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Federal Benefits Explained is a podcast designed to help federal employees make sense of their retirement benefits with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Andrew McNair, founder of SWAN Capital and...
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Federal Benefits Explained is a podcast designed to help federal employees make sense of their retirement benefits with clarity and confidence.
Hosted by Andrew McNair, founder of SWAN Capital and son of a CSRS employee, the show breaks down complex topics like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), federal retirement timelines, survivor benefits, taxes, and income planning — without jargon or hype.
Each episode focuses on the real decisions federal employees face as they approach retirement, offering practical education, thoughtful strategy, and long-term perspective. The goal isn’t quick tips or risky moves but helping you understand how your benefits work together so you can retire confidently and sleep well at night.
Whether you’re early in your career, five years from retirement, or already planning your exit, Federal Benefits Explained gives you the knowledge you need to make informed choices about your future.
New episodes are released weekly. Follow the show to stay informed and confident about your federal benefits.
Welcome to Swan Capital, LLC (“SWAN”), your friendly neighborhood Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"). Now, while we may have a fancy title, remember that our registration doesn’t guarantee we’re flying high above the rest. This communication hasn’t been blessed or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or any state securities authority. At SWAN, we believe in giving you personalized investment advice as unique as a swan’s graceful glide. We work with clients in their own states, making sure to play by all the regulatory rules or find the right exceptions. But here’s the scoop: all investments come with risks—like a wild swim in the pond—so no investment strategy can promise profits or protect you from the occasional splashdown. Just remember, past performance is like a cozy old story; it might be nice to reminisce about, but it doesn’t promise what’s coming next. SWAN Capital, LLC is an independent firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or any government agency. Thanks for gliding along with us at SWAN! We’re here to help you soar to new financial heights while ensuring you can truly Sleep Well At Night!
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Hosted by Andrew McNair, founder of SWAN Capital and son of a CSRS employee, the show breaks down complex topics like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), federal retirement timelines, survivor benefits, taxes, and income planning — without jargon or hype.
Each episode focuses on the real decisions federal employees face as they approach retirement, offering practical education, thoughtful strategy, and long-term perspective. The goal isn’t quick tips or risky moves but helping you understand how your benefits work together so you can retire confidently and sleep well at night.
Whether you’re early in your career, five years from retirement, or already planning your exit, Federal Benefits Explained gives you the knowledge you need to make informed choices about your future.
New episodes are released weekly. Follow the show to stay informed and confident about your federal benefits.
Welcome to Swan Capital, LLC (“SWAN”), your friendly neighborhood Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"). Now, while we may have a fancy title, remember that our registration doesn’t guarantee we’re flying high above the rest. This communication hasn’t been blessed or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or any state securities authority. At SWAN, we believe in giving you personalized investment advice as unique as a swan’s graceful glide. We work with clients in their own states, making sure to play by all the regulatory rules or find the right exceptions. But here’s the scoop: all investments come with risks—like a wild swim in the pond—so no investment strategy can promise profits or protect you from the occasional splashdown. Just remember, past performance is like a cozy old story; it might be nice to reminisce about, but it doesn’t promise what’s coming next. SWAN Capital, LLC is an independent firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or any government agency. Thanks for gliding along with us at SWAN! We’re here to help you soar to new financial heights while ensuring you can truly Sleep Well At Night!
Episodios & Posts
Episodios
Posts
4 SEP. 2026 · December 31 may seem like the perfect retirement date for federal employees, but it can create unexpected tax issues if you are not careful.
In this episode, Andrew McNair explains why year-end retirement timing matters under FERS, especially when annual leave payouts, final salary, pension income, spouse income, Roth conversions, Medicare IRMAA, and TSP withdrawal strategy are all involved. A clean calendar date can sometimes create a messy tax situation.
Andrew breaks down how annual leave lump-sum payouts are generally taxed in the year they are paid, not necessarily the year the hours were earned. That means retiring on December 31 could push income into the following year and potentially create tax bracket bunching.
If you are a federal employee preparing for retirement, this episode can help you understand why your retirement date should be coordinated with your FERS pension, TSP, annual leave payout, Medicare, FEHB, Social Security, and retirement income plan.
