Rayna Retirement

American Federal Benefits Consultants
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Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning. Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement. | To contact Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

  1. 2D AGO ·  BONUS

    Podcast Extra: Saving strategies in a High-Cost Environment

    Happy "America Saves Week!" Guest: Shikha Narula, Head of Consumer Deposit Products at Bank of America Key Takeaways from the Interview: Saving remains a priority—but it’s challenging: ~52% of Americans say saving is a top priority ~72% say inflation and cost of living are impacting finances Automation is one of the easiest wins: Tools like debit round-ups (e.g., “Keep the Change”) Recurring automatic transfers to “pay yourself first” Balance saving with lifestyle (don’t eliminate joy spending): Cut back—not cut out—small treats Identify “joy spending” categories and prioritize intentionally Use the 50/30/20 framework: 50% needs 30% wants 20% savings Make big goals more achievable: Break savings goals into smaller milestones Set deadlines and celebrate progress Use separate accounts for specific goals (reduces temptation) Free up extra cash with small adjustments: Review subscriptions Reduce unnecessary spending (rideshare, etc.) Small changes can compound over time Helpful resources mentioned: America Saves Week BetterMoneyHabits.com Bank of America Life Plan tools -- Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857 Visit: AmericanFederal.org -- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning. Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

    7 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Divorce & Your Federal Retirement: What You Need to Know Before It’s Final

    Divorce can be complicated—but when federal retirement benefits are involved, the stakes get even higher. In this episode, Rayna Reyes walks through the three biggest retirement-related issues you need to understand during a divorce: pension division, survivor benefits, and splitting retirement accounts like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). She explains how court orders like QDROs determine what a former spouse may be entitled to—and why getting the details right is critical. Rayna also breaks down common formulas used to divide pensions, the potential tax implications of retirement account distributions, and what happens if required documents aren’t properly filed. Whether you’re currently going through a divorce or planning ahead, this episode provides practical guidance to help you avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions about your financial future. -- Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857 Visit: AmericanFederal.org -- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning. Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

    14 min

  3. 5D AGO

    Retiring Soon? Here’s What Happens to Your FEHB Health Insurance

    Health insurance is one of the biggest concerns for federal employees approaching retirement—but what if the process is simpler than you think? In this episode, Rayna Reyes breaks down what really happens to your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) when you retire. From the “5-year rule” to how premiums are handled, Rayna explains why many retirees don’t actually need to take any action at all. She also clears up confusion around recent notices about premium payments, explains when you might receive a bill (and when you can ignore it), and highlights important differences when it comes to dental and vision coverage. Plus, Rayna covers what happens to your spouse’s coverage, the role of survivor benefits, and how open enrollment continues even after you retire. If you’re planning your federal retirement and wondering what happens to your healthcare, this episode will give you clarity—and peace of mind. -- Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857 Visit: AmericanFederal.org -- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning. Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

    8 min

  4. APR 1 ·  BONUS

    Podcast Extra: Financial Literacy Month

    April is National Financial Literacy Month. It started back in the early 2000s when Congress realized too many Americans were leaving school without the first clue about how to manage a paycheck, a credit card, or a financial future.  Fast-forward to 2026, and the problem hasn’t gone away. Nearly half of U.S. adults still give themselves a C-minus or worse on money knowledge… Key Points Covered: Review one monthly bill and see if you can cut, renegotiate, or cancel it Set one small savings goal — even twenty bucks a paycheck counts Learn just one new money concept — like how compound interest works for you instead of against you Sit down with your partner or your kids and have one honest conversation about money. No judgment, Just real talk -- Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857 Visit: AmericanFederal.org -- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning. Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

