FedSmart Podcast

An informative Podcast about Federal Retirement by nationally known Federal Retirement Consultants Jesse Black and Steven Puckett


FedSmart Podcast

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain why paying off debt can change everything.
Lower expenses mean lower income needs.


That can shift your entire retirement plan.


In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How expenses impact your timeline
• Why paying off debt matters
• How to think about income differently


Watch the full episode here... https://youtu.be/2FfKal47sHA


#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #DebtFree #FERS

22 hours ago | [YT] | 0

FedSmart Podcast

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett answer a big early retirement question.


If you retire before MRA, when does your supplement actually start?


And can you keep working in the meantime?


This episode breaks it down clearly.


What you’ll learn:
• When the FERS supplement begins
• Whether earnings limits apply before MRA
• What changes once the supplement starts


Watch here: https://youtu.be/HiDHbIkHfJc


#FERSsupplement #FederalRetirement #EarlyOut #FedSmart #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett

1 day ago | [YT] | 2

FedSmart Podcast

Is FERS actually better than CSRS?
It can be, with the right plan.


FERS gives you:
• Multiple income streams
• Tax planning opportunities
• Flexibility and long-term control


Let's break down how to make your benefits work together.


👉 Book your free consultation with FedSmart and build your personalized retirement plan. book.fedsmart.co/federal-retirement-counseling-ses…

2 days ago | [YT] | 6

FedSmart Podcast

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain why your expenses matter more than your savings number.


It’s not just what you have. It’s what you need.


In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How expenses shape your retirement plan
• Why there is no one-size-fits-all number
• How to think about your financial situation differently

Watch now... https://youtu.be/2FfKal47sHA


#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #TSP #FERS

3 days ago | [YT] | 2

FedSmart Podcast

Did you see our latest Quiz Question on Saturday?
“What earnings limit do you have to stay under to be able to contribute to the Roth TSP? ”
The correct answer is… None! There is no earnings limit to be able to contribute to the Roth TSP!
Did you get it right? If so, comment below!

4 days ago | [YT] | 2

FedSmart Podcast

Steven Puckett breaks down what an ideal federal retirement actually looks like and why it is not about hitting a single number.


If you are a federal employee thinking about retirement, this is a conversation worth paying attention to.



In this article, you will learn:
• How federal retirement income really works across pension, TSP, and Social Security
• Why take-home income matters more than your salary number
• How your lifestyle and expenses shape your retirement more than any “target” balance


This is a practical look at retirement planning without the hype. Just real considerations federal employees should be thinking about. Read it here… fedsmartretirement.com/ideal-federal-retirement/


#FERSRetirement #TSPPlanning #FederalBenefits #GovEmployees
#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett

5 days ago | [YT] | 0

FedSmart Podcast

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain a simple framework many successful retirees follow.


Three income sources working together.
Pension. Social Security. TSP.


In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How these income streams are typically structured
• Why balance matters in retirement income
• How to think about your own income strategy


Watch the full podcast here... https://youtu.be/2FfKal47sHA


#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #IncomePlanning #FERS

1 week ago | [YT] | 3

FedSmart Podcast

Federal retirement is not about picking the perfect date. It is about understanding the sequence of what happens next.


When you know the timelines, you can plan with more clarity and fewer surprises.
In this article, you will see how each phase fits together, from early preparation to final pension processing.


Read the full article here... fedsmartretirement.com/understanding-federal-retir…


#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #FERS #RetirementPlanning #FederalEmployees

1 week ago | [YT] | 0

FedSmart Podcast

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain why your pension is not reduced by post retirement work.


This episode clarifies which benefits are affected by earned income.


Watch the full podcast to learn:
• What income impacts benefits
• What income does not
• Why this matters


This podcast offers helpful insight for retirees.


Watch here... https://youtu.be/rUhpdoWqu5U
Bonus: Visit FederalRetirementCourse.com.


#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #FederalEmployees

1 week ago | [YT] | 3

FedSmart Podcast

Did you see our latest Quiz Question on Saturday?


“What two requirements must be met to take a tax-free withdrawal from your Roth TSP?”


The correct answer is… Age 59.5 or older AND contributed to the Roth for five years.


Did you get it right? If so, comment below!





*Converting an employer plan account or Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA is a taxable event. Increased taxable income from the Roth IRA conversion may have several consequences including but not limited to, a need for additional tax withholding or estimated tax payments, the loss of certain tax deductions and credits, and higher taxes on Social Security benefits and higher Medicare premiums. Be sure to consult with a qualified tax advisor before making any decisions regarding your IRA.

1 week ago | [YT] | 2