This week on Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes takes a step outside the world of federal benefits to focus on a topic that affects many federal families—small business ownership and retirement planning. 

Whether you’re self-employed, married to a federal employee, or planning to start a business after retirement, Rayna breaks down options like solo 401(k)s, SEP IRAs, Roth IRAs, and cafeteria plans in plain English. She also explains how post-retirement hobbies can become profitable small businesses and why simple, step-by-step planning matters most. 

From “golden handcuffs” that help you retain employees to strategies for supplementing your income without losing key federal benefits, this episode is packed with practical insights for business owners and federal employees alike. 

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Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

What happens to your TSP or 401(k) when you retire? In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes takes a lighthearted but practical approach to a serious topic—Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), early retirement programs, and what to do when outside 401(k)s send you unexpected tax surprises. Along the way, Rayna shares memorable stories, from the “Bad Boys” theme song in Best Buy to federal retirement nicknames like “Twinkies” and “Ding Dongs.” You’ll learn how to prepare for distributions, avoid costly mistakes, and create a clear strategy for your retirement accounts. 

For help creating your retirement strategy, call Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 or the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857.

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Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Are you a federal employee wondering about the differences between CSRS and FERS retirement systems? In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes uses her signature clarity (and a memorable Gatorade analogy!) to explain how pensions are funded, what “41/11” really means, and why CSRS employees may face excess contributions after decades of service. She also shares what happens when you get that refund check, the tax implications, and smart ways to enjoy your well-earned lump sum. Whether you’re CSRS, FERS, postal, or any other federal employee, this episode gives you the tools to understand your benefits and make informed retirement decisions.

For personalized help with your federal retirement benefits, call Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 or the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants at 1-800-872-8857.

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Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

For federal employees, retirement doesn’t mean the paperwork ends—it just changes forms. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes walks through the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Services Online system and explains how to read and understand your monthly annuity statement. From interim checks to survivor benefits, deductions for insurance, and annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), Rayna breaks down what every retiree should know. Whether you’re newly retired or preparing for the transition, this episode gives you a clear picture of how to track, manage, and verify your pension benefits after you leave federal service.

Questions about your annuity statement or retirement benefits? Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 or reach the team at 1-800-872-8857. Visit American Federal Benefits Consultants online to schedule your personalized review.

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Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

When it comes to retirement, few decisions are as important as when to start taking Social Security. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes breaks down the essentials—from the basics of eligibility and the 40 quarters rule, to the “break-even” concept, disability benefits, and how waiting can impact your monthly check. Rayna explains how factors like working income, spousal support, and even the looming 2035 trust fund changes can all play into your decision. Whether you’re a federal or postal employee with a pension, or solely relying on Social Security, this episode will help you understand the trade-offs so you can make the best choice for you and your family.

Schedule your free appointment with Rayna and her team at American Federal Benefits Consultants today. Call Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 or reach out to her team at 1-800-872-8857.

—

Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

If you’ve been saving in the TSP or another qualified retirement plan, you know Uncle Sam has been patient—but not forever. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes explains Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), why they matter, and how to plan so your money lasts longer and benefits both you and your loved ones. 

Rayna shares creative analogies (coffee cups, Beatles songs, and even Greek mythology!) to make complex retirement concepts simple. You’ll learn:

Don’t let Uncle Sam take more than his share. Call Rayna and her team today at 850-450-6500 or 1-800-872-8857 for guidance on your retirement income plan.

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Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Every fall, federal and postal employees face important decisions during open enrollment. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes breaks down how annual health plan changes impact your wallet, what to watch for in your Annual Notice of Change, and how Medicare fits into your retirement plan. 

Rayna explains Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D in plain language—plus shares real client stories about how missing open enrollment or delaying Medicare decisions can cost thousands. You’ll also learn how Medicare Advantage plans, Part B premiums, and the dreaded IRMAA (Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) can affect your retirement budget.

Whether you’re still working or already retired, this episode gives you the tools to avoid surprises, make informed decisions, and protect your financial future. 

Schedule your free appointment with Rayna and her team at American Federal Benefits Consultants today. Call Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 or reach out to her team at 1-800-872-8857.

—

Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes breaks down the classic three-legged stool of federal retirement planning: your pension, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).

Rayna explains how each “leg” works, why balance is key, and how to decide when and how to use your TSP without draining it completely. From guaranteed monthly income streams to flexible savings, she shares practical ways to maximize your retirement security.

If you’ve ever wondered how these three parts fit together—or how to fill income gaps—this episode will give you clarity and confidence as you prepare for retirement. 

Don’t let your retirement benefits be an afterthought. Schedule a free consultation with Rayna and her team at American Federal Benefits Consultants. Call Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 or reach out to her team at 1-800-872-8857.

—

Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes unpacks one of the most important—and often misunderstood—rules in federal retirement planning: the 5-year requirement for keeping your federal health insurance in retirement.

Rayna explains why this rule matters, what “consecutive coverage” really means, how switching between plans impacts eligibility, and what steps you must take to ensure your spouse remains covered after you pass away.

From common misconceptions to smart strategies for open enrollment, Rayna breaks it all down in simple, practical terms so you can make confident health insurance decisions as you plan for retirement.

Schedule your free appointment with Rayna and her team at American Federal Benefits Consultants today. Call Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 or reach out to her team at 1-800-872-8857.

—

Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

Divorce is rarely simple—and for federal and postal employees, it can get especially complicated when pensions, survivor benefits, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are involved. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes breaks down the rules around divorce-related financial obligations, including Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (Quadros), apportionments, and survivor benefit mandates.

Rayna shares real-world examples from her work with federal employees, explains the math behind how much a former spouse may be entitled to, and outlines the short- and long-term financial implications. Whether you’re facing a separation, already divorced, or simply want to understand how court orders affect retirement benefits, this episode will prepare you to plan wisely and avoid surprises.

Going through a divorce or already separated? Don’t let your retirement benefits be an afterthought. Schedule a free consultation with Rayna and her team at American Federal Benefits Consultants. Call Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 or reach out to her team at 1-800-872-8857.

—

Contact: Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.