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Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Mason & Associates
Federal employee benefits are among the most comprehensive and strongest in the country. Financial planning for federal employees requires knowledge of both financial planning concepts and a comprehensive understanding of these benefits. General financial planning advice is just that, general. We speak specifically to federal employees and the unique planning techniques and strategies to help them maximize their benefits. Mason & Associates have over three decades serving as financial planners for federal employees.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 6 days ago32 min
Episode 126: When Should I Start Taking Social Security?
When should you claim Social Security, and how do you know if the "optimal" strategy actually fits your retirement plan? In this episode, we react to a White Coat Investor article exploring whether Social Security should be claimed early and invested or delayed for a larger guaranteed benefit. You'll learn why Social Security optimization is about more than a simple break-even calculation, how delaying one spouse's benefit to age 70 can create higher lifetime and survivor income, and why federal employees may have more flexibility because of their pensions and other guaranteed income sources. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Federal Survivor Benefits eBook Refer a Friend Webinar Registration Episode 73: Maximizing Social Security with Elaine Floyd Social Security Shake-Up: What Proposed Changes Mean for Federal Employees Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
- 2 weeks ago57 min
Episode 125: Retirement Intelligence: Preparing Federal Employees for the Emotional Side of Retirement with Bob Laura
What if being financially ready for retirement is only half of the equation? In this episode, we sit down with Bob Laura, financial planner, speaker, author of Retirement Intelligence, and pioneer in the psychology and social science of retirement and legacy planning. He joins us to share how to prepare for the transition beyond the numbers and create a meaningful retirement before you leave the workforce. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Fill out the Mason & Associates Podcast Listener Survey for a chance to win a copy of Retirement Intelligence Retirement Intelligence by Bob Laura Bob Laura: LinkedIn Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
- Aug 17, 20261h 1m
Episode 124: Retirement Readiness
How do you know if you're truly on track for retirement? And what should you be doing differently at 30, 40, 50… or just six months from leaving federal service? In this episode, John and Tommy break down retirement readiness by life stage, exploring the financial, tax, investment, insurance, and estate planning decisions that matter at different points in your career. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
- Aug 3, 202645 min
Episode 123: Mailbag Part Two: Questions from Federal Employees
Could a single dollar cost you hundreds more in Medicare premiums? In this mailbag episode, we answer some of the most common retirement planning questions from listeners, beginning with how to avoid IRMAA surcharges and why Medicare planning really starts at age 63. You'll learn how strategies like Roth conversions, bracket-topping, and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) work and why every strategy should be tailored to your individual financial plan. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
- Jul 20, 202649 min
Episode 122: Mailbag Part One: Questions from Federal Employees
What questions do federal employees need answered before making major retirement decisions? In this mailbag episode, John and Tommy tackle listener questions about the FERS annuity supplement, Social Security taxes, Social Security claiming strategies, and retirement income planning. You'll learn how returning to work after retirement can impact your supplement, how to manage Social Security tax withholding, and why retirement decisions require more than a simple one-size-fits-all answer. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
- Jul 6, 202656 min
Episode 121: The Questions Federal Employees Are Asking in 2026
What really happens behind the scenes after 350+ client meetings in just six weeks—and what do those conversations reveal about how people are thinking about money, life, and the future? John and Tommy wrapped up their 2026 Strategic Planning Meeting season earlier this quarter, and in this episode, they are going over some of the top questions their federal employee clients asked. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
- Jun 22, 202648 min
Episode 120: TSP Withdrawal Mistakes That Nobody Warned You About
Saving for retirement is only half the battle; knowing how to get your money out without getting burned by taxes or rigid rules is where things get complicated. In this episode, John and Tommy dive deep into the specific Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) mistakes that are rarely talked about but can cost federal employees thousands. From the operational headaches of unfair tax withholdings to the danger of default account selections, they share exactly how to maintain control of your wealth. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
- Jun 8, 20261h 23m
Episode 119: Avoiding the Common Financial Planning Mistakes Made by Federal Employees
Are you maximizing the true value of your federal benefits, or are you unintentionally leaving money on the table? In this special episode, John and Tommy present an updated version of a classic seminar originally created by the firm's founders in the 1990s—now made current for 2026. They break down the unique complexities of the FERS system and expose the critical blind spots that often lead federal employees to make major, irreversible retirement mistakes. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
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About Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast
Federal employee benefits are among the most comprehensive and strongest in the country. Financial planning for federal employees requires knowledge of both financial planning concepts and a comprehensive understanding of these benefits. General financial planning advice is just that, general. We speak specifically to federal employees and the unique planning techniques and strategies to help them maximize their benefits. Mason & Associates have over three decades serving as financial planners for federal employees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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