Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast

Hosted by Mason & Associates

Business Education

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122

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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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60 recent

June 8, 20261 hr 23 min

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

May 25, 202652 min

Episode 118: Think Fastball, Then Adjust: How Federal Employees Navigate Curveballs with a Financial Planner

What happens when the financial plan you created five years ago no longer matches the life you're living today? In this episode, John and Tommy explore why great financial planning is never static and how the best plans evolve alongside career changes, unexpected opportunities, market shifts, retirement decisions, and personal goals. Through real-life client stories, they break down how ongoing financial planning relationships help people confidently navigate uncertainty, major career transitions, and complex financial decisions. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn

May 11, 2026Episode 11751 min

Episode 117: FEGLI vs. Term Life: When to Replace Your Federal Employee Life Insurance

What should federal employees actually do with their life insurance, and when does FEGLI stop making sense? In this episode, John and Tommy break down everything you need to know about Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), including Basic coverage, Options A, B, and C, and how these choices evolve throughout your career and into retirement. You'll learn how FEGLI pricing really works, why Option B becomes expensive over time, and when it might make sense to explore term life insurance instead. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: FEFP: Why Federal Employees Can't Afford to Ignore Insurance with Broc Buckles (EP98) Term4Sale.com Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn

April 27, 202631 min

Episode 116: Life After DRP: What We Learned from Federal Employees Who Took the Offer

What really happens after you accept a Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) offer—and how do you know if it was the right move? In this episode, you'll learn what federal employees experienced on the other side of DRP, from emotional uncertainty to financial outcomes, and why preparation made all the difference. The conversation breaks down how DRP worked, who it benefited most, and what to expect if similar opportunities arise in the future. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn Ben Raikes: LinkedIn

April 13, 202656 min

Episode 115: Let's Talk Taxes: Trump Accounts, Virginia Tax Changes & NIIT for Federal Employees

Do you actually understand how recent tax changes could impact your financial plan? In this episode, we break down several important tax topics, including Trump accounts, Virginia tax changes, Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), and estimated tax payments. Tax laws are constantly changing, and what seems permanent today may change with the next administration, which is why tax planning should always be part of a long-term financial strategy. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn Ben Raikes: LinkedIn

March 30, 202646 min

Episode 114: When Should Federal Employees Claim Social Security?

Is claiming Social Security early really the smartest move, or could it cost you more in the long run? In this episode, you'll learn how financial planners actually think about claiming strategies beyond the headlines and viral YouTube advice. We break down the real factors that matter and why there's no "one-size-fits-all" answer when it comes to turning on your benefits. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn FEFP: Maximizing Social Security with Elaine Floyd (EP73)

March 16, 202656 min

Episode 113: Your FERS Retirement: Back to the Basics

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)

March 2, 202642 min

Episode 112: Medicare in 2026 Part 2: No One Size Fits All for Federal Retirees

Are you choosing your Medicare plan based purely on math or on what truly fits your life? In Part 2 of our Medicare 2026 series, Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance and seasoned Medicare expert, returns to expand your understanding of the options available, especially if you're a federal employee or enrolled in TRICARE for Life. You'll learn why Medicare decisions aren't just about premiums and deductibles, why there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and how to evaluate whether switching plans actually makes sense for your situation. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn Bryan Gay: LinkedIn Traditional Medicare vs Advantage: Luxury Ride or Bus Pass? (EP46) FEHB: Shifting Landscape of Medicare, FEHB, and Part D (EP47) The TRICARE For Life Medicare Advantage: Rethinking Options (EP48) Medicare Masterclass on Enrollment and the Inflation Reduction Act (EP87)

February 16, 202651 min

Episode 111: Medicare in 2026: What Changed and What It Means for Federal Retirees

Is your Medicare plan still working for you, or are you just hoping it is? In this episode, we're joined by Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance and a seasoned Medicare expert, fresh off another busy Annual Enrollment Period. Bryan breaks down how Medicare enrollment really works, what changed this past year, and why a "one-size-fits-all" approach often leaves people underinsured or overpaying. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn Bryan Gay: LinkedIn Traditional Medicare vs Advantage: Luxury Ride or Bus Pass? (EP46) FEHB: Shifting Landscape of Medicare, FEHB, and Part D (EP47) The TRICARE For Life Medicare Advantage: Rethinking Options (EP48) Medicare Masterclass on Enrollment and the Inflation Reduction Act (EP87)

February 2, 202653 min

Episode 110: The Mason & Associates New Client Experience for Federal Employees

Ever wondered what actually happens after you book an intro call with Mason & Associates? In this updated episode, we walk you through our new client experience from start to finish, including how our process works, what our fees look like, and what it's really like to work with us long term. Even if you're not ready to become a client, this episode gives you a clear picture of what to expect so you can make informed decisions, whether you hire us or someone else. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn