For Your Benefit

October 3, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Mercedes Johnson, Federal Benefits Specialist.  Open Season will run from Monday, November 14 – Monday, December 12, 2022.  If you are wondering why it is important to understand and participate in Open Season, tune in to this broadcast.

Which programs participate in Open Season?

What changes can be made?

What are the effective dates for enrollments and changes?

Are there any limitations for annuitants during Open Season?

Why would an employee want to change Premium Conversion Status during Open Season?

What happens if I do nothing during Open Season?

Can changes be made after Open Season?

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

September 26, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tom O’Rourke, Esquire.

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August 2022. It provides tax saving opportunities to encourage individuals to invest in clean energy products and to take energy conservation measures. We will discuss what steps individuals must take to qualify for these tax savings.

We will also discuss IRS regulations issued in September 2022 regarding an individual’s obligation to take withdrawals from a tax qualified plan such as the TSP.

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

September 19, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Stephanie Baker, Chief Experience Officer, and Brandon Jones, Chief Information Officer, WAEPA. Our guests will talk about the importance of evaluating your life insurance needs during Life Insurance Awareness Month.

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

September 12, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David Santana, Health Insurance Specialist from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Did you know that FEHB Open Season and Medicare Open Enrollment are not the same? The 2023 Federal Benefits Open Season is coming. This is the time for you to think about your health, dental, vision, and tax-saving needs, and to enroll or change your enrollment. It is also the time to consider other health care coverage options, such as Medicare.

Topics include:

The difference between FEHB Open Season and Medicare enrollment periods.

Which Part of Medicare do I need?

When and how can I enroll in Medicare and Medicare health plans? Do I have to enroll in Medicare?

If I have both FEHB and Medicare, who is supposed to pay first?

Do my FEHB premiums change when Medicare pays first (is primary)?

How about Medicare Health Plans (Medicare Advantage Plans)?

How much does Medicare cost?

Is there premium assistance for Medicare Part B?

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

August 29, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kari Utz-Wolsky, Nutrition and Conditioning Specialist, CFT, SPN, SSC (ISSA). If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then this discussion is for you.

Do you wake up more tired than when you went to sleep?

Do you find yourself craving sugar mid-afternoon?

Do you rely on caffeine to get you through the day?

Do you rely on sleep aids to fall asleep at night?

Are you able to work out the way that you want?

Have you cut out fun social events or activities because you feel too tired?

Send in a question: Email us in advance at [email protected]

August 22, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Joel Cundick, CFP® to talk about retirement transition:

What to be thinking about in advance of retirement

How you might spend your time (volunteering, part-time work, classes at university, other hobbies)

How income will work

How to consider a move to another state

Send in a question:  Email us in advance at [email protected]

August 15, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David Melton, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration.

How to get help from Social Security

The redesigned my Social Security account and expanded services available such as online Social Security card requests

5 Steps toward your financial security https://www.ssa.gov/agency/5-steps-toward-your-financial-security/

Your retirement checklist

How to apply online for retirement, spouses, or Medicare benefits

Send in a question: Email us in advance at [email protected]

August 8, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Justin Dean, CFP®.

In an uncertain market, like the one we’re currently experiencing, even the most experienced investor can feel unsettled and uncomfortable. What can history teach us about what to expect? What mistakes should we avoid in a volatile market? What action can we take?

Send in a question: Email us in advance at [email protected]

August 1, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David De Jong and Steve Widdes, tax and estate attorneys, Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC. Topics include:

Tax effect and timing of the transition

Nuptial agreements

Revisions to the estate plan

Send in a question: Email us in advance at [email protected]

July 25, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP® and Kaitlin Schaeffer Yardley, CFP®. Today’s program will highlight and discuss the many changes that have been made to the TSP this year, including:

Summary of the TSP changes

New TSP Election Form

Mutual Fund window

Changes to the Allocation/Reallocation process

Loans and In-Service Withdrawals

And more

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