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When Should I Start Taking Social Security Benefits?
When should you start taking Social Security benefits? John Mason, CFP®, and Tommy Blackburn, CFP®, CPA, PFS, break down why this isn’t a simple age-62-or-70 decision. The short answer: for…
Education
FedSmith: Avoiding the Tax Trap: What the Elimination of WEP and GPO Means for Your Income and Taxes
Originally published on FedSmith.com, authored by John Mason. The Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law on January 5, 2025,… Continue reading
The 65-Day Election: How Trusts Can Save You Thousands in Taxes Before March 6th
If you have an irrevocable trust, there’s a little-known tax strategy with a tight deadline you need to know about… Continue reading
What Is Financial Planning for Federal Employees? (And Why It’s Not What You Think)
What does financial planning actually mean for federal employees? It’s not the same as planning for everyone else. Your FERS… Continue reading
FEFP: Medicare in 2026: What Changed and What It Means for Federal Retirees (EP111)
Is your Medicare plan still working for you, or are you just hoping it is? In this episode, we’re joined by… Continue reading
FERS Cost of Living Adjustment: Why “Diet COLA” Is Still Worth Hundreds of Thousands
Understanding your FERS cost of living adjustment (COLA) is crucial for retirement planning. Unlike CSRS pensions that receive full CPI… Continue reading
FEFP: The Mason & Associates New Client Experience for Federal Employees (EP110)
Ever wondered what actually happens after you book an intro call with Mason & Associates? In this updated episode, we walk… Continue reading
FEFP: 10 Things You Can Do Outside of an Open Season (EP109)
Think you have to wait for Open Season to make meaningful financial decisions as a federal employee? This episode breaks that… Continue reading
FEFP: Good Financial Hygiene: Cybersecurity, Addressing Scams, and Staying Financially Protected (EP108)
What if getting hacked isn’t a question of if, but when? In this episode, Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break… Continue reading
FEFP: Should Federal Employees Do Roth Conversions? Do They Help Or Hurt? (EP107)
Do Roth conversions make sense for everyone? In this episode, we unpack the rules, strategies, and potential pitfalls of Roth… Continue reading
