Federal Employees Retirement & Benefits Podcast by CD Financial

Charles Dzama
  • 4.8 (9)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 12H AGO

    TSP 401k Strategy: Keep It or Move It? We've Tested Both

    TSP vs 401(k) rollover strategy isn’t about where the money goes—it’s about what the money is meant to do.” Discover how to decide whether to keep or move your retirement accounts with a clear, purpose-driven plan. Get the digital book at no cost to you here: https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/ Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/ Apply for a 15-minute call here: https://cdfinancial.org/schedule-a-meeting/ 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 Intro 0:18 The Real Question You Should Be Asking 0:41 Why “Roll It Over or Leave It” Is the Wrong Starting Point 1:01 Defining the Purpose of Your Retirement Accounts 1:25 Building a Retirement Income Strategy Blueprint 1:50 Combining TSP, 401(k), IRA for Stronger Outcomes 2:06 Creating Income Phases: Short-Term vs Long-Term Planning 2:32 Building a Stable Retirement Foundation That Lasts 2:54 Step-by-Step Retirement Planning Approach 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
  2. Staying the Course in Retirement When the Market Drops

    5D AGO

    Staying the Course in Retirement When the Market Drops

    Get the digital book at no cost to you here: https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/ Market corrections reveal whether you have investments or whether you have a retirement plan. If you are deciding whether to keep funding your TSP or 401(k), move toward the G Fund, or stay disciplined during market volatility, this conversation is for you. In this video, we discuss what to consider during a market downturn, how ongoing TSP or 401(k) contributions can work during lower markets, why timing the market requires being right twice, and why reducing risk should be part of a plan rather than a reaction to fear. 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 Market Advice, Panic, and Staying the Course 0:26 Retiree vs. Working Perspective on Market Drops 1:18 Why Market Losses Trigger the Urge to Act 2:41 Recency Bias and Emotional Investing Decisions 3:43 What Staying the Course Means in a Retirement Plan 5:17 Dollar Cost Averaging in Your TSP or 401(k) 7:29 Adjusting Allocation Before Retirement 10:18 Federal Pension Income as a Retirement Foundation 12:19 Down Market Checklist for Retirees 15:13 Why Timing the Market Requires Two Hard Decisions 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

    25 min

  3. APR 28

    Federal Retirees: The Realistic Path to Lower Taxes in Retirement

    Is a tax-free retirement actually possible for federal retirees with a pension—or is it one of the most misunderstood ideas in retirement planning?” This video breaks down how federal retirees can realistically reduce taxes in retirement by understanding how pensions, Social Security, and TSP withdrawals interact. Apply for your Retirement Strategy Call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube “Tax-free retirement isn’t about eliminating taxes entirely—it’s about reducing taxable income through thoughtful planning across your pension, Social Security, and retirement accounts.” Get the digital book at no cost to you here: https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/ Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/ 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 Intro 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
  4. Your Pension Could Make You Pay MORE in Taxes — Here's Why

    APR 23

    Your Pension Could Make You Pay MORE in Taxes — Here's Why

    Want to see how this applies to your Retirement Income? Join our April 29th retirement webinar: https://event.webinarjam.com/rygmv/register/gwy3num3 “Your pension isn’t the problem—it’s how your income stacks in retirement that can increase your tax exposure.” Get the digital book at no cost to you here: https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-book/ 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 your pension can increase taxes in retirement 1:23 Why taxes don’t always go down after you retire 2:54 What “income stacking” really means 4:25 How your pension fills lower tax brackets first 5:06 The truth about Social Security taxation 6:53 When RMDs start increasing your tax burden 8:32 Smarter withdrawal strategies to manage taxes 9:24 Roth conversions and timing opportunities 10:23 Using charitable strategies to reduce taxes 13:01 States with favorable retirement tax treatment 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