    2 min

  5. APR 1

    Born on Easter: A Lesson About Milestones, Dates & Retirement Planning

    With Easter around the corner, it's the perfect time to talk about planning, milestones, and the dates that matter in our lives. In this heartwarming holiday special, Rayna Reyes welcomes a very special guest—her colleague Dr. Dr. Rhonda, a retired Navy veteran who has an unforgettable Easter birthday story that perfectly illustrates why dates matter in retirement planning too. An Easter Birthday Story: Dr. Rhonda was born on Easter Sunday, March 26 at 2:26 a.m.—two days later than her doctor predicted. Her godmother immediately nicknamed her "Bunny," a name that stuck throughout her Navy career (yes, even her superiors called her "Petty Officer Bunny"!) and continues to this day, 59 years later. But here's the twist: Rhonda's father doesn't celebrate her birthday on March 26. He calls her every year on Easter Sunday—whatever day that happens to be—to wish her happy birthday. For nearly 59 years, he's celebrated based on the occasion, not the date. It's a sweet family tradition that raises an important question: when do dates matter, and when do milestones matter more? Why This Matters for Your Retirement: Rayna uses this touching story to illustrate a crucial point about retirement planning: dates DO matter, but we need to understand which ones and why. -- Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857 Visit: AmericanFederal.org -- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning. Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

    11 min

  6. MAR 30

    No Silver Alerts Allowed - Medicare Clarity for Federal Retirees

    Don't go rogue on Medicare! In Episode 81 of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes breaks down one of the most confusing aspects of federal retirement: Medicare enrollment and how it works with your federal or postal health benefits. Using her signature straightforward style, Rayna explains the critical differences between what postal employees MUST do versus what federal employees have the flexibility to choose when it comes to Medicare Part A and Part B. What You'll Learn in This Episode: For Postal Employees: Here's the non-negotiable truth—if you're a postal employee retiring, you MUST turn on Medicare Parts A and B to keep your postal service health benefit plan. This applies to both you and your spouse. There's no wiggle room here, and Rayna explains exactly why this mandate exists and what happens if you don't comply. For Federal Employees: You have options! Unlike postal employees, federal employees aren't required to enroll in Medicare Part B to maintain their FEHB coverage. However, many still choose to do so for three main reasons: They thought they had to They want to avoid future penalties Having two health insurance plans working together sounds appealing But is it the right choice for YOU? That's what this episode helps you figure out. -- Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857 Visit: AmericanFederal.org -- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning. Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

    7 min

  7. MAR 27

    TSA Funding Update - What Federal Employees Need to Know Right Now

    In this urgent bonus episode recorded on March 27, 2026, Rayna Reyes addresses the breaking news about TSA funding and the Department of Homeland Security bill moving through Congress. If you're planning to travel or work in federal service, this is critical information you need to hear. What's Covered: Senate passage of the DHS funding bill and President Trump's commitment to sign Real impact on travelers: 2-hour TSA wait times reported at major airports What's included (and excluded) from the current funding proposal Immigration enforcement funding still pending Special message for TSA employees approaching retirement eligibility Key Takeaway: While uncertainty remains, there's reason for optimism as the funding bill moves to the House. TSA employees who've been with the agency since its post-9/11 inception are now reaching significant retirement milestones, and Rayna's here to help navigate those decisions if you're ready to "get out of Dodge." -- Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857 Visit: AmericanFederal.org -- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning. Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

    3 min

  8. MAR 24

    Beyond the Three-Legged Stool: Making Your FERS Retirement Income Cover Your Expenses

    You've heard about the "three-legged stool" of FERS retirement—pension, Social Security, and TSP—but what happens when two of those legs don't provide enough monthly income to cover your expenses? In this essential episode, Rayna Reyes tackles one of the biggest challenges federal retirees face: income gaps. Before you make any decisions about your TSP, Rayna explains why you must first calculate your actual take-home income from your pension (after taxes, health insurance, FEHB, FEGLI, and survivor benefits) and understand your Social Security or FERS supplement situation. You'll discover: ✓ Why advisors who only discuss TSP without reviewing your total income are missing the big picture ✓ How to identify if you'll have a monthly income shortfall ✓ When and how to use TSP or outside IRAs to fill income gaps ✓ Special considerations for those retiring at 60 with only 20 years of service ✓ Why the FERS supplement may only be half of what you expect -- Contact Rayna directly at 850-450-6500 Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857 Visit: AmericanFederal.org -- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning. Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

    9 min
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About

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning. Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement. | To contact Rayna and the team at American Federal Benefits Consultants, call 1-800-872-8857 or visit AmericanFederal.org.

Information

  • Creator
    American Federal Benefits Consultants
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Rayna Retirement

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