When it comes to retirement planning, one of the biggest questions federal employees face is: How should I allocate my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to make sure I don’t run out of money?

The TSP is a powerful tool for building wealth and creating income security in retirement. With just five core funds (plus Lifecycle Funds that mix them), your options may seem limited, but how you allocate between them makes a big difference in protecting your retirement lifestyle.

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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has officially reshaped the tax landscape, and if you're a federal employee or retiree, the changes matter more than you think.

That's why in this All About FERS episode, Christian breaks down the most important updates, including:

Why tax brackets aren't going up in 2026 (good news for your retirement plan!)

• The new Senior Bonus Deduction and how it could save you thousands

• Big changes to the SALT tax deduction (jumping from $10k to $40k)

• What the new "no tax on overtime" rules really mean for federal employees

• Charitable giving deductions starting in 2026

This law is nearly 900 pages long, but don't worry, we pulled out the highlights that matter most to you. Whether you're preparing for retirement or already enjoying it, understanding these changes can help you make smarter financial decisions.

It’s one of the most common and most confusing questions out there: Should you take Social Security at 62, wait until full retirement age, or hold off until 70?

In this All About FERS episode, Floyd Shilanski, with his 50+ years of financial advising experience, breaks down the pros, cons, and math behind claiming Social Security early vs. delaying.

When it comes to money, the emotional impact is often overlooked, but it can 'make or break' a family's financial future. In this episode, Micah and John discuss how inheritances, sudden windfalls, and poorly managed gifts can end up causing more harm than good, especially for children who aren't financially prepared.

With decades of combined experience, Micah and John reveal the pitfalls they've seen firsthand and share strategies you can use to protect your wealth, prepare your loved ones, and avoid financial heartbreak.

If you've ever wondered how to pass on wealth without creating chaos, this episode is for you.

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Is there a cap on how much annual leave you can cash out when you retire?

In this episode of Federal Fact Check, Micah answers a critical question for federal employees: What happens to unused annual leave and sick leave at retirement? You’ll learn:

 ✅ How much annual leave can you carry forward and cash out

 ✅ What makes sick leave different, and how it increases your pension

 ✅ Rare cases where employees may bank additional leave

 ✅ How to maximize the value of your benefits before you retire

Don’t leave money on the table. Watch now to get clarity on your FERS leave benefits!

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Are TSP Lifecycle (L) Funds the set-it-and-forget-it solution they promise to be? Or could they actually be playing it too safe, too soon?

In this episode of All About FERS, Christian takes a closer look at how the L Funds inside the Thrift Savings Plan work, including the L 2050, L 2040, and L 2030 funds. He breaks down:

• How the G, F, C, S, and I funds are allocated

• Why Lifecycle Funds automatically get more conservative over time

• The potential downside of “de-risking” too quickly

• What federal employees should consider before relying solely on L Funds

These funds can be a great tool, but only if they align with your long-term retirement goals. Don’t let your money work less hard for you just because of a default setting.

Are you a federal employee who also served in the military? Did you know you can buy back your military time to boost your FERS pension and even retire earlier?

In this episode of All About FERS,  John walks you through everything you need to know about military buyback, including:

 ✅ What buying back military time really means

 ✅ How the cost is calculated (and why timing matters)

 ✅ The powerful benefits

 ✅ When it might not make sense to buy back your time

 ✅ Step-by-step guidance on how to start the process

For many federal employees, this can be one of the smartest financial moves you ever make, but there are exceptions.

Don’t miss this ultimate guide to making an informed decision.

Healthcare is one of the most important, and often most confusing, parts of retirement. For federal employees, the combination of Medicare and FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) adds unique rules, costs, and opportunities. In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Micah and John break down the myths, penalties, and strategies you need to know. From eligibility requirements to coordinating Medicare and FEHB, this conversation will help you make informed decisions that could save you thousands of dollars and protect your long-term retirement security.

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Can you buy back your military time and still keep your military retirement pay? 🤔 That’s exactly what Walt, a retired Air Force Veteran and combat-injured, wanted to know. In this episode of the FERS Federal Fact Check, Micah will help you understand:

• The common rule for military buyback and retirement pay

• The exception for combat-related disabilities

• Why documentation is absolutely critical

• Steps you should take before you retire

If you’ve served in the Armed Forces and are now under FERS, this episode is a must-listen. 

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Social Security and Medicare are two of the most important benefits you’ll rely on in retirement, but they don’t always start at the same time, and the rules can get confusing.

In this episode, Christian Sakamoto answers a listener’s question, and he will walk you through:

• When you can claim Social Security vs. when you’re eligible for Medicare

• Whether Medicare enrollment happens automatically

• How premiums are deducted from Social Security

• The penalties for late Medicare enrollment

• What to know if you’re still working and covered under FEHB

If you’re a federal employee preparing for retirement, you won’t want to miss this breakdown.