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. 3D AGO

    Inside the Federal Retirement Portal: What to Expect Before You Retire

    Preparing for federal retirement involves more than picking a date—it requires understanding the process, the paperwork, and the decisions that come before you officially leave service. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes walks listeners through what the federal retirement portal looks like, how to prepare key documents in advance, and which forms still require old-fashioned signatures and uploads. She explains common retirement elections, including life insurance and tax withholding choices, and highlights areas where federal employees often feel uncertain or overwhelmed. Rayna also clarifies how much flexibility employees truly have during the retirement process, including the ability to make changes right up until the retirement date. This episode offers a practical, confidence-building overview for anyone approaching federal retirement who wants to avoid surprises and retire the right way the first time. -- 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

  2. FEB 6

    In-Plan Roth Conversions Are Here: What TSP Participants Need to Know

    A major update to the Thrift Savings Plan is now in effect, and it could have meaningful tax implications for federal employees and retirees.  In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes explains the new ability for TSP participants to complete in-plan Roth conversions, effective January 28, 2026. She breaks down how Roth conversions work inside the TSP, what taxes apply when moving pre-tax dollars to Roth, and why planning ahead for the tax impact is essential.  Rayna also reviews key rules around Roth contributions, conversions, and growth, including five-year timelines and age-based considerations, and shares why thoughtful, smaller conversions may be more effective than large lump-sum moves. -- 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.

    10 min

  3. FEB 3 · BONUS

    Podcast Extra: Emergency Savings Strategies—Building a Safety Net Without Feeling Overwhelmed

    Retirement.Radio's Matt McClure sits down with Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian, for a practical and timely conversation about emergency savings. With rising living costs, recent holiday spending, and ongoing debt repayment putting pressure on household budgets, many Americans struggle to set money aside for unexpected expenses. Matt and Rod break down common emergency fund guidelines—ranging from three to six months of expenses or more—while emphasizing that the most important step is simply getting started. Rather than focusing on intimidating savings targets, the discussion highlights the value of small, consistent contributions that build momentum over time. The conversation also explores actionable strategies for freeing up cash flow, including tracking expenses, reducing recurring bills, and using available tools to identify unused subscriptions or high-cost credit options. Matt and Rod wrap up by connecting emergency savings to long-term financial stability, stressing the importance of automation, protecting credit health, and taking full advantage of employer-matched retirement contributions. Host: Retirement.Radio’s Matt McClure Guest: Rod Griffin, Senior Director of Consumer Education and Advocacy at Experian -- 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. FEB 3

    Will Your Spouse Be Okay? Understanding Federal Survivor Benefits Before You Retire

    On this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes breaks down federal survivor benefits in a clear, relatable way—helping listeners understand what their spouse may (or may not) receive after retirement. Rayna explains who qualifies as a survivor, how disabled children may be treated differently, and why survivor benefits are typically reserved for spouses only. She walks through the key differences between CSRS and FERS survivor benefit options, including how much of a pension can be left behind, what those benefits cost each month, and why the decision is often permanent. Using real-life examples, Rayna shows how survivor benefits affect monthly income, health insurance eligibility, and long-term financial security. Most importantly, this episode emphasizes that survivor benefit decisions are not one-size-fits-all. Age differences, health insurance needs, retirement timing, and overall household income all play a role. Rayna encourages listeners to slow down, model their options, and make sure the choice they make today will still work years down the road. -- 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

  5. JAN 30

    The Times They Are A-Changin’: What You Need to Know About TSP Lifecycle Fund Changes

    The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Lifecycle Funds are changing more often than many federal employees realize. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes explains how L Funds automatically adjust every quarter—and why understanding these changes is critical to managing risk as retirement approaches. She also explains why holding multiple L Funds at once doesn’t provide additional diversification—and how, at the end of the day, all TSP investments still funnel into the same five core funds. If you’ve ever wondered whether your TSP is still aligned with your goals—or if it’s changing without you realizing it—this episode provides clarity, education, and practical guidance to help you stay informed and confident. -- 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

  6. JAN 27

    Life Insurance That Pays While You’re Living: What Federal Employees Need to Know

    If you’re a federal employee and you have FEGLI Basic life insurance, this is an episode you don’t want to skip. This time on Rayna Retirement, she’s breaking down what your Basic life insurance really does, why it’s one of the few benefits that can stay with you forever, and how it can play a critical role in protecting your family—both while you’re living and after you’re gone. Whether you’re feeling confident in your benefits or unsure if you have “enough,” this episode will help you understand your options and why planning before you retire matters more than you think. -- 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

  7. JAN 23

    Medicare Surprise Bills? How IRMAA Can Increase Part B Premiums

    If you’ve ever heard the phrase “the more money we come across, the more problems we see,” this episode might hit close to home. In today’s episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna is breaking down IRMAA—the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount—and how it can cause your Medicare Part B premiums to jump significantly after you retire. Here’s the tricky part: Medicare doesn’t look at what you make today. It looks at what you earned two years ago. That means many retirees are shocked to learn they owe more for Medicare simply because they had a strong income before retirement.  If you’ve recently retired—or you’re about to—this is a must-listen episode that could save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars a year. -- 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.

    5 min

  8. JAN 20

    The “Big, Beautiful Bill” Explained: How New Tax Rules Impact Social Security After 65

    In this fast-paced and fun episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna dives into the wonderfully overwhelming world of federal retirement acronyms—the alphabet soup every federal employee eventually has to decode. Whether you're under FERS or CSRS, choosing FEHB plans, deciding what to keep from FEGLI, or navigating the TSP, Rayna breaks it all down with her signature blend of clarity and humor. More importantly, she explains why understanding these acronyms truly matters for your financial future—and how her team can help you apply them to your retirement plan.   -- 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
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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
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Rayna Retirement

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