To schedule a complimentary Federal Retirement Report and review your FERS benefits, TSP, LES, Social Security statement, annual leave payout, and income plan, give us a call at 1-800-848-8768 or visit https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation. https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation
To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
28 AGO. 2026 · Federal employees: your FERS pension does not necessarily start the day after you retire.
In this episode, Andrew McNair explains the FERS 1/12th rule and how OPM calculates your annuity start date. Under FERS, your pension generally begins accruing on the first day of the month after you separate. That means retiring even one day too late could delay your first pension check by an entire month.
Andrew breaks down why January 2 and January 31 can create very different pension timing, why FERS and CSRS rules are not the same, and why weekends, holidays, HR processing, and separation dates all matter when choosing your federal retirement date.
If you are a federal employee nearing retirement, this episode can help you understand how your FERS annuity start date, final paycheck, TSP withdrawal strategy, Social Security, survivor benefit, and retirement income plan should work together before you leave federal service.
To schedule a complimentary Federal Retirement Report and review your FERS benefits, TSP, LES, Social Security statement, and retirement income plan, give our team a call today at 1-800-848-8768. https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation
To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
21 AGO. 2026 · Federal employees often wonder whether unused sick leave and annual leave help their retirement. Under FERS, they are treated very differently.
In this episode, Andrew McNair explains how unused sick leave can convert into creditable service and potentially increase your FERS pension calculation, while annual leave does not add to your pension. Instead, annual leave is generally paid out as a lump sum after separation.
Andrew also breaks down common sick leave myths, including whether sick leave can help you reach your minimum retirement age or 30 years of service, whether FERS still only receives partial sick leave credit, and whether annual leave boosts your pension.
If you are a federal employee preparing for retirement, this episode can help you understand how sick leave, annual leave, your FERS pension, TSP withdrawal strategy, and retirement income plan should work together before you leave federal service.
To schedule a complimentary Federal Retirement Report and review your FERS benefits, TSP, LES, Social Security, and income plan, give our team a call at 1-800-848-8768.
Episode Highlights:
• Why sick leave is not a throwaway benefit
• How OPM converts sick leave into service credit
• Why annual leave does not increase your FERS pension
• What 2,087 hours means for sick leave conversion
• Why sick leave cannot be used to meet retirement eligibility
• Common myths about sick leave under FERS
• How annual leave payouts may affect tax planning
• Why sick leave, annual leave, TSP, and income planning should be coordinated https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation
To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
14 AGO. 2026 · Can a federal employee retire mid-pay period and still get credit for that time?
In this episode, Andrew McNair explains why your retirement date matters under FERS and how choosing the wrong day could cost you service credit, final leave accrual, and pension income over time. OPM generally counts full months of service when calculating your FERS annuity, which means retiring mid-month or mid-pay period may not work the way many federal employees expect.
Andrew breaks down why the end of the month and the end of the pay period matter, how to identify the “golden date,” and why your retirement date should be coordinated with your FERS pension, TSP withdrawal strategy, Social Security, survivor benefit election, annual leave, and retirement income plan.
If you are a federal employee nearing retirement, this episode can help you understand why your retirement date is more than just your final day at work.
To schedule a complimentary Federal Retirement Report and review your FERS benefits, TSP, LES, Social Security, and income plan, give our team a call at 1-800-848-8768. https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation
To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
7 AGO. 2026 · What happens to your TSP when you die — and who actually receives the money?
For many federal employees, the Thrift Savings Plan may be one of the largest retirement assets they leave behind. But your will or trust may not control where your TSP goes. In many cases, the beneficiary form or TSP order of precedence may determine what happens next
.
In this episode, Andrew McNair explains why TSP beneficiary designations are so important for federal employees and retirees. You’ll learn what can happen if no beneficiary is listed, why an ex-spouse could still receive your TSP if the form was never updated, how primary and contingent beneficiaries work, and why naming a trust incorrectly could create tax problems or unintended consequences.
Andrew also covers per stirpes vs. per capita, Roth TSP beneficiary mistakes, the second-death tax trap for spouses and children, charitable beneficiary planning, and how often federal employees should review their beneficiary forms.
Before you retire, make sure your TSP, FEGLI, bank accounts, life insurance, and estate documents all work together.
To schedule a complimentary federal benefits review and beneficiary audit with SWAN Capital, visit our website https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation
To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
31 JUL. 2026 · Should you decline the FERS Survivor Benefit when you retire?
For married federal employees, this is not just a checkbox on your retirement paperwork. Your spouse plays a major role in this decision, and declining the survivor annuity generally requires notarized spousal consent submitted with your retirement application.
