Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

What if getting hacked isn't a question of if, but when? In this episode, Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the real-world cybersecurity risks they're seeing—not in theory, but from personal experience. After being compromised multiple times in a single year, John shares why even people with strong security habits can still be targeted, as well as what that means for retirees, business owners, and anyone managing meaningful assets. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn

Do Roth conversions make sense for everyone? In this episode, we unpack the rules, strategies, and potential pitfalls of Roth conversions, as well as the role of taxes, spending, and charitable goals. You'll learn why it's not always wise to "just convert everything now" and why flexibility is a crucial part of any financial strategy. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn

What would your life look like if you actually used the money you spent years saving? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the idea of "flexing your money muscles" and why those muscles can mean tightening your spending or giving yourself permission to enjoy more. You'll learn how habits, confidence, and values shape our decisions, and why many people struggle to spend even when they can afford to. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn

What really happens after someone passes away—and why are so many families blindsided even when they think everything was "set up correctly"? In this episode, John and Tommy pull back the curtain on the messy, emotional, and often confusing reality of settling an estate. You'll learn why wills and trusts don't operate the way most people assume, as well as the true challenges in modern estate planning. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Federal Employee Financial Planning: Intro to Estate Planning (EP23) FEFP: Estate Planning Across State Lines for Federal Employees (EP76) FEFP: One Big Beautiful Bill Part 2 (EP100) FEFP: One Big Beautiful Bill Part 1 (EP99) HIPAA SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Mason & Associates: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn