The Federal Retirement Show

Hosted by American Benefits Exchange

Business Investing Education News

Website RSS feed

Episodes

100

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Federal Retirement Show is the only podcast and web series exclusively dedicated to helping federal employees and their families plan for retirement and reach financial freedom. American Benefits Exchange specializes in providing solid financial solutions to federal, postal and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and expert knowledge to support these niche markets. Learn more: thinkabx.com/find-an-agent-or-get-a-quote

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 9, 202623 min

Your Retirement Plan: Lifetime Income & Risk Tolerance

How can you turn your retirement savings into a reliable source of lifetime income while building a retirement that delivers both financial security and happiness? In episode 195 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val explores the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), setting clear retirement goals, and the importance of having a long-term strategy. Val also discusses how long-term investment funds and growth can support your financial future, why planning ahead matters, and how a well-structured retirement plan can help you feel more confident about the years ahead. Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- 🔊 Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ 🔔 Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- 🤝 Connect with Val: 📞Phone --- (512) 582-6050 📧Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com 🌐American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com 🌐Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts 💼LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October 2, 202619 min

Federal Retirement Questions – Part 7

In episode 194 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val covers your questions regarding healthcare, family protection, and financial security as a retired federal employee. Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- 🔊 Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ 🔔 Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- 🤝 Connect with Val: 📞Phone --- (512) 582-6050 📧Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com 🌐American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com 🌐Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts 💼LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 25, 202617 min

Federal Retirement Questions – Part 6

In episode 193 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val covers your questions about certain retirement rules including FERS supplement, and early retirement. Plus, Val covers the importance of estate and legacy planning. Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- 🔊 Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ 🔔 Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- 🤝 Connect with Val: 📞Phone --- (512) 582-6050 📧Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com 🌐American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com 🌐Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts 💼LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 18, 202615 min

Federal Retirement Questions – Part 5

In episode 192 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val covers your questions about Long-Term Care, and Retirement income planning in part five of often asked federal retirement questions. Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- 🔊 Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ 🔔 Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- 🤝 Connect with Val: 📞Phone --- (512) 582-6050 📧Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com 🌐American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com 🌐Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts 💼LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 11, 202612 min

Federal Retirement Questions – Part 4

In episode 191 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val covers survivor benefits, and taxes in retirement. Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- 🔊 Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ 🔔 Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- 🤝 Connect with Val: 📞Phone --- (512) 582-6050 📧Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com 🌐American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com 🌐Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts 💼LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 28, 202620 min

Federal Retirement Questions – Part 3

In episode 190 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val covers key healthcare and life insurance decisions federal employees face as they approach retirement, including FEHB premiums, Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage, FEGLI, FEGLI reductions, and private life insurance. Val also breaks down the options and important considerations to help you make informed decisions about protecting your health coverage and your family’s financial future. Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- 🔊 Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ 🔔 Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- 🤝 Connect with Val: 📞Phone --- (512) 582-6050 📧Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com 🌐American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com 🌐Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts 💼LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 14, 202622 min

Federal Retirement Questions – Part 2

When should you claim Social Security, and how do pensions, TSP contributions, and Roth versus Traditional savings decisions impact your retirement future? In this episode, Val answer listener questions on maximizing Social Security benefits, understanding pension coordination, evaluating TSP fund performance, creating sustainable retirement withdrawals, protecting your income from inflation, and building a strategy designed to help you avoid running out of money in retirement! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- 🔊 Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ 🔔 Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- 🤝 Connect with Val: 📞Phone --- (512) 582-6050 📧Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com 🌐American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com 🌐Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts 💼LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 7, 202616 min

Federal Retirement Questions – Part 1

Whether you're just beginning to think about retirement or you're ready to make your final decision, episode 188 of the Federal Retirement Show is packed with essential guidance for federal employees. Val breaks down federal retirement eligibility rules, discusses the key factors that determine the best time to retire, and explains the pros and cons of retiring before age 60 versus working beyond age 62. You'll also learn how your monthly pension is calculated, why your High-3 average salary plays such a critical role in your retirement income, and whether buying back military service time could significantly increase your federal retirement benefits! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- 🔊 Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ 🔔 Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- 🤝 Connect with Val: 📞Phone --- (512) 582-6050 📧Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com 🌐American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com 🌐Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts 💼LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

August 1, 202630 min

Retirement Without Social Security For Younger Employees?

In episode 187 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val breaks down a recent article warning young federal employees of a possible reduction in Social Security benefits in the future, and what you should be doing now to stay ahead of the curve! https://www.fedsmith.com/2026/07/28/should-younger-federal-employees-plan-retirement-without-social-security/#google_vignette Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- 🔊 Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ 🔔 Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- 🤝 Connect with Val: 📞Phone --- (512) 582-6050 📧Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com 🌐American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com 🌐Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts 💼LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July 24, 202630 min

American Benefits Exchange - Why We Do What We Do

In episode 186 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explains the why behind American Benefits Exchange and lays out key points to why you should get a benefits and retirement review done. Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- 🔊 Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ 🔔 Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- 🤝 Connect with Val: 📞Phone --- (512) 582-6050 📧Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com 🌐American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com 🌐Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts 💼LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.