Are credit cards still worth using with all the fees being passed on to consumers? In this episode, Tommy and John dive into a hot topic on their minds lately: the real pros and cons of credit cards, debit cards, and cash. They share their personal credit card habits, how many cards they each use, and the strategy behind maximizing rewards without falling into the trap of overspending.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What's the difference between active and passive investing, and when should you use mutual funds versus ETFs? In this episode, John and Tommy break down essential investing concepts that federal employees need to know, covering everything from the fundamentals of stocks and bonds to practical cash management strategies.

You'll learn about active versus passive investing philosophies, the mechanics and tax implications of mutual funds and ETFs, and why dollar-cost averaging can help overcome emotional barriers in investing.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

What does it really look like to work with a financial planning team that knows your federal benefits inside and out—and shows up for you year after year? In this episode, John and Tommy take you behind the scenes of Mason & Associates’ Strategic Planning Meeting Season (SPM), where they conduct over 400 client meetings in just six weeks. They share real conversations, real actions, and the process that makes it all work.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn