FedSmart Podcast

Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain why planning matters.


Hope is not a strategy.


Clarity comes from understanding your numbers and your options.


In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why planning creates confidence
• How to start thinking about your retirement
• What steps to take next


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


#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #Planning #FERS

1 day ago | [YT] | 6

FedSmart Podcast

Can small preparation steps really impact retirement? Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain how they add up.


In this episode, you will learn:
• When preparation should start
• What timelines to expect
• How preparation changes the experience


Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/vScYt_gVGUI



#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #FederalBenefits

3 days ago | [YT] | 7

FedSmart Podcast

Did you see our latest Quiz Question on Saturday?
“Dividing your years of service by this figure and multiplying by your social security benefit at 62 is how you calculate your supplement. What figure am I referring to? “
The Answer is 40. Did you get it right? If so, comment with a thumbs up emoji!

5 days ago | [YT] | 4

FedSmart Podcast

Federal employees now have more control over how their TSP is taxed.


In-plan Roth conversions allow you to move money inside the TSP for different tax treatment.


But is it always a good idea?


In this article, you will learn:
• When federal employees are eligible to convert
• Why taxes are one of the biggest considerations
• How Roth money behaves differently in retirement


Understanding this can change how you think about your TSP.


Read the full article here... fedsmartretirement.com/in-plan-roth-conversions-an…


#FederalEmployeeBenefits #TSPHelp #GovernmentPlanning #RetirementQuestions #FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett






*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.

6 days ago | [YT] | 9

FedSmart Podcast

TSP returns for February 2026! #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #FederalRetirement #FedSmart #TSP #ThriftSavingsPlan

1 week ago | [YT] | 4

FedSmart Podcast

Why does retirement feel stressful for many federal employees? Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain how uncertainty plays a role.


In this episode, you will learn:
• When preparation should start
• What timelines to expect
• How preparation reduces stress


Watch now: https://youtu.be/vScYt_gVGUI
Bonus resource: FederalRetirementCourse.com


#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #FederalLife

1 week ago | [YT] | 6

FedSmart Podcast

Federal retirement planning is about understanding how the system works, not guessing or relying on assumptions. This article by Nick Black walks through what federal employees should expect during the retirement transition and why education matters.



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


📘 Check out the zero cost FederalRetirementCourse.com


#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #FederalRetirementPlanning

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1 week ago | [YT] | 6

FedSmart Podcast

Here's our answer to Quiz Question #2 from Saturday!
Comment below if you got it right!
Age 50 with 20 years of service
Any Age with 25 years of service

1 week ago | [YT] | 1

FedSmart Podcast

What really happens after you leave federal service? In this article, Nick Black explains the behind-the-scenes process that impacts pay, benefits, and timing for federal retirees.


If you want to understand how retirement works beyond the date on the calendar, start here.


By reading this article, you will learn:
• Who processes which retirement payments
• What timelines are common today
• How to plan for short-term uncertainty


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

📘 Check out the zero cost FederalRetirementCourse.com!


#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #FederalEmployees

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 4

FedSmart Podcast

When should federal retirement paperwork be submitted? Jesse Black and Steven Puckett explain why timing matters.


In this episode, you will learn:
• When preparation should start
• How paperwork timing affects processing
• How planning ahead helps


Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/vScYt_gVGUI
Bonus resource: FederalRetirementCourse.com


#FedSmart #FederalRetirement #JesseBlack #StevenPuckett #FederalBenefits

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2