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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 3D AGO

    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

  3. JAN 15

    Federal Retirees: The Social Security Timing Mistake You Might Not Want to Make in Today's Landscape

    This special podcast with Ann Wirtz and CD Financial discusses taking control of your financial success. We explore essential aspects of personal finance and financial management to help you make smarter decisions. Learn how to navigate your future with confidence and robust financial planning. Take the quiz: https://lb1nm6qa2sh.typeform.com/to/pKWB4w8b 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter 👋 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 Who’s in charge—Uncle Sam or you? (Federal retirement uncertainty) 0:35 A year of chaos: shutdowns, mandates, layoffs, and constant change 1:29 Focus on what you can control: planning through instability 4:58 Emergency fund planning for federal employees (shutdown-proof cash)  5:50 Invest in yourself: skills, career options, and private-sector flexibility 6:16 Real example: job searching after DRP and staying persistent 6:59 Reality check: unemployment limits and income gaps during disruption 7:48 Common risk: big TSP balance, small cash reserves 8:08 TSP loan strategy during a shutdown (how it can bridge pay delays) 11:17 OPM processing delays: retirees paid vs “no man’s land” cases 12:24 OPM backlog and processing pace: what it means for your timeline 18:41 Retiring soon? Why 3 months of expenses is a smart minimum buffer 22:02 Health meets wealth tip: coconut oil for dry skin and shaving 23:56 Wrap-up and where to find more resources 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

  4. JAN 13

    Your TSP, Your Rules: Taking Control From Uncle Sam

    Are You "Shutdown-Proof" for Retirement? Find out here: https://lb1nm6qa2sh.typeform.com/to/pKWB4w8b Your TSP, Your Rules — Take control of your federal retirement savings and overcome processing delays, tax traps, and income planning pitfalls with smarter decisions.” Learn how to manage your Thrift Savings Plan distributions, withdrawal strategies, and TSP loan options with confidence. “Understanding your TSP withdrawal options and income planning — from required minimum distributions to installment strategies — is one of the smartest steps you can take for a secure federal retirement.” FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter 👋 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 — Who Controls Your Retirement: You or Uncle Sam 0:27 Retirement Processing Backlog at OPM 0:58 What Happens When Your Pension Is Delayed 1:29 Real Federal Retiree Story: No Income, Forced to Work 1:59 The Cash Flow Problem Most Federal Employees Miss 2:31 Why a 3-Month Emergency Fund Matters 2:58 Using a TSP Loan as a Temporary Safety Net 3:25 How TSP Loan Interest Really Works 3:45 Final Takeaway — You Don’t Need to Work Longer, You Need a Better 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

    4 min

  5. JAN 8

    The Retirement Readiness Checklist | Don't Retire Without This

    Download the Guide here: https://cdfinancial.com FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube Are you truly ready to retire? This episode of the CD Financial Podcast dives into key questions about eligibility and financial management, helping you to understand the path to getting ready for retirement. We discuss essential aspects of retirement planning to ensure your financial planning is robust. 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 — The Retirement Readiness Checklist (ready, eligible, afford) 1:24 Retirement mindset — how to visualize your day-to-day after work 3:10 Federal retirement eligibility — MRA + years of service basics 5:45 Can you afford to retire? Income sources and expense reality check 8:30 Turning TSP/401(k)/IRA savings into retirement income planning 11:00 Health insurance, FEHB, Medicare, and out-of-pocket costs 12:50 Estimating monthly expenses using net pay, deductions, and allotments 15:20 Part-time work in retirement — when it reduces income pressure 17:30 Lifestyle planning — spending shifts, travel, and staying active 20:00 Wrap-up — build your written retirement income plan and checklist 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

    26 min

  6. JAN 6

    The Retirement Questions Most Federal Employees Get Wrong

    👉 FREE Retirement Planning Guide + Checklist: https://cdfinancial.org/tsp%20free%20guide/ FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube Are you truly retirement ready — financially secure, lifestyle-aligned, and prepared for life after work? Learn the key retirement planning questions and readiness checklist every pre-retiree should ask to avoid blind spots and achieve confidence in retirement. Socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial Join Our 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 Are You Ready to Retire? Two Questions That Matter Most 0:24 What’s Most Important to You in Retirement? Lifestyle & Priorities 0:52 Why Visualizing Your Retirement Life Is Critical 1:16 Can You Afford to Retire If Nothing Changes Financially? 2:02 How Long Does Your Money Need to Last in Retirement? 2:37 What a Successful Retirement Plan Should Really Do 3:10 Why You Don’t Need to Work Longer — You Need a Better 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

    4 min

  7. JAN 1

    FEHB Changes Every Federal Employee Needs to Know With Ann Vanderslice

    Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) & Medicare Part B Explained: What Every Federal Worker and Retiree Must Know in 2025” — get the facts on FEHB cost changes, Medicare coordination, and retirement health planning to avoid unnecessary premium spending and coverage gaps. Discover whether combining FEHB with Medicare Part B or supplements makes sense for you. 👇 Understanding how FEHB works with Medicare Part B and retirement is one of the most important financial planning decisions federal employees face — and it can save you thousands in premiums and out-of-pocket costs. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES Federal Benefits Open Season Info: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/ Medicare & FEHB Coordination Guide: https://www.medicare.tools/question/fehb-and-medicare-how-they-work-together-in-2025 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 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 FEHB vs Medicare Part B: The Decision Federal Employees Face 0:31 Meet Ann Vanderslice and Why This Topic Matters 1:25 Why Federal Employees Can Opt Out of Medicare Part B 2:57 FEHB Premium Increases: Recent Trends and What They Mean 5:12 FEHB Costs in Retirement: What Changes (and What Doesn’t) 7:20 How FEHB Premium Sharing Works and Why the OPM Cap Matters 9:02 FEHB as a “Part B Replacement” vs Pairing FEHB with Medicare 10:41 FEHB Part B Incentives and Rebates: Why Insurers Offer Them 12:01 Real Examples: Comparing FEHB Premiums Across Different Plans 14:14 Suspending FEHB and Medicare Advantage (Part C): Key Rules 22:53 Medicare Part B + Supplement + Part D: Cost Factors to Compare 17:47 Open Season Timing and Switching FEHB Plans 26:33 Preventive Health and Staying Active: Closing Takeaways 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

    28 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    FEHB + Part B vs Medicare Part B + Supplement: Which Move Saves You More

    Comparing Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage with Medicare Part B + Supplement helps retirees balance premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs while maximizing access to care. FEHB + Part B or Medicare Part B with a Supplement — What’s the smarter retirement healthcare move for federal employees and retirees navigating rising FEHB costs and Medicare decisions? Discover how FEHB coordinates with Medicare, when Medicare Part B makes sense, and why dual coverage can change your out-of-pocket risk in retirement. 👉 Tap “Show More” to uncover key healthcare planning strategies for federal annuitants. OPM Medicare vs FEHB Official Info: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/medicare/medicare-vs-fehb-enrollment/ Medicare Part B Info: https://www.medicare.gov/registration-eligibility/parts-what-they-cover/part-b 🔗 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 Overview — FEHB + Medicare Planning 0:45 What Is FEHB and Why Does It Matter in Retirement 1:30 How Medicare Part B Works With FEHB 2:15 Costs to Consider: Part B Premiums vs FEHB Premiums 3:05 Benefits of Dual Coverage (Medicare + FEHB) 4:00 When a Medicare Supplement Might Make Sense 4:45 Coordination of Benefits and Out-of-Pocket Risk 5:30 Decision Scenarios for Different Retirees 6:15 Key Takeaways for Federal Healthcare Choices 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
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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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