    18 min

  5. APR 23

    Market Corrections Reveal Who Has a Real Retirement Plan - Don't Flinch

    FREE Federal Employee Book (PDF): https://cdfinancial.org/being-a-federal-employee-in-the-era-of-trump-book/ The market drops. Don’t flinch. Market corrections reveal whether you have a real retirement plan, especially if you are deciding whether to keep funding your TSP or 401(k), move toward the G Fund, or stay disciplined through market volatility. Most people don’t realize this until the market forces the decision. This video breaks down what to do during a market correction, how TSP investing works in downturns, and why long-term retirement planning requires discipline over reaction. Here’s the reality: dollar cost averaging, not chasing returns, and reducing risk a few years before retirement matter more than emotional reactions or trying to time the market. If you’re feeling that pressure right now, this is exactly where a real plan matters. LINKS & RESOURCES Checklist Challenge: https://cdfinancial.org/checklist-challenge/ Schedule a complimentary call if you want help building your retirement plan: 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, and compliant. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Market Corrections and Why You Should Not Flinch 0:25 Dollar Cost Averaging in Your TSP or 401(k) 0:49 Buying on Sale During Market Volatility 1:15 Why You Should Not Stop Retirement Contributions 1:40 Before You Move Everything to the G Fund 2:12 Why Timing the Market Means Being Right Twice 2:38 Build a Retirement Plan Before You Retire 3:09 Federal Employees, TSP, and Your Benefits Guide 3:39 Next Steps for Retirement Planning #MarketCorrections #RetirementPlanning #FederalEmployees #TSP #CDFinancial 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

    4 min
  6. Roth Conversions & IRMAA | Strategies for Federal Employees

    APR 16

    Roth Conversions & IRMAA | Strategies for Federal Employees

    Roth conversions and IRMAA are deeply connected—one decision today can impact your Medicare premiums two years from now. 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 Intro to Roth Conversions & IRMAA 1:05 What IRMAA Means for Medicare Premiums 2:15 Income Thresholds & Medicare Surcharge Tiers 3:40 The 2-Year Lookback Rule Explained 5:10 Why Retirees Get Surprised by IRMAA 7:00 Common IRMAA Triggers (Withdrawals, Sales, RMDs) 9:30 Roth Conversions: Short-Term Cost vs Long-Term Gain 12:00 How Large Withdrawals Impact Medicare Costs 14:20 Strategic Planning to Reduce IRMAA Exposure 16:30 Building a Tax-Efficient Retirement Income Plan 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

  7. APR 14

    Federal Employees: Your Pension Might Cost You Thousands in Extra Taxes—Income Stacking

    Federal employee retirement income stacking can quietly push you into higher tax brackets—turning your pension, TSP withdrawals, and Social Security into a costly tax surprise if not planned properly. “Income stacking in retirement isn’t about earning more—it’s about how multiple income sources like your FERS pension, TSP distributions, and Social Security combine to increase your taxable income.” 🔗 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 Intro – The Hidden Tax Problem in Retirement 1:12 What Is Income Stacking for Federal Employees 3:05 How Your FERS Pension Triggers Higher Taxes 5:18 TSP Withdrawals and Tax Bracket Creep 7:02 Social Security Taxation Explained 9:10 Real Example of Retirement Income Stacking 11:25 Strategies to Reduce Retirement Tax Liability 13:40 Timing Withdrawals for Tax Efficiency 15:05 Common Mistakes Federal Retirees Make 16:30 Final Thoughts – Planning for Tax-Smart Retirement 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

    4 min
  8. Federal Employees Missing This TSP 401k Tax Deadline? Here's What Happens

    APR 9

    Federal Employees Missing This TSP 401k Tax Deadline? Here's What Happens

    TSP and 401(k) withdrawals can create an unexpected tax bill when withholding does not match your actual tax bracket, state tax exposure, and total retirement income. In this episode, we break down what federal employees and retirees should check before filing so they can better understand how TSP withdrawals, 401(k) distributions, Roth rules, and 1099-R reporting work together. 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 Tax Deadline Alert for TSP and 401(k) Withdrawals 1:09 Why Federal Employees Owe More at Tax Time 2:15 State Income Tax and Retirement Withdrawal Surprises 3:43 How TSP Withholding Can Fall Short 4:17 Traditional TSP vs Roth TSP Withdrawal Rules 7:19 Roth TSP Age 59½ and 5-Year Rule 8:28 Tax Filing Checklist Before You Submit 9:22 Why You Should Verify Your 1099-R 10:19 Direct Rollover vs Taxable Distribution 11:17 Real Example of a Large Withdrawal Tax Problem 15:08 When to Work With a Tax Professional 19:52 What to Change Now for Next Year’s Taxes 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

    25 min
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4.8
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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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