Federal Employees Retirement & Benefits Podcast by CD Financial

Charles Dzama
  • 4.7 (7)
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The objective of this podcast is to educate and enlighten you about your federal benefits and to guide you in creating a well-formed retirement income plan. Schedule your complimentary 15-minute phone call today! https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/dzamatalk-complimentary-15-min-phone-call

  1. If You Don't Understand These 5 Pillars, You May Not Ready to Retire

    9H AGO

    If You Don't Understand These 5 Pillars, You May Not Ready to Retire

    “Federal retirement planning doesn’t need to be a 60-page binder. Most near-retirees only face two or three major decisions that truly determine their long-term income, tax efficiency, and peace of mind.” If you’re a federal employee approaching retirement and wondering how to structure your TSP withdrawals, coordinate FEHB with Medicare, or decide when to claim Social Security, this episode breaks down a simpler, step-by-step approach designed to create clarity instead of overwhelm. Click “Show More” to see how the Chartered Retirement Course works. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/ FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter 👋 WHO ARE WE? CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why Traditional 60-Page Financial Plans Don’t Work 01:13 The Real Problem: Information Overload in Retirement Planning 01:43 Introducing the Chartered Retirement Course (CRC) 02:09 The 5 Phases: Income, Investments, Taxes, Healthcare, Legacy 05:00 The Big Retirement Decisions That Actually Matter 06:21 Step 1: Peace of Mind Visit – Clarifying Your Retirement Goals 09:46 Step 2: Retirement Course Design – Pension, Social Security & TSP Analysis 11:59 Step 3: Plan Confidence Visit – Connecting the Income Strategy 13:11 Step 4: Ongoing Strategy & Fiduciary Partnership 17:41 Real Case Study: Federal Employee Retirement Clarity 21:09 How to Schedule Your Complimentary Retirement Call Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation. Support the show

    22 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Retirement Moves in the 6-Figures That Most Pension Holders Get Wrong

    We examine a realistic scenario for a client with a $750,000 TSP/401(K) and a $40,000 pension, focusing on adjustments in fund allocation, and a financial scenario for "Bill" vs. "Jack", one begins withdrawing $3,000 monthly from his TSP and takes Social Security at 62. Understanding crucial aspects like TSP distributions, retirement income, and tax planning is key, and we explore how a bucket strategy retirement approach can help manage these changes effectively. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/ FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter 👋 WHO ARE WE? CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Why Retirement Planning Is Different When You Have a Pension 0:47 Treating Your Pension as the Foundation of Retirement Income 1:42 Social Security Timing Mistakes Pension Holders Make 2:39 Using a Pension to Delay Social Security and Increase Lifetime Income 3:02 TSP and 401(k) Withdrawal Strategies With a Pension 4:10 How Pension Coordination Can Extend Portfolio Longevity 4:39 Rethinking Risk Tolerance When You Have Guaranteed Income 5:49 Asset Allocation Changes for Pension-Based Retirees 6:58 The Pension Coordination Checklist (3 Critical Questions) 8:24 Common Pension Planning Mistakes and Missed Opportunities Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation. Support the show

    9 min
  3. 3 TSP Mistakes That Could Cost You +$100K in Retirement

    FEB 5

    3 TSP Mistakes That Could Cost You +$100K in Retirement

    Federal employees near retirement: keeping the same TSP allocation you used at 35 could quietly erode your lifetime income, cost you tax flexibility, and expose your savings to sequence-of-returns risk that drains six figures from your hard-earned balance. Learn the three common TSP mistakes that many federal workers make — and how distribution planning, withdrawal mechanics, and retirement options can make a strategic difference.  Get your FREE TSP Retirement Strategy Guide and avoid costly mistakes https://cdfinancial.org/tsp%20free%20guide Sequence-of-returns risk, proportional TSP withdrawals, and knowing your post-retirement options are three often-overlooked factors that matter more than your accumulation strategy. Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial 👋 WHO AM I? CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro — Why TSP Mistakes Matter for Federal Employees 1:10 Sequence-of-Returns Risk Explained for TSP Distributions 2:45 Mistake #1 — Using Accumulation Allocations in Retirement 4:30 Bucket Strategy to Reduce Market Risk 6:00 Mistake #2 — Not Understanding TSP Withdrawal Mechanics 7:50 Prorata Withdrawals and Locked-In Losses 9:25 Mistake #3 — Ignoring Your Retirement Options (IRA, Annuity) 11:40 Tax Planning & Roth Conversion Considerations 13:15 Real-World Example: $750K TSP Scenarios 15:30 Next Steps & Free Guide Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation. Support the show

    17 min

  4. FEB 3

    The Humility Factor: Why Most Navy SEAL Teams Outperform Part 2

    Lessons in leadership from Navy SEALs reveal how aggressive action, humility, and extreme ownership shape high-performing teams in business and life.” This video breaks down real leadership lessons from Navy SEAL training and applies them to everyday leadership, teamwork, and accountability. If you lead a team, a business, or a family, these principles matter. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial 👋 WHO AM I? CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Lessons in Leadership from Navy SEALs (Part 2) 0:25 Principle #1: Default to Aggressive Leadership 1:14 Principle #2: Humility and Checking Your Ego 2:18 Principle #3: Extreme Ownership Explained 3:07 Leadership Failure vs Leadership Accountability 5:05 Teamwork Lessons from Navy SEAL Training 6:11 Encouraging Your Team and Leading from the Back 7:20 Never Leave a Teammate Behind 7:44 Problem Solving Under Pressure 9:28 What Real Leadership Looks Like in Action Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation. Support the show

