Plan Your Federal Retirement Podcast

Hosted by Micah Shilanski & Tammy Flanagan

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Episodes

464

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

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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60 recent

August 5, 20265 min

What Should You Do If a "Virus Alert" Pops Up and Asks You to Call

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 scams are often designed to create urgency, fear, and confusion so that people act before they have time to think. Want help reviewing your retirement plan? Schedule a conversation with a professional to walk through your options and support more informed decision-making: https://plan-your-federal-retirement.com/schedule-your-personal-consultation/?utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=youtube Have a retirement question on your mind? Give us a call at 907-931-1775 and leave us your question - we're here to help create solutions that fit your goals! Happy Planning!

July 1, 20265 min

Should You Trust AI With Your Social Security Decision?

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 to help create solutions that fit your goals! If you are wondering what you should be doing before and immediately after your federal retirement date - grab your copy of our guide today - https://zurl.co/1oIzt

June 22, 2026Episode 15118 min

#151 Should You Change Your Social Security Strategy Because of the News?

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, Medicare, and retirement income should be considered before making a decision. Need professional help with your retirement planning? Schedule a call today: https://zurl.co/AiAC Visit our website: https://zurl.co/ykNww

June 10, 20267 min

The 4 Retirement Risks That Never Go Away

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: https://plan-your-federal-retirement.com/schedule-your-personal-consultation/?utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=youtube

May 27, 20265 min

Did You Just Inherit a Tax Problem?

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 inherited accounts could affect your retirement income, tax bracket, and long-term planning decisions. Check out the full article on our website: https://plan-your-federal-retirement.com/did-you-just-inherit-a-tax-problem?utm_medium=social&utm_source=social&utm_campaign=fffc-26-0527

May 18, 2026Episode 15018 min

#150 Why Your Retirement Plan Might Fail

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 your retirement planning? Schedule a call today: https://zurl.co/AiAC Visit our website: https://zurl.co/ykNww

May 13, 20265 min

TSP Beneficiary Discrepancy? What to Do Next

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 your options and support more informed decision-making: https://plan-your-federal-retirement.com/schedule-your-personal-consultation/utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=youtube Have a retirement question on your mind? Give us a call at 907-931-1775 and leave us your question - we're here to help create solutions that fit your goals!

May 4, 2026Episode 14915 min

#149 Are You Letting Headlines Control Your Retirement Decisions?

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. From chasing last year's top-performing investments to reacting to market volatility, they explain how these behaviors can affect long-term retirement outcomes. Visit our website: https://zurl.co/ykNww

April 29, 20263 min

FERS Paperwork Lost or Delayed? Steps to Get Back on Track

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 delays, this video breaks down practical next steps. Learn more and read the full breakdown here: https://plan-your-federal-retirement.com/fers-paperwork-lost-or-delayed-steps-to-get-back-on-track?utm_medium=social&utm_source=social&utm_campaign=fffc-26-0429

April 20, 2026Episode 14825 min

#148 Are You Missing These Tax Savings? Charitable Strategies Explained

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 concepts like Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), donor-advised funds, and how standard vs. itemized deductions can affect your overall tax picture. The goal is simple: help you better understand the rules so you can make more informed retirement decisions. If you want to help make sure you take the right step while handling your federal benefits, schedule a consultation call with one of our advisors today - https://zurl.co/PWkw