The Federal Retirement Show

Hosted by American Benefits Exchange

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 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

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.

July 17, 202620 min

End of Federal Career? What You Need to Know

In episode 185 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explains the key points to focus on if you’re nearing or about to enter retirement from government service. 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 3, 202621 min

Reviewing TSP L-Funds Properly

Not all Lifecycle (L) Funds are created equal for every investor. In episode 184 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val explains how to properly review your TSP L-Fund, understand what it's invested in, and determine whether it still aligns with your retirement timeline, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. 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.

June 26, 202621 min

Is the G-Fund Losing You Money?

The G-Fund is often viewed as the safest option in the TSP, but could that safety be costing you long-term growth? In episode 183 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val first breaks down how the G-Fund works, its role in a retirement portfolio, and the hidden risks of being too conservative. Learn when the G-Fund makes sense—and when it could be holding your retirement goals back. 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.

June 19, 202626 min

Just Got Hired? – What You Need to Know

Congratulations on your new federal career—but have you started thinking about retirement yet? In episode 182 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val discusses why your first years as a federal employee can have a lasting impact on your financial future. From understanding the importance of retirement planning early to taking advantage of savings opportunities through your federal benefits, Val breaks down the key steps every new federal employee should consider. 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.

June 12, 202619 min

Recently Asked Questions – Three Questions That Could Help Bolster Your Retirement Portfolio

On episode 181 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val explains the details around three questions that were recently asked to him by federal employees! 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.