presence of total well-being is defined as a balance between body, mind, and spirit. This includes mindful stress reduction practices, a focus on work/life balance, implementation of healthy eating behaviors, creating an individualized and effective exercise program, and the importance of adequate optimal sleep.

Tune in as Patti talks about finding ways to incorporate all of this and make it a less daunting task.

For questions or comments, email us in advance at [email protected]

November 15, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, our hosts Bob Leins, CPA®, and Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director NITP, will talk about Open Season.

Segment 1:  Things that everyone should do during Open Season:

Review your current year's out-of-pocket medical expenses

Check the plan brochure for your current plan for 2022:  How your plan is changing, 2022 premiums, and summary of benefits (links to these three topics are on the cover of every plan brochure)

Consider dental and vision plans to supplement FEHB choice

Employees elect an allotment for HCFSA, LEXFSA, and DCFSA as needed for tax savings

Segment 2:  What to consider during Open Season if you are employed:

Employees who are younger and in good health

Employees who are higher salaried may want to consider a HDHP

What is the difference in a consumer driven health plan vs. a traditional fee-for service plan with a PPO?

Beware of PPO plans that don't cover out-of-network benefits (BC/BS Basic, GEHA Elevate Plus) and have no deductible

When does a high option plan make sense?

Segment 3:  Questions for retirees to consider:

How do FEHB and Medicare work together?

Do you need both?

What is IRMAA?

What if you have Tricare?

What if one spouse is younger than 65 or there are children who are covered on your plan?

What are good choices for retirees with Medicare A & B?

What should Federal couples consider?

What are good options for retirees who are over age 65 and chose not to enroll in Medicare Part B?

For questions or comments, email us in advance at [email protected]