Show overview
Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 131 episodes. That works out to roughly 95 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 34 min and 50 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Education show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 weeks ago, with 21 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Mason & Associates.
From the publisher
Federal employee benefits are among the most comprehensive and strongest in the country. Financial planning for federal employees requires knowledge of both financial planning concepts and a comprehensive understanding of these benefits. General financial planning advice is just that, general. We speak specifically to federal employees and the unique planning techniques and strategies to help them maximize their benefits. Mason & Associates have over three decades serving as financial planners for federal employees.
Latest Episodes
View all 131 episodesEpisode 128: How Do I Choose a Financial Planner?
Episode 127: License to Shop, Not to Drop: An Honest Look at Insurance with Broc Buckles
Episode 126: When Should I Start Taking Social Security?
Episode 125: Retirement Intelligence: Preparing Federal Employees for the Emotional Side of Retirement with Bob Laura
Episode 124: Retirement Readiness
Episode 123: Mailbag Part Two: Questions from Federal Employees
Episode 122: Mailbag Part One: Questions from Federal Employees
Episode 121: The Questions Federal Employees Are Asking in 2026
Episode 120: TSP Withdrawal Mistakes That Nobody Warned You About
Episode 119: Avoiding the Common Financial Planning Mistakes Made by Federal Employees
Episode 118: Think Fastball, Then Adjust: How Federal Employees Navigate Curveballs with a Financial Planner
Episode 117: FEGLI vs. Term Life: When to Replace Your Federal Employee Life Insurance
Episode 116: Life After DRP: What We Learned from Federal Employees Who Took the Offer
Episode 115: Let's Talk Taxes: Trump Accounts, Virginia Tax Changes & NIIT for Federal Employees
Episode 114: When Should Federal Employees Claim Social Security?
Is claiming Social Security early really the smartest move, or could it cost you more in the long run? In this episode, you'll learn how financial planners actually think about claiming strategies beyond the headlines and viral YouTube advice. We break down the real factors that matter and why there's no "one-size-fits-all" answer when it comes to turning on your benefits. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn FEFP: Maximizing Social Security with Elaine Floyd (EP73)
Episode 113: Your FERS Retirement: Back to the Basics
Are federal employees sitting on far more wealth than they realize? In this episode, financial planners Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the fundamentals of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and explain why your pension is only one piece of a much larger financial picture. You'll learn how the FERS pension formula works, what your "high-three" salary actually means, and how factors like minimum retirement age, years of service, and turning 62 can impact your retirement income. The conversation also covers how employee contributions have changed over time, how the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) match works, and why understanding these core pieces is essential when planning your financial future. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn Avoid the Top Financial Mistakes Made by Federal Employees Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Federal Employee Financial Planning: FERS Part 1 (EP5) Federal Employee Financial Planning: FERS Part 2 (EP6) Federal Employee Financial Planning: FERS Part 3 (EP7)
Episode 112: Medicare in 2026 Part 2: No One Size Fits All for Federal Retirees
Are you choosing your Medicare plan based purely on math or on what truly fits your life? In Part 2 of our Medicare 2026 series, Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance and seasoned Medicare expert, returns to expand your understanding of the options available, especially if you're a federal employee or enrolled in TRICARE for Life. You'll learn why Medicare decisions aren't just about premiums and deductibles, why there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and how to evaluate whether switching plans actually makes sense for your situation. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn Bryan Gay: LinkedIn Traditional Medicare vs Advantage: Luxury Ride or Bus Pass? (EP46) FEHB: Shifting Landscape of Medicare, FEHB, and Part D (EP47) The TRICARE For Life Medicare Advantage: Rethinking Options (EP48) Medicare Masterclass on Enrollment and the Inflation Reduction Act (EP87)
Episode 111: Medicare in 2026: What Changed and What It Means for Federal Retirees
Is your Medicare plan still working for you, or are you just hoping it is? In this episode, we're joined by Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance and a seasoned Medicare expert, fresh off another busy Annual Enrollment Period. Bryan breaks down how Medicare enrollment really works, what changed this past year, and why a "one-size-fits-all" approach often leaves people underinsured or overpaying. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn Bryan Gay: LinkedIn Traditional Medicare vs Advantage: Luxury Ride or Bus Pass? (EP46) FEHB: Shifting Landscape of Medicare, FEHB, and Part D (EP47) The TRICARE For Life Medicare Advantage: Rethinking Options (EP48) Medicare Masterclass on Enrollment and the Inflation Reduction Act (EP87)
Episode 110: The Mason & Associates New Client Experience for Federal Employees
Ever wondered what actually happens after you book an intro call with Mason & Associates? In this updated episode, we walk you through our new client experience from start to finish, including how our process works, what our fees look like, and what it's really like to work with us long term. Even if you're not ready to become a client, this episode gives you a clear picture of what to expect so you can make informed decisions, whether you hire us or someone else. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn
Episode 109: 10 Things You Can Do Outside of an Open Season
Think you have to wait for Open Season to make meaningful financial decisions as a federal employee? This episode breaks that myth wide open. John, Ben, and Tommy walk through the most impactful moves federal employees can make any time of year, from optimizing your TSP and HSA to updating insurance, beneficiaries, and retirement strategies. Whether you're early in your federal career, nearing retirement, or already retired, this episode gives you a practical checklist to help you avoid costly mistakes, spot overlooked opportunities, and make more confident decisions year-round. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Ben Raikes: LinkedIn Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) FEGLI (Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance) FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits Program) Blue Cross Blue Shield prescription drug tool Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) FEFP: Medicare Masterclass on Enrollment and the Inflation Reduction Act (EP87)