Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast

Episode 113: Your FERS Retirement: Back to the Basics

March 16, 2026·56 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Are federal employees sitting on far more wealth than they realize? In this episode, financial planners Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the fundamentals of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and explain why your pension is only one piece of a much larger financial picture. You'll learn how the FERS pension formula works, what your "high-three" salary actually means, and how factors like minimum retirement age, years of service, and turning 62 can impact your retirement income. The conversation also covers how employee contributions have changed over time, how the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) match works, and why understanding these core pieces is essential when planning your financial future. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn  Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn  Avoid the Top Financial Mistakes Made by Federal Employees Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Federal Employee Financial Planning: FERS Part 1 (EP5) Federal Employee Financial Planning: FERS Part 2 (EP6) Federal Employee Financial Planning: FERS Part 3 (EP7)

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