Our mission is to provide federal employees with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their benefits and retirement planning. Our comprehensive two-day course is meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of each federal agency, ensuring that employees gain a thorough understanding of their benefits and how to maximize them.
Why Attend Our 2-Day Class?
Navigating the complexities of federal benefits can be overwhelming. Our two-day class breaks down these complexities into easily digestible segments, ensuring that every attendee walks away with a clear understanding of their options and the confidence to make informed decisions. In this class, we will cover many of the same topics as those discussed in the one-day class. However, because of the additional time allotted, we will get much more involved in the specifics of each benefit. Here’s what you can expect from our course:
Day 1: Understanding Your 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. This session will include:
- 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 Supplement, its eligibility criteria, and calculation.
Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)
For employees covered under CSRS, 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.
Day 2: Maximizing Your Federal Benefits and Preparing for Retirement
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. Learn how much of your life insurance carries into retirement. There are 3 options available to employees (50% reduction, 100% reduction, and No reduction). Learn about Option B and discover why the cost doubles every 5 years in retirement.
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, estimate your benefits, and understand the full retirement age.
- Coordination with FERS: How your Social Security benefits integrate with your FERS retirement benefits.
In-depth financial planning:
- Index funds, mutual funds, ETFs, whole life insurance vs term life insurance.
- Annuities, variable annuities, fixed index annuities, how annuities work
- Roth Conversions, 401k, and TSP analysis, individual savings
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, and Social Security.
- Tax Considerations: Understanding the tax implications of your retirement benefits and how to minimize tax liabilities.
- Estate Planning: Basics of estate planning, including wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Benefits of Attending
- Customized Content: Our courses are tailored to meet the specific needs of your agency, ensuring relevant and applicable information.
- Expert Instructors: Learn from seasoned professionals with extensive experience in federal benefits and retirement planning.
- Interactive Learning: Engage in Q&A sessions, case studies, and practical exercises that reinforce the material.
- Comprehensive Materials: Receive detailed course materials, including guides, worksheets, and access to additional resources to support your learning.
Enroll Today
Invest in your future by enrolling in our 2 Day Class Offerings. Whether you’re early in your federal career or approaching retirement, this course provides invaluable insights and guidance. Contact us to schedule a session tailored for your agency and take the first step towards 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!