In this episode, Andrew McNair explains how the FERS Survivor Benefit works, what it may cost, whether the premiums are paid pre-tax or post-tax, and why this decision can have long-term consequences for your spouse’s future retirement income.
You’ll also learn about the 50%, 25%, and 0% survivor benefit options, whether the benefit receives COLA increases, what happens if there is a large age gap between spouses, and whether the FERS Survivor Benefit ever becomes “paid up.”
This is an important conversation for federal employees approaching retirement who are reviewing their FERS pension, TSP withdrawal strategy, FEHB, FEGLI, Social Security, survivor income, and overall federal benefits plan.
To discuss how your survivor benefit election fits into your full federal retirement plan, schedule a complimentary visit with our team today: https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation
To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
31 JUL. 2026 · Are you getting close to retirement under FERS and wondering what you might be missing?
In this episode, Andrew McNair walks through what federal employees should be doing 5 years, 3 years, and 1 year before retirement. From confirming your FERS eligibility and Service Computation Date to reviewing FEHB, FEGLI, TSP withdrawals, Social Security, Medicare, cash reserves, and estate planning, this episode gives you a practical timeline for preparing for retirement with more confidence.
You’ll learn why waiting until the final year can create problems, how to think through your TSP withdrawal strategy, why the FEHB 5-year rule matters, and how to coordinate your federal benefits into a retirement income plan.
If you are within a few years of federal retirement, this episode can help you identify the major decisions to review before you submit your retirement paperwork.
If you’d like help building a personalized federal retirement strategy,
you can request your free Federal Benefits Review below. https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation
To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
17 JUL. 2026 · Does your FERS pension receive a cost-of-living adjustment in retirement?
For many federal employees, the answer is yes — but the rules are more complicated than most people realize.
In this episode, Andrew McNair breaks down how FERS COLAs work, when they begin, why many regular FERS retirees do not receive COLAs until age 62, and why a high COLA is not always good news.
You’ll learn:
• How FERS COLAs are tied to CPI-W
• Why FERS COLAs are sometimes called a “diet COLA”
• When COLAs show up in your retirement payment
• Which federal retirees may receive COLAs before age 62
• Why retiring at the end of the year may affect your first COLA
• Why high inflation can still reduce your pension’s buying power
• How your FERS pension fits into your broader federal retirement plan
Understanding your FERS pension is only one part of retirement planning. Federal employees also need to think through TSP withdrawals, survivor benefits, taxes, Social Security, FEHB, and long-term retirement income.
If you would like help reviewing your federal benefits, pension estimate, and retirement income strategy, schedule a complimentary Federal Benefits Review with one of our advisors today. https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation
To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
14 JUL. 2026 · Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, can create confusion for federal employees — especially when you have money in the TSP, outside IRAs, old 401(k)s, or inherited retirement accounts.
In this episode of Federal Benefits Explained, Andrew McNair breaks down what federal employees and FERS retirees need to know about RMDs, including when they begin, how they are calculated, why TSP RMDs cannot be combined with IRA RMDs, and how timing can impact your retirement income strategy.
Andrew also explains how Qualified Charitable Distributions, Roth conversions, and Medicare IRMAA surcharges fit into the bigger picture. If you are approaching retirement or already retired from federal service, this episode can help you better understand how your TSP withdrawal strategy may affect your taxes, Medicare premiums, charitable giving, and long-term retirement plan.
You’ll learn:
• When RMDs begin and how they are calculated
• Why your TSP RMD must come from your TSP
• How IRA aggregation rules work
• Why spouses cannot combine RMDs
• How QCDs may help reduce taxable income
• Why QCDs are not available directly from the TSP
• How RMDs can affect Medicare IRMAA surcharges
• Why Roth conversions and RMDs need to be coordinated
• Common RMD mistakes federal employees should avoid https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation
To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
3 JUL. 2026 · Financial expert Suze Orman has helped millions of Americans build better financial habits but does her advice fully apply to federal employees?
In this episode of Federal Benefits Explained, Andrew McNair reviews Suze Orman's most popular recommendations for the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and explains where he agrees, where federal employees should think differently, and how to build a retirement strategy that works with your FERS benefits.
You'll learn why maximizing your TSP can dramatically increase your retirement savings, how proper diversification can reduce long-term risk, when rebalancing makes sense, why TSP loans can become one of the biggest threats to retirement, and why personalized advice matters more than one-size-fits-all financial guidance.
Whether you're five years from retirement or just beginning your federal career, this episode will help you make more informed decisions about your TSP and your overall retirement strategy.
In this episode:
• Why maximizing your TSP is one of the smartest financial moves
• How increasing contributions can potentially add thousands to retirement
• Diversification strategies for C, S, I, G, and F Funds
• Why rebalancing matters for long-term success
• The hidden cost of TSP loans
• General financial advice vs. personalized federal retirement planning
• How TSP decisions fit into your complete FERS retirement strategy
Subscribe for weekly episodes designed specifically for federal employees planning a confident retirement. https://calendly.com/swancapital_/nocostconsultation
To receive a customized Federal Retirement Report, call 1-800-848-8768 or visit swan-capital.com.
Federal Benefits Explained is a podcast designed to help federal employees make sense of their retirement benefits with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Andrew McNair, founder of SWAN Capital and...
mostra más
Federal Benefits Explained is a podcast designed to help federal employees make sense of their retirement benefits with clarity and confidence.
Hosted by Andrew McNair, founder of SWAN Capital and son of a CSRS employee, the show breaks down complex topics like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), federal retirement timelines, survivor benefits, taxes, and income planning — without jargon or hype.
Each episode focuses on the real decisions federal employees face as they approach retirement, offering practical education, thoughtful strategy, and long-term perspective. The goal isn’t quick tips or risky moves but helping you understand how your benefits work together so you can retire confidently and sleep well at night.
Whether you’re early in your career, five years from retirement, or already planning your exit, Federal Benefits Explained gives you the knowledge you need to make informed choices about your future.
New episodes are released weekly. Follow the show to stay informed and confident about your federal benefits.
Welcome to Swan Capital, LLC (“SWAN”), your friendly neighborhood Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"). Now, while we may have a fancy title, remember that our registration doesn’t guarantee we’re flying high above the rest. This communication hasn’t been blessed or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or any state securities authority. At SWAN, we believe in giving you personalized investment advice as unique as a swan’s graceful glide. We work with clients in their own states, making sure to play by all the regulatory rules or find the right exceptions. But here’s the scoop: all investments come with risks—like a wild swim in the pond—so no investment strategy can promise profits or protect you from the occasional splashdown. Just remember, past performance is like a cozy old story; it might be nice to reminisce about, but it doesn’t promise what’s coming next. SWAN Capital, LLC is an independent firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or any government agency. Thanks for gliding along with us at SWAN! We’re here to help you soar to new financial heights while ensuring you can truly Sleep Well At Night!
mostra menos
Hosted by Andrew McNair, founder of SWAN Capital and son of a CSRS employee, the show breaks down complex topics like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), federal retirement timelines, survivor benefits, taxes, and income planning — without jargon or hype.
Each episode focuses on the real decisions federal employees face as they approach retirement, offering practical education, thoughtful strategy, and long-term perspective. The goal isn’t quick tips or risky moves but helping you understand how your benefits work together so you can retire confidently and sleep well at night.
Whether you’re early in your career, five years from retirement, or already planning your exit, Federal Benefits Explained gives you the knowledge you need to make informed choices about your future.
New episodes are released weekly. Follow the show to stay informed and confident about your federal benefits.
Welcome to Swan Capital, LLC (“SWAN”), your friendly neighborhood Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"). Now, while we may have a fancy title, remember that our registration doesn’t guarantee we’re flying high above the rest. This communication hasn’t been blessed or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or any state securities authority. At SWAN, we believe in giving you personalized investment advice as unique as a swan’s graceful glide. We work with clients in their own states, making sure to play by all the regulatory rules or find the right exceptions. But here’s the scoop: all investments come with risks—like a wild swim in the pond—so no investment strategy can promise profits or protect you from the occasional splashdown. Just remember, past performance is like a cozy old story; it might be nice to reminisce about, but it doesn’t promise what’s coming next. SWAN Capital, LLC is an independent firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or any government agency. Thanks for gliding along with us at SWAN! We’re here to help you soar to new financial heights while ensuring you can truly Sleep Well At Night!
Información
| Autor | Chaesare Gray |
| Organización | AE Media |
| Categorías | Economía y empresa |
| Página web | - |
| laura@swan-capital.com |
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