Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Rayna Retirement
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Rayna Retirement episodes
- Love, Marriage, and Survivor Benefits: Choosing What’s Right for You
Love and marriage come with a lot of decisions — and for federal employees, one of the most important is whether or not to leave a survivor benefit. In this episode, Rayna Reyes breaks down the complex rules around FERS and CSRS survivor benefits, explaining how they work, what they cost, and how they connect to your health insurance in retirement.
Rayna uses clear, real-life examples to help you understand when it makes sense to leave a full, partial, or no survivor benefit — and how life insurance fits into the picture. From “Twinkie” couples (two federal employees married to each other) to retirees comparing survivor income to lump-sum life insurance payouts, this episode helps you make informed decisions before you file.
If you’re married, nearing retirement, or simply trying to make the best choice for your spouse and family, this is a must-listen guide to balancing love, legacy, and logic in your retirement plan.
Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500
Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
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.
14 min - Prepping for ORA: What Federal Employees Need to Know Before Retirement
Just when you got used to the GRB system, the federal government rolled out a new retirement portal — ORA (the Online Retirement Application). In this episode, Rayna Reyes breaks down exactly what federal employees need to know before starting their ORA retirement application.
Rayna walks you through the three critical forms ORA doesn’t include — the SF 2818 (Life Insurance Election), the W-4P (Tax Withholding for Pensions), and the Spouse Consent to Survivor Election form — and explains how to complete and upload them correctly.
From survivor benefits to life insurance reductions and notary requirements, Rayna helps you avoid costly mistakes and get your retirement paperwork right the first time.
If you’re a FERS or CSRS employee planning to retire soon, this is a must-listen guide to navigating ORA with confidence and clarity.
Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500
Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
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.
11 min - When a Loved One Passes: What Federal Families Need to Do Next
Losing someone you love is never easy — emotionally or financially. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, shares compassionate and practical guidance for federal employees and their families on what to do after the death of a loved one.
Rayna explains:
- The first steps to take when a spouse or family member passes away
- How to file life insurance claims (including FEGLI) and what to expect
- The key differences between spousal and non-spousal TSP beneficiaries
- How inherited IRAs work under today’s 10-year rule
- What additional survivor benefits are available if the person was still employed at the time of death
Whether you’re a spouse, child, or executor, this episode helps you understand the order of operations and avoid costly tax mistakes — all while reminding you that you don’t have to go through it alone.
Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500
Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
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.
10 min - Too Young to Retire? How to Access Your TSP Without Penalties
Think you’re too young to touch your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) without a penalty? Think again. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, breaks down how separated or early-retired federal employees under age 55 can legally access their TSP — without triggering that dreaded 10% IRS penalty.
Rayna explains:
- The difference between the age 55 rule and age 59½ rule
- How IRS Code 72(t) can provide penalty-free income before full retirement age
- Why early withdrawals come with long-term commitments — and how to plan around them
- A real-world example showing how to structure early withdrawals wisely
If you recently accepted a Vera or DRP offer and you’re wondering how to make your TSP work for you before 55, this episode is a must-listen.
Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500
Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
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.
8 min - The Power of a Second Look: How One Meeting Changed a Family’s Financial Future
In this emotional and insightful episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes shares a true story that proves just how powerful a single financial review can be.
When one federal employee nearly retired without buying back his 12 years of military service, Rayna’s timely guidance changed everything — not only boosting his pension by nearly $1,000 a month, but also increasing his spouse’s survivor benefit by $500 monthly after his passing.
Through this heartfelt story, Rayna explains why every federal employee should review their benefits and retirement options before filing — and how making the right decision now can have a lasting impact on your family’s financial future.
Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500
Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
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.
8 min - Catch-Up Contributions Explained: What’s Changing for 401(k) and TSP in 2026
In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes breaks down the new rules for catch-up contributions in 401(k) and TSP accounts starting in 2026.
If you’re over 50, you’ve likely heard of the “catch-up” provision that lets you contribute extra toward retirement — but big changes are coming. Rayna explains what those new income thresholds mean, how high earners will see their catch-up contributions automatically routed to the Roth side of their plan, and what that means for your taxes and long-term savings strategy.
Learn how to make the most of these new rules, why Roth contributions can still be a win for federal employees, and what steps to take now to prepare for 2026.
Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500
Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
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.
8 min - Avoid the Medicare Surcharge: Planning Ahead for IRMAA
Think your income only matters for taxes? Think again.
In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, explains how your income from two years ago determines how much you’ll pay for Medicare Part B — and what you can do to plan ahead.Rayna breaks down how IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) works, the income thresholds for 2026, and how smart planning can save you thousands in unnecessary Medicare costs. She shares practical strategies for:
- Managing withdrawals from your TSP, 401(k), or IRA
- Timing Roth conversions to avoid higher surcharges
- Understanding how marriage and joint income impact your Medicare costs
- Using year-end planning to keep your future Part B premiums as low as possible
If you’re in your early 60s or already on Medicare, this is essential listening for proactive retirees who want to keep more of their hard-earned money.
Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500
Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
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.
9 min - Medicare Open Enrollment: What to Watch for in 2026
It’s that time of year again — Medicare open enrollment! In this episode, host Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, helps listeners make sense of the annual mail flood and plan changes that arrive each fall.
Rayna breaks down what to look for when reviewing your coverage for 2026, including:
- How Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans differ from traditional Medicare
- The pros and cons of HMOs vs. PPOs
- Key cost factors like premiums, co-pays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums
- Why the Part B Give-Back or reduction could save you real money each month
- How to balance benefits versus costs — and avoid common pitfalls during open enrollment
Whether you’re new to Medicare or just reviewing your plan for next year, this episode will help you compare options with confidence.
Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500
Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
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.
9 min - What Do You Think I’m Doing This For—My Health? Open Enrollment Explained!
It’s that time of year again—open enrollment season for federal employees and postal workers! In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes takes a fun but practical look at one of the most important decisions you’ll make each year: choosing your health insurance plan.
With her trademark humor (“What do you think I’m doing this for—my health?”), Rayna explains what you need to know before making changes to your FEHB or PSHB plan this November.
You’ll learn:
- ️The key dates and deadlines for open enrollment and Medicare
- The difference between FEHB and the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program
- How to avoid a surprise jump in your premiums come January
- ❤️ Why some “Twinkie couples” (two federal or postal spouses) can save hundreds with separate self-only plans
- The 5-year rule for keeping your health insurance in retirement—and how survivor benefits work for your spouse
With real-world examples, personal stories, and her signature energy, Rayna helps you navigate open enrollment with confidence—so you can keep great coverage, save money, and retire with peace of mind.
Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500
Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
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.
8 min - How Much Should You Contribute to Your TSP? Get the Match and Max It Out!
Are you making the most of your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)? In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes breaks down exactly how much you should be contributing to your TSP—so you’re not leaving free money on the table.
Rayna explains:
- Why 5% is the minimum you should contribute to get your full government match
- How to calculate your per-pay-period contribution to hit your yearly maximum
- What’s new for 2025, including the Super Catch-Up for workers age 60–63
- How to redirect future raises into your TSP automatically
- Why TSP is a great accumulation tool—but why you may also need an IRA for retirement flexibility
With her signature humor and relatable style, Rayna makes TSP math simple, practical, and even fun. Whether you’re early in your federal career or nearing retirement, this episode gives you the tools to grow your savings with confidence.
Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500
Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
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.
9 min
About Rayna Retirement
From the publisher's feed
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. | To contact Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.
Best of Rayna Retirement
Ranked by our users in the last 21 days