1 Day Class Offerings by Federal Benefits Advisory Group

The goal of the Federal Benefits Advisory Group is to provide federal employees with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their benefits and retirement planning. Our intensive one-day course is meticulously designed to cater to the most common needs, ensuring that employees thoroughly understand their benefits and how to maximize them.

Why Attend Our 1 Day Class?

Navigating the complexities of federal benefits can be overwhelming. Our one-day class simplifies these complexities into an accessible format, ensuring that every attendee walks away with a clear understanding of their options and the confidence to make informed decisions. Here’s what you can expect from our course:

Beginning Portion: Core Federal Benefits

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

The Thrift Savings Plan is a crucial component of your retirement savings. During this session, we will cover:

  • Overview of TSP: Understanding the basics and importance of TSP in your retirement planning.
  • Investment Options: Detailed analysis of the available investment funds G, F, C, S, I, L,  (Lifecycle) funds and the Mutual Fund Window.
  • Contribution Strategies: How to optimize your contributions, understand matching contributions, and the impact of the contribution limits.
  • TSP Loans and Withdrawals: Guidelines on taking loans from your TSP, in-service withdrawals, and post-separation withdrawal options.

Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

FERS is a cornerstone of federal retirement benefits.

  • FERS Overview: Understanding the three components of FERS—Basic Benefit Plan, Social Security, and TSP.
  • Eligibility and Calculation: How to determine your eligibility for retirement, calculate your annuity, and the impact of factors such as years of service and high-3 average salary.
  • Survivor Benefits: Ensuring your loved ones are taken care of with survivor annuities and death benefits.
  • FERS Supplement: Understanding the FERS Social Security Supplement, its eligibility criteria, and calculation.

Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)

For employees covered under CSRS, or CSRS Offset, we offer:

  • CSRS Overview: Detailed insights into the CSRS pension plan and how it differs from FERS.
  • Eligibility and Benefits Calculation: How to calculate your CSRS annuity, including the impact of unused sick leave and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA).
  • Survivor Benefits: Options available for your family in the event of your passing.

Health and Life Insurance

Understanding your insurance options is vital for a secure retirement. We will cover:

  • Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB): Exploring the different plans available, understanding premiums, and how to maintain coverage into retirement.
  • Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI): Coverage options, how to elect or change coverage, and the impact of retirement on your life insurance.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Planning for long-term care is an essential aspect of retirement planning. We will discuss:

  • Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP): Coverage options, eligibility, and how to apply.
  • Cost and Benefits: Understanding premiums, benefits, and the impact of inflation protection options.

Social Security

Social Security is a significant part of your retirement income. This session will help you understand:

  • Eligibility and Benefits: How to determine your eligibility, when to start your benefits, estimate your benefits, and understand the full retirement age. Understand how much of your Social Security your spouse may be eligible to receive after your death. 
  • Coordination with FERS: How your Social Security benefits integrate with your FERS retirement benefits.

Retirement Planning Strategies

To ensure a smooth transition into retirement, we provide:

  • Retirement Income Planning: Strategies for drawing income from your retirement accounts, including TSP, pensions, IRA’s, 401K’s and Social Security.
  • Tax Considerations: Understanding the tax implications of your retirement benefits and how to minimize tax liabilities.

Benefits of Attending

  • Understanding Core Benefits: Our courses are tailored to address the key needs of federal employees, providing relevant and practical information.
  • Expert Instructors: Gain knowledge from experienced professionals well-versed in federal benefits and retirement planning.
  • Interactive Learning: Participate in Q&A sessions, case studies, and hands-on exercises to solidify your understanding.
  • Comprehensive Materials: Access detailed course materials, including guides, worksheets, and additional resources to enhance your learning experience.
  • Estate Planning: Basics of estate planning, including wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Enroll Today

Secure your future by signing up for our 1-Day Class Offerings. Whether you’re just starting your federal career or nearing retirement, these courses offer essential insights and guidance. Contact us to arrange a session customized for your agency and begin your journey toward a secure and well-planned retirement.

For more information or to register, please visit our Contact Us page or call us at (385) 229-3632. We look forward to helping you navigate your federal benefits and achieve your retirement goals!