Financial Planner and benefits professional discuss the intricacies of the Federal Employee Retirement System. This real world experience allows these benefits professionals to address questions they are most frequently asked by Feds as well as Human Resource departments on how benefits work. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. 431 W 7th Ave Ste 100 Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 278-1350
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A fake virus alert pops up on your computer. It looks like it came from Apple, Microsoft, or another company you recognize. It says your device is infected and tells you to call a phone number immediately. What should you do? In this FERS Federal Fact Check episode, we discuss how tech support scams, fake computer warnings, and crypto-related fraud can target federal employees and retirees. These…
Can AI tell you when to claim Social Security? A chatbot may be able to explain age 62, full retirement age, delayed credits, or the earnings test. But it may not understand your FERS pension, your spouse's future income, your TSP plan, your tax picture, or your survivor planning needs. Have a retirement question on your mind? Give us a call at 907-931-1775 and leave us your question - we're here…
In this episode, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Floyd Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, discuss what federal employees should focus on when evaluating their Social Security claiming strategy. They explain how Social Security fits into a broader retirement plan, why headlines don't always tell the full story, and how factors such as taxes, survivor benefits,…
These risks can affect your pension, TSP, Social Security benefits, and overall retirement strategy long after your retirement date arrives. Understanding these risks may help you make more informed decisions as you prepare for the years ahead. Schedule a conversation with a professional to walk through your options and support more informed decision-making:…
Federal employees and spouses often hear the phrase: "It's an inheritance, so it's tax-free." But is that actually true? In this FERS Federal Fact Check episode, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, breaks down a common misunderstanding around inherited money, estate taxes, and taxable retirement accounts. Find out why "no inheritance tax" does not always mean "no taxes," and how…
Are you accidentally putting your retirement at risk? In this week's episode, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down a common mistake we see: treating retirement accounts like an ATM without a clear plan. The result? Unexpected taxes, market timing risks, and potential strain on long-term financial independence Need professional help with…
What happens if your TSP beneficiary isn't who you thought it was? This is a situation we've seen more often than you might expect, and it can create real issues for your family if not addressed in advance. If you're within 5–10 years of retirement, this is one area you don't want to overlook. Want help reviewing your retirement plan? Schedule a conversation with a professional to walk through…
Are your retirement decisions guided by your own goals, or are they influenced by headlines, ads, and market noise? In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Floyd Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, break down how external influences can impact financial decision-making, often without you even realizing it.…
What happens if your FERS retirement paperwork is delayed, or you can't follow up after submitting your application? In this episode of FERS Federal Fact Check, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, walks through what federal employees can do if their retirement application feels stuck in the system. From locating your CSA number to reconnecting with OPM and understanding potential…
Many federal employees care deeply about charitable giving, but the way you give can really affect your taxes. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down strategies that may help you make more tax-efficient charitable contributions, based on current IRS rules. They cover practical…
Can contributing to a 401(k) help protect your FERS Special Retirement Supplement? Many people assume this, but the rules don't always work the way federal employees expect. In this FERS Federal Fact Check, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, answers a listener's question and walks you through how the earnings test applies to your supplement and why certain strategies, like…
Understanding how to withdraw from your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a critical part of retirement planning for federal employees. While many spend decades building their TSP balance, the decisions made at retirement, especially around distributions. can have a lasting impact on income, flexibility, and long-term outcomes. In this episode, Micah Shilanski walks through several common TSP…
In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down one of the most common and potentially costly investment questions federal employees ask: "Should I wait for the market to drop before investing?" They walk through real-life examples of missed opportunities, explain why market timing often…
Federal employees often wonder: "If I delay Social Security and pass away before starting benefits, what happens to my spouse?" The answer depends on Social Security Administration (SSA) rules and your specific situation. It's also important to know that Social Security survivor benefits and FERS survivor annuity elections are separate, each with their own rules. https://zurl.co/5TtUu
If you're a federal employee or retiree approaching age 65, you've likely asked: "Do I really need Medicare Part B if I already have FEHB?" In this Federal Fact Check episode, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, explains how Medicare Parts A, B, and D work with your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage, and what federal retirees should consider before deciding. In…
Inflation doesn't always show up loudly, and for many federal employees and retirees, the biggest danger is assuming COLA will protect their retirement income. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down the "COLA mirage": why cost-of-living adjustments often fail to keep pace with real…
Are you working in retirement and wondering if it could reduce your federal benefits? In this FERS Federal Fact Check, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, answers a real question from a retired federal employee who started collecting his pension and FERS Supplement at age 61, while still working full time. https://zurl.co/OxAlU
Retirement isn't just about making your money last, it's about using it wisely while you still can. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, is joined by his father, Floyd Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, to unpack one of the most complicated challenges federal employees face: balancing today's lifestyle with tomorrow's longevity. From distribution…
Ever wondered how the big players in financial services got to where they are? Matt and Micah dive deep into the secret behind Edward Jones' remarkable success story – and why independent advisors should be taking notes instead of throwing shade. They challenge the common "David vs. Goliath" mindset that often leads independent advisors to dismiss larger firms' achievements and reveal how Edward…
Social Security headlines are everywhere, and much of what federal employees are hearing is confusing, incomplete, or flat-out wrong. In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Floyd Shilanski, Wealth Manager, cuts through the noise and explains what federal employees actually need to know about Social Security as retirement approaches. https://zurl.co/awQVP
As the year closes, federal employees can't afford to miss critical planning opportunities that protect their retirement and avoid costly mistakes. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down real-world, end-of-year action items they are actively handling with clients right now. They talk about…
Have you ever wondered what a Social Security bridge strategy is? In this episode, Floyd Shilanski, CFPⓇ breaks down how these strategies can help retirees wait to claim Social Security and boost their lifetime income. Rather than filing for Social Security at 62, some retirees use their TSP, 401(k), or other savings to cover income needs until they reach full retirement age or even 70. Floyd…
Big changes are coming to your TSP catch-up contributions in 2026 and if you miss them, you could accidentally throw off your entire tax strategy.
As 2025 comes to a close, many federal employees are asking the same question: "What should I be doing now to prepare for retirement?" In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast, Micah Shilanski is joined by Floyd Shilanski for a year-end review covering the most important planning areas for federal employees heading into 2026. They discuss why being proactive matters more than…
Are TikTok "experts" and viral retirement hacks influencing your Social Security decisions? In today's episode, Floyd Shilanski tackles one of the biggest dangers he sees in federal retirement planning: relying on trends, reels, and generic advice for one of the most important financial decisions of your life. https://zurl.co/JL4Ac
Learn the Top 5 Pitfalls Federal Employees Must Avoid in 2026, so you can retire with confidence and keep more of the benefits you've worked so hard for. In this episode of All About FERS, John Raleigh, CFP®, breaks down the biggest mistakes federal employees make when planning for retirement, many of which don't show up until it's too late.
Year-end is one of the most strategic times for Federal Employees to review their financial picture, retirement timeline, and tax exposure. In this episode, Micah Shilanski, CFP®, and John Raleigh, CFP®, walk you through the essential steps you should take before December 31st to stay on track and avoid costly mistakes in the new year. As Micah says, "Small decisions at year-end can produce big…
Most federal employees are surprised to learn that up to 85% of their Social Security benefits may be taxable in retirement. In this episode, Floyd Shilanski explains how Social Security taxation really works, what counts as "provisional income," and why proper planning is essential to avoid unexpected tax bills. This is a critical part of federal retirement tax planning, and the earlier you…
Most federal employees never take advantage of one of the best tax-saving tools available to them: the Health Savings Account (HSA). In today's episode, Christian breaks down why HSAs are one of the most powerful and underutilized benefits in the FEHB system.
Have you ever wondered how to avoid running out of money in retirement? In this episode of All About FERS, Certified Financial Planner™ John Raleigh breaks down practical withdrawal strategies for your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) so you can enjoy retirement without worrying about outliving your savings.
In this episode of Plan Your Federal Retirement, Jamie C. Shilanski, RFC®, talks about one of the most stressful situations federal employees face: a furlough. Whether this is your first or fifth time experiencing one, Jamie breaks down practical, real-world strategies to help you stay financially stable, protect your benefits, and make smart decisions while waiting for Washington to get back to…
Description For many federal employees, deciding when to retire is one of the biggest financial and emotional choices you will ever face. In this All About FERS episode, Christian breaks down both the financial math and emotional reality of delaying retirement by just one year.
Thinking about taking a VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority) offer? Before you decide, make sure you understand the benefits and pitfalls that come with it. In this episode, John breaks down: ✅ What VERA early retirement really means ✅ Who qualifies - and when it's offered ✅ The big advantages, like keeping your FEHB and avoiding layoffs ✅ The hidden traps, like lower pensions, delayed FERS…
Ever wonder what questions other federal employees are asking as they plan for retirement? In this special episode, we're taking you inside our recent in-person workshop, where we spent the day with federal employees diving deep into their benefits, tax planning, and retirement strategies. From understanding the 2026 TSP Roth conversion changes to life insurance math, Social Security surprises,…
Did you know that a trust could be taxed at up to 40%? If your trust isn't set up correctly, you could unintentionally send nearly half your estate to the IRS. That is why in this episode, Micah breaks down how inherited TSPs and IRAs are taxed when a trust is listed as the beneficiary and why so many estate plans fail to consider income taxes, not just estate taxes. https://zurl.co/14gpQ
When is the best time to retire from the federal government? Choosing your retirement date isn't just about flipping a calendar; it can determine how much you actually take home. In this All About FERS episode, Christian breaks down: ✅ The most strategic retirement dates (and why they matter) ✅ How your annual leave payout could add tens of thousands to your final paycheck ✅ The tax and TSP…
Retirement isn't just about leaving your job. It's about maintaining your security, dignity, and lifestyle for decades. In this episode of All About FERS, John breaks down the looming retirement crisis facing federal employees. Discover what past generations got wrong about retirement, why planning for just 10 years is no longer enough, and how you can build a strategy that protects your lifestyle…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Are you approaching retirement and wondering how Medicare fits in with your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)? You're not alone! In this episode of All About FERS, John breaks down the step-by-step process of enrolling in Medicare as a federal employee. Tune in and learn: ✅ When to enroll in Medicare and how to avoid costly penalties ✅ How Medicare coordinates with your FEHB coverage ✅…
