Plan Your Federal Retirement

Plan Your Federal Retirement Helping you understand your federal benefits and plan your Federal Retirement.

Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Third party posts found on this profile do not reflect the views of CWM, LLC and have not been reviewed by CWM,LLC as to accuracy or completeness. Endorsements, recommendations, or reviews received on this profile may or may not be from a verified client, and as such may or may not reflect real-life experi

ences of individuals who used our services. Individual results vary, and CWM, LLC does not claim, nor should the reader assume, that any individual experience recounted are representative of what anyone using our services may experience. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly to the promoter for the endorsement, recommendation, or review received.

We often hear this question:“If I contribute more to a retirement plan, will it reduce the FERS supplement penalty?”Shor...
06/23/2026

We often hear this question:
“If I contribute more to a retirement plan, will it reduce the FERS supplement penalty?”

Short answer: not necessarily.

The rules are based on earned income definitions tied to Social Security, not just tax strategies.
That’s why it’s important to understand:
• What income counts
• What doesn’t
• How timing and work decisions play a role

Get clarity before making your next move 👇
https://zurl.co/IW743

“Investing is too risky right now. I’ll just wait until things feel safer.”It’s a common belief, but waiting for the "pe...
06/18/2026

“Investing is too risky right now. I’ll just wait until things feel safer.”

It’s a common belief, but waiting for the "perfect time" often means missing years of growth opportunities.

In this episode, Micah and Luke reveal:

✔ Why risk never fully disappears ✔ How to measure risk versus reward ✔ Why consistency beats perfect timing ✔ Simple steps to stay invested with confidence

The market will always have uncertainty. Having a plan is what keeps you moving forward.

🎙 Listen in: https://zurl.co/0IN2N


You could be giving the exact same amount to charity……and still paying more in taxes than necessary.Why?Because the way ...
06/16/2026

You could be giving the exact same amount to charity…
…and still paying more in taxes than necessary.

Why?
Because the way you give makes a difference.

In this episode, we walk through:
- The difference between standard vs. itemized deductions
- Why many retirees don’t get the tax benefit they expect
- Strategies that may improve tax efficiency over time

No shortcuts. No one-size-fits-all answers.

Just practical insights to help you plan smarter.
🎙️ Tune in now. https://zurl.co/gZqqA


“If I delay Social Security and pass away before claiming… does my spouse lose my benefit?”It’s a question we hear more ...
06/11/2026

“If I delay Social Security and pass away before claiming… does my spouse lose my benefit?”

It’s a question we hear more often than you might think.

Many federal employees plan to delay Social Security to increase their monthly benefits. But understandably, they also wonder what happens if they don’t live long enough to start receiving it.

This week’s FERS Federal Fact Check covers how Social Security survivor benefits generally function, clarifies the meaning of “the higher of the two benefits,” and distinguishes these from FERS survivor elections.

If you’re within 10 years of retirement and want to find out more about how timing decisions can affect long-term household income and tax planning, this is an important conversation.

Listen to the full episode here: https://zurl.co/bGwud

If you already have FEHB, it’s easy to assume you don’t need anything else.But once you qualify for Medicare, the way yo...
06/09/2026

If you already have FEHB, it’s easy to assume you don’t need anything else.

But once you qualify for Medicare, the way your coverage works can change. If you delay signing up for Part B, you could face a permanent penalty.

In this Federal Fact Check, Micah breaks down:
✔ The 7-month Medicare enrollment window
✔ How FEHB coordinates with Medicare
✔ The 10% per year late enrollment penalty
✔ What IRMAA means for higher-income retirees
✔ Why Part D is different from Part B

If you’re turning 65 soon, this is worth spending 10 minutes on.

🎧 Listen now https://zurl.co/jA6ay

Federal retirement planning isn’t just about FERS, TSP, and Social Security.Taxes play a big role, especially once you r...
05/28/2026

Federal retirement planning isn’t just about FERS, TSP, and Social Security.

Taxes play a big role, especially once you retire.

In this episode, Micah and Luke discuss:
✔ Charitable giving strategies to be aware of
✔ Recent and upcoming tax rule changes
✔ Why planning ahead (not just filing taxes) matters

If you’re thinking about retirement in the next few years, this is a conversation worth hearing.

🎧 Listen to the full episode today https://zurl.co/UhrSP


You may think you have 20+ years of federal service…But does your official file agree?Your SF-50s are the official recor...
05/21/2026

You may think you have 20+ years of federal service…
But does your official file agree?

Your SF-50s are the official record of:
✔ Your retirement coverage
✔ Your Service Computation Date
✔ Your creditable service

If documentation is missing, it could affect how your retirement is calculated.
Before retirement is the best time to review your records, not after.

👉 Read the full article where we break it down step-by-step here: https://zurl.co/Hw0B3

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The FERS Special Retirement Supplement can help fill the gap before you turn 62, but there are limits.If you earn above ...
05/19/2026

The FERS Special Retirement Supplement can help fill the gap before you turn 62, but there are limits.

If you earn above the annual threshold:
• Your supplement may be reduced
• In some cases, it could be reduced to $0

And here’s what surprises many retirees:
Not all “income-reducing strategies” apply the way you might expect.

Planning ahead can make a meaningful difference in how much you keep.

Find out what Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor, shares in this episode on how the earnings test works 👇
https://zurl.co/Oeiqj

When you're working: 📈 You’re buying every paycheck.When you're retired: 📉 You’re withdrawing.That shift changes everyth...
05/14/2026

When you're working: 📈 You’re buying every paycheck.
When you're retired: 📉 You’re withdrawing.
That shift changes everything.

In this episode, Micah and Luke discuss how to:
• Structure a 5-year safety bucket
• Avoid panic selling
• Use downturns strategically
• Build written investment rules

Don’t guess. Plan.

🎙 Listen here:https://zurl.co/7xvcS

Some people think, “I’m going to die anyway, so I might as well take Social Security early.”Others believe, “I’ll wait u...
05/12/2026

Some people think, “I’m going to die anyway, so I might as well take Social Security early.”

Others believe, “I’ll wait until 70 no matter what.”

But the right answer is rarely that simple.

In this episode, Micah discusses how Social Security survivor benefits work if you pass away before claiming, and why delaying benefits may increase income protection for your spouse.
He also explains how these decisions interact with taxes and your overall retirement income strategy.

If you haven’t looked at your Social Security plan as part of your whole retirement strategy, this episode could give you some important things to think about.

Listen to the full episode here: https://zurl.co/TTIxr

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