    10 min

  5. JAN 29

    Pension or No Pension? Here's How Everything Can Change

    If you have a defined benefit pension, everything from when you claim Social Security to how you draw your TSP/401k changes — because guaranteed income becomes your foundation for smarter retirement planning. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial 👋 WHO AM I? CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Pension vs No Pension — Why Retirement Planning Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All 0:28 Why Most People Underuse Their Pension 1:20 Your Pension as the Foundation of Retirement Income 2:12 The Financial House Framework Explained 3:45 Why Claiming Social Security Early Can Be a Costly Mistake 5:05 Social Security at 62 vs 67 vs 70 — Understanding the Math 6:25 How a Pension Creates Flexibility in Retirement Decisions 6:49 Two Retirees, Same Savings — Very Different Outcomes 7:48 Coordinating Pension Income With TSP and 401(k) Withdrawals 8:40 How Strategy Impacts How Long Your Money Lasts 10:02 Should You Be Playing It Safer or Smarter With TSP 11:10 Separating Income Assets From Growth Assets 12:16 Why Pulling Money During Market Drops Hurts Retirement 13:41 Three Questions Every Pension Holder Must Ask 14:58 Using Your Pension as a Strategic Planning Tool 15:41 How to Book a Pension Coordination Review 16:38 Final Takeaways — Don’t Leave Retirement Income Unused Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation. Support the show

    17 min

  6. JAN 27

    4 Traits That Make Navy SEALs Great Leaders

    Navy SEAL leadership traits aren’t complicated— they’re executed under pressure: cover and move (teamwork), simplify the mission, prioritize and execute, and decentralized command (empowerment). If you’ve ever led a team in business or a federal agency and felt moments of chaos, this framework will feel immediately practical—click “Show More” for the full breakdown. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial 👋 WHO AM I? CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Navy SEAL Leadership Lessons — Introduction 0:21 Cover and Move: Teamwork Under Pressure 1:14 Simplify the Mission: Clear Communication for Execution 2:17 Prioritize and Execute: Decision-Making in Chaos 3:08 Decentralized Command: Empowering Everyone to Lead 4:04 Leadership Trust: Supporting the Team Without Doing Their Job 4:43 Key Leadership Takeaways 5:04 End Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation. Support the show

    5 min

  7. JAN 22

    Retirement Planning Risk #1: Waiting Until You Fill Out the Packet to Make Lifetime Decisions

    Federal retirement planning shouldn’t start when you’re filling out the retirement packet — by then, you’re making lifetime decisions under a deadline. Planning early gives you time to align your benefits with your goals. Learn how to complete your federal retirement paperwork accurately, understand benefit elections, TSP options, survivor benefits, and the retirement submission process before you’re up against the clock. We offer you a FREE 15-minute call to ask questions and start understanding whether you have a real retirement plan or just the idea of one. Schedule here: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube Are You “Shutdown-Proof” for Retirement?, find out here: https://lb1nm6qa2sh.typeform.com/to/pKWB4w8b Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial 👋 WHO AM I? CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro: Why the Retirement Packet Matters 1:15 Understanding Your Retirement Forms 3:40 Key Benefit Elections – FERS & CSRS Explained 6:25 TSP, Social Security & Benefit Timing 9:05 Survivor Benefit Options Explained 11:50 Common Errors & How to Fix Them 14:10 Submission Methods – Mail vs eOPF 16:40 Timing Your Retirement Effective Date 19:00 Where to Get Help & Support Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation. Support the show

    24 min

  8. JAN 20

    You Could Avoid Making This Irreversible Retirement Decision Last-Minute

    When should you plan for retirement? This video discusses the critical timing of your federal retirement, emphasizing that thoughtful financial planning and income planning are crucial. Do not rush your decision-making at the last minute; proper retirement planning requires foresight and careful consideration, well in advance of OPM's deadlines. Take the Quizz: https://lb1nm6qa2sh.typeform.com/to/pKWB4w8b 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial 👋 WHO AM I? CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant. ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 When should you really start planning for retirement? 0:33 Why six months before retirement is not enough 1:04 The danger of making irreversible retirement decisions last-minute 1:32 Building a strong retirement foundation: the financial house analogy 1:56 Why retirement planning must happen well before paperwork is filed 2:18 Understanding age-based in-service rollovers (TSP and 401k basics) 2:55 Final guidance on preparing before submitting your OPM retirement packet Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation. Support the show

    3 min
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About

The objective of this podcast is to educate and enlighten you about your federal benefits and to guide you in creating a well-formed retirement income plan. Schedule your complimentary 15-minute phone call today! https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/dzamatalk-complimentary-15-min-phone-call

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