Could a single dollar cost you hundreds more in Medicare premiums? In this mailbag episode, we answer some of the most common retirement planning questions from listeners, beginning with how to avoid IRMAA surcharges and why Medicare planning really starts at age 63. You'll learn how strategies like Roth conversions, bracket-topping, and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) work and why every strategy should be tailored to your individual financial plan.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

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

What questions do federal employees need answered before making major retirement decisions? In this mailbag episode, John and Tommy tackle listener questions about the FERS annuity supplement, Social Security taxes, Social Security claiming strategies, and retirement income planning. You'll learn how returning to work after retirement can impact your supplement, how to manage Social Security tax withholding, and why retirement decisions require more than a simple one-size-fits-all answer.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

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

What really happens behind the scenes after 350+ client meetings in just six weeks—and what do those conversations reveal about how people are thinking about money, life, and the future? John and Tommy wrapped up their 2026 Strategic Planning Meeting season earlier this quarter, and in this episode, they are going over some of the top questions their federal employee clients asked.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

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