For Your Benefit Federal News Network | Hubbard Radio

February 26, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes back our original program guests Tammy Flanagan, NITP Senior Benefits Director, Karen Schaeffer, CFP®, Marc Levine, Esquire, and Tom O’Rourke, Counsel.
This is our final episode. We have enjoyed our weekly conversations for the past 18 years. Thank you to our loyal listeners for tuning in as we discussed topics ranging from benefits to finance to estate planning and everything in between.
Our guests gather today to share their memories, stories, and closing thoughts. Join us as we reminisce about the years of hosting this radio program. We hope you have learned a great deal over the years and encourage you to visit our website to stay in touch with NITP.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

February 12, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Marc Levine, Esquire. We will discuss how your assets pass to your loved ones:

Through joint ownership of land;

Through joint ownership of bank and brokerage accounts;

Through government beneficiary forms (including new rules for the TSP); and

Through non-government beneficiary forms, and how often they may differ from each other.

We will also discuss what we can do when the unexpected and unplanned transfer happens.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

February 5, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP®. The new year is a great time to review:

Investment allocations and rebalancing needs

Cash flow and budgeting for the new year

Retirement contributions, plans and projections

Insurance coverage, needs and premium changes

For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

January 29, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA®, welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist. Have you ever considered how much additional income your loved ones might need if you were suddenly gone? Have you planned their survivor benefits? Today’s program will focus on answering these questions:

What types of Federal survivor benefits would go to your loved ones if you pass away?

How can you be sure the benefits you have planned/elected for your survivors will be enough?

If you have not elected benefits or designated specific beneficiaries, will your survivors be eligible for them anyway?

What survivor benefits must be elected?

Can you make these elections later or must they be in place before you pass away?

Who ensures your survivors receive benefits?

What is your Federal agency’s responsibility?

OPM’s responsibility?

Should survivor benefits be part of your financial plan?

Are these benefits taxable? Which are and which are not?

 

For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

January 8, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Herb Casey, Federal Benefits Specialist.
Topics include:
Income

COLA for FERS and CSRS retirees

Salary pay raises & new locality rates

Social Security

Maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax

COLA

Earning limitations

FEHB Insurances

Increased premiums

12 fewer plans

Medicare

Rising premiums for Medicare

Expansion of mental health coverage

Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program
Increasing premiums
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Contribution limits

Secure 2.0 changes

For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com

December 18, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist. Bob will talk about:

The annuity calculation

FEGLI 5-year rule

Medicare’s different enrollment periods

Long term care – What to consider while the Federal plan is suspended

For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com