The Federal Retirement Show

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 ...

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? C...

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.

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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.

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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 ep...

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 othe...

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...

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.

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Long-term care is one of the most important—and often overlooked—pieces of a successful retirement plan. In episode 180 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val explores why planning for long-term care matters, the potential financial impact of needing care later in life, and the options available to help protect your retirement savings.

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and...

In episode 179 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val protecting your financial capital, risk tolerance, and why pulling some money off the table could benefit your financial well-being in the long run.

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...

In episode 178 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explains survivor benefits, survivor-benefit plans versus FERS, and why Life Insurance could be the most optimal choice when planning for 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 financia...

In episode 177 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explains the multiple reasons behind buying life insurance and leaving that to your family and how this process is a more financially lucrative than traditional assets allocation.

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 l...

In episode 176 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val takes a closer look at the financial strategies you need to adopt as a federal employee to make sure you have enough income 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...

In episode 175 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val takes a closer look on the financial strategies you need to adopt as a federal employee to make sure you have enough income 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...

In episode 174 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val tackles one of the biggest concerns for federal employees heading into retirement: Will your income last as long as you do? Val explores why a steady, reliable paycheck in retirement is essential for peace of mind and financial security!

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't for...

In episode 173 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val breaks down one of the most powerful — and often misunderstood — strategies in retirement planning: the Roth conversion. Starting with the basics, Val explains exactly what a Roth conversion is and how it works, especially when moving funds from your TSP into a Roth account. From there, Val walks you through the step-by-step TSP to Roth conversion process, highlighting ...

In episode 172 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val documents a scenario with a recent client – a retired federal employee – and trying to eliminate their debt to ensure a smoother retirement portfolio.

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 t...

In episode 171 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val dives into critical yet often-overlooked aspects of planning a secure retirement for federal employees and their families by examining a common pitfalls: the failure to have a proper and up-to-date estate plan, explore how implementing the right estate planning strategies can effectively secure your assets—protecting your legacy, minimizing probate issues, ensuring your wishe...

In episode 170 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val closes out his series of the most common (and costly) mistakes federal employees make—this week shining a spotlight on another common mistake federal employees make when nearing retirement – failure to receive a personalized benefits and review to ensure a successful retirement!

Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the...