FedSmart Podcast

As we celebrate America's 250th Independence Day, we reflect on the values that have shaped our nation for generations: liberty, service, sacrifice, and opportunity.

Today, we're especially grateful for the federal employees who serve our country and communities every day, helping make America stronger.

From all of us at FedSmart Retirement, thank you for your dedication and service. We wish you a safe, meaningful, and joyful Fourth of July with family and friends.

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

#FourthOfJuly #America250 #IndependenceDay #FederalEmployees #PublicService #FedSmartRetirement

1 day ago | [YT] | 10

FedSmart Podcast

TSP withdrawals, the FERS Supplement, and what you lose access to when you separate. We answer the 3 questions federal employees ask us most.

In this episode, Jesse and Steven break down:
🔹 How the TSP proportionate withdrawal rule works, and how Roth vs. Traditional withdrawals actually work
🔹 How the FERS Supplement starts for those who took an early out before their MRA, plus the earnings limit rules around it
🔹 What to download from your federal accounts before you separate, since access is cut off immediately

If you're a federal employee within a few years of retirement, this episode answers questions you've probably already been asking.

Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/HiDHbIkHfJc

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every fewweeks
📲 Follow FedSmart on all platforms: FedsmartRetirement.com
#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #TSP #FERS #FederalEmployees

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1 day ago | [YT] | 1

FedSmart Podcast

One retirement mistake gets all the attention:
Taking too much money.

But what if taking too little is also creating problems?

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain why federal retirees can find themselves on either extreme.

Watch the episode to learn:
✔ Why withdrawal planning is more important than most people realize
✔ How retirees end up taking too much or too little
✔ What factors should influence retirement income decisions

Watch the full episode here... https://youtu.be/-8z7T_RpILw

#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #TSPWithdrawals #FederalRetirees #RetirementEducation

2 days ago | [YT] | 0

FedSmart Podcast

Can taking money from your TSP reduce your Social Security benefits?

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett tackle a question that many federal employees ask as retirement approaches.

The answer depends on understanding the difference between earned income and retirement income. That distinction can affect how you evaluate your retirement cash flow strategy.

Watch the full podcast to learn:
• What really counts toward the Social Security earnings limit
• How annual leave payouts are treated after retirement
• Why TSP withdrawals and pensions are different from wages

Watch the full podcast here:
https://youtu.be/SXDd1JLBgNE

#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #SocialSecurity #FederalEmployee #RetirementQuestions

3 days ago | [YT] | 0

FedSmart Podcast

Your coworker retired successfully.
Your neighbor loves their withdrawal strategy.
An online article says something completely different.

So who's right?

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain why retirement planning isn't one-size-fits-all for federal employees.

Watch the episode to learn:
✔ Why generic advice can miss critical details
✔ What retirement decisions should be based on
✔ How personal goals influence retirement outcomes

Watch the full podcast here:
https://youtu.be/-8z7T_RpILw

#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #FederalRetirees #RetirementAdvice #TSPPlanning

6 days ago | [YT] | 3

FedSmart Podcast

Fear of running out of money.
Fear of making a mistake.
Fear of retiring at the wrong time.

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain why fear may be one of the biggest retirement risks federal employees face.

The challenge isn't always a lack of savings. Sometimes it's a lack of clarity.

In this episode, you'll learn:
✔ Why analysis paralysis affects so many federal employees
✔ How retirement complexity can delay important decisions
✔ What role planning plays in reducing uncertainty

Watch the full podcast here:
https://youtu.be/-8z7T_RpILw

#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #RetirementQuestions #TSP #FederalRetirementPlanning

1 week ago | [YT] | 3

FedSmart Podcast

Many federal employees spend years searching for the perfect retirement number.


But retirement planning is about much more than reaching a certain TSP balance.


Your pension, Social Security benefits, expenses, lifestyle goals, and vision for life after federal service all play important roles in shaping retirement readiness.


In this carousel, you'll learn why successful retirement planning often starts with understanding what you're retiring to, not just what you're retiring from.


Read the full article here... fedsmartretirement.com/ideal-federal-retirement/


#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #FERS #FederalEmployees #RetirementPlanning

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1 week ago | [YT] | 2

FedSmart Podcast

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett see this all the time:
Federal employees spend decades preparing for retirement, only to become so cautious that they never fully understand what their retirement income can support.

Could you be saving for experiences you'll never actually enjoy?

Retirement isn't only about accumulating assets. It's also about understanding how to use those resources throughout retirement.

In this episode, you'll discover:
✔ Why some retirees withdraw far less than they potentially could
✔ What creates unnecessary fear around retirement spending
✔ How income planning affects lifestyle choices in retirement

Watch the full episode:
https://youtu.be/-8z7T_RpILw

#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #FederalRetirees #TSPPlanning #RetirementEducation

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 3

FedSmart Podcast

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain what happens when your records are wrong.
Having your own documents can make the process easier.
This episode walks through a real example.


In this podcast, you’ll learn:
• How errors get corrected
• Why SF50s matter
• What happens if you don’t have them


Watch here: https://youtu.be/HiDHbIkHfJc


#FederalEmployees #SF50 #RetirementQuestions #FedSmart #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 4

FedSmart Podcast

Did you see our latest Quiz Question on Saturday?
“True or false? Your first supplement comes directly from Social Security”

The correct answer is… False:
It comes directly from OPM.
Did you get it right? If so, comment below!

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0