Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast

Hosted by Mason & Associates

Business Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

131

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 26, 2026Episode 1291 hr 5 min

Episode 129: What Should I Do After I Retire From Federal Service?

What happens when you've saved enough money to retire but haven't figured out what comes next? Tony Hixon, author of Retirement Stepping Stones: Find Meaning, Live with Purpose, and Leave a Legacy, shares the personal experience that changed the way he thinks about retirement planning. After his mother retired with financial security but struggled to find purpose in her new life, Tony realized that preparing for retirement requires much more than getting the numbers right. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Tony Hixon: Website | LinkedIn Retirement Stepping Stones by Tony Hixon Hixon Zuercher Capital Management Retirement Stepping Stones Workbook Find Meaning, Live with Purpose, and Leave a Legacy TEDx Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn

October 12, 2026Episode 12856 min

Episode 128: How Do I Choose a Financial Planner?

How can you tell whether a financial planner is genuinely credible, or whether you're being pushed into a decision you may regret? In this episode, we explore two sides of financial planning that can have a big impact on how confidently you use your money and choose professional advice. We start by looking at how our memories of the past can influence today's spending decisions, why we can become anchored to what things used to cost, and how putting expenses into the context of your current income can change your perspective. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn

September 28, 2026Episode 1271 hr 5 min

Episode 127: License to Shop, Not to Drop: An Honest Look at Insurance with Broc Buckles

Insurance is one of those parts of financial planning that most people would rather not think about, but getting it wrong can have a much bigger impact than choosing the wrong investment. It's not particularly exciting, and ideally you'll never need to use it, but the right coverage can provide the foundation that allows the rest of a financial plan to work as intended. In today's episode, we're dissecting the role insurance plays in financial planning with Broc Buckles, co-founder of BC Brokerage. Listen in to learn how umbrella liability coverage works, why disability insurance costs vary based on occupation and risk, how underwriting can differ for military and other higher-risk professions, and how the long-term care insurance market has changed. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Broc Buckles: LinkedIn BC Brokerage FEFP: Why Federal Employees Can't Afford to Ignore Insurance with Broc Buckles (EP98) Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn

September 14, 2026Episode 12632 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

August 31, 2026Episode 12557 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

August 17, 20261 hr 1 min

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

August 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

July 20, 2026Episode 12249 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

July 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

June 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

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing

More Business podcasts

The Bottom Line

Alexander Spencer

BusinessInterviews guests