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Federal Benefits Explained

Andrew McNair

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. F

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Episodes

46 episodes

  1. Should Federal Employees Take Social Security at 62? 8 Factors to Consider 18:03
  2. What Happens to FEGLI Life Insurance When Federal Employees Retire? 10:12
  3. How OPM Calculates Your High-3 Salary for FERS Retirement 6:04
  4. The 5-Year FEHB Rule: Can You Keep Health Insurance in Retirement? 8:16
  5. FERS Military Buyback: What Federal Employees Need to Know 7:30
  6. Can You Change Your FERS Survivor Benefit After Retirement? 8:53
  7. Why Your FERS Pension Estimate May Be Wrong 7:06
  8. Why Retiring December 31 Could Create a Tax Surprise 7:35
  9. The FERS 1/12th Rule: How One Day Can Delay Your Pension 6:18
  10. Federal Sick Leave vs. Annual Leave 6:54
  11. Can Federal Employees Retire Mid-Pay Period? 7:27
  12. What Happens to Your TSP When You Die? Beneficiary Mistakes Federal Employees Should Avoid 17:34
  13. Should You Decline the FERS Survivor Benefit? 13:20
  14. How to Prepare for FERS Retirement 5, 3, and 1 Years Out 17:14
  15. Does FERS Pension Get a COLA 10:17
  16. TSP RMD Rules Federal Employees Need to Know 19:46
  17. Suze Orman's TSP Advice: What Federal Employees Should Actually Do 10:24
  18. Do I Have Enough in My TSP to Retire? (Federal Retirement Income Strategy Explained) 22:10
  19. FERS Survivor Benefit vs Life Insurance: Which Protects Your Spouse Better 19:32
  20. Should I Put 100% of TSP in the G Fund? 17:42
  21. 6 Things the TSP Doesn't Let You Do (But an IRA Does) 18:05
  22. Can Federal Employees Really Never Lose Money in the TSP 12:14
  23. Should You Withdraw Traditional or Roth TSP First? (Federal Retirement Strategy) 13:17
  24. Should You Really Use the Roth TSP? Pros, Cons & Tax Traps for Federal Employees 18:38
  25. Is Working After Federal Retirement Worth It? (FERS, SRS & Tax Impacts Explained) 14:46
  26. How to Invest Your TSP with a FERS Pension (Avoid These Costly Mistakes) 26:11
  27. Do I Make Too Much for Roth TSP? (What Federal Employees Need to Know) 18:01
  28. Before You Move Your TSP to the G Fund 18:08
  29. Is 100% C Fund a Mistake? TSP Strategy for Federal Retirement 20:26
  30. When You Should Use Traditional vs Roth TSP 18:31
  31. TSP Loans Explained: Rules, Risks, and Retirement Consequences Every Federal Employee Must Know 10:32
  32. Warren Buffett’s Advice Every Federal Employee Should Apply to Their TSP 12:00
  33. The One Fund the TSP Is Missing 13:27
  34. The TSP Mistake That Costs Federal Employees Thousands 11:16
  35. Best Retirement Strategies for Dual Federal Employees 12:13
  36. Can I Retire with $300K in My TSP? 13:56
  37. How to Maximize Your FERS Benefits in 2026 (Pension, TSP, Social Security & FEHB) 18:58
  38. Best Ways to Withdraw from Your TSP in Retirement 13:21
  39. States Don’t Tax Federal Pensions 11:52
  40. Top 7 TSP Mistakes to Avoid 14:41
  41. Panicked and Moved to the G Fund? What Federal Employees Should Do Next 14:18
  42. Getting the Most from Your Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) 16:30
  43. Four Times You Should Avoid the Roth TSP (Federal Employees) 15:23
  44. Can You Move Your IRA or 401(k) Into the TSP? A Federal Employee Guide 12:35
  45. Best L Fund for You? How Federal Employees Should Choose the Right TSP Lifecycle Fund 10:02
  46. How Federal Employees Can Double Their TSP (Without Risky Moves) 13:41