What does it take to grow a financial advisory firm the right way, without sacrificing client experience? In this episode, John and Tommy pull back the curtain on the strategic direction of Mason & Associates, sharing how they’re enhancing services, refining internal systems, and ensuring their clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Whether you’re already a client or someone searching for the right financial advisor, this episode offers valuable insights into the kind of care and intentionality you should expect from your advisor.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• SPECIAL EPISODE: New Client Process & Client Experience

Federal salaries don't always tell the whole story. In this episode, John and Tommy take a closer look at the true value of federal employment, highlighting how benefits like pensions, FEHB health coverage, TSP matching, and survivor options stack up against the private sector. You'll learn why it could take a 30-50% higher salary elsewhere to match the federal total compensation package, and why those numbers matter when making career decisions.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program
• Retiring in Uncertain Times? Avoid This Survivor Benefit Mistake
• FERS Go Bag

Is reviewing your tax return enough or are you missing the bigger picture? In this episode, Tommy and John break down why simply looking at last year’s return doesn’t cut it, and how projection-based planning connects directly to key financial decisions like Roth conversions, mortgage deductions, and retirement income strategy.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• TurboTax
• Form 2210 – Underpayment of Estimated Tax
• H&R Block
• SPECIAL EPISODE: New Client Process & Client Experience

What does a real financial planner actually do—and how do you know if you’ve hired one? In this episode, Michael, Tommy and John break down the most common misconceptions about financial planning and explain why it’s about much more than just investment management. You’ll learn why financial planning is especially crucial for federal employees, how fiduciary standards impact the advice you receive, and what red flags to look for in a planner.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
• VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority)

What if your six-month emergency fund isn’t enough? In this episode, John, Michael, and Tommy tackle the shifting financial landscape for federal employees in 2025. As government changes create uncertainty—think early retirements and layoffs—they share smart, strategic ways to prepare. You’ll learn how to build a tiered emergency plan, optimize your liquidity, and adapt your lifestyle budget in case your income suddenly takes a hit.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Dave Ramsey
• Rocket Money
• EveryDollar
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
• Don’t Max Your TSP

Should you elect full survivor benefits when retiring as a federal employee? In this episode, John, Tommy, and Mike discuss one of the most critical decisions for federal retirees. They explore the costs, benefits, and long-term financial implications of survivor benefits, urging retirees to carefully consider their options. They also emphasize the importance of full survivor benefits for ensuring continued income for spouses after retirement, providing real-life examples to show how these benefits can impact financial security, tax advantages, and peace of mind.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB)
• Stay Wealthy Retirement Show
• Federal Employees - DO NOT Decline Survivor Benefits!
• Mason & Associates Interview with Wavy 10- Military Survivor Benefits

Medicare decisions can be overwhelming, and with rising costs and policy changes, making the right choice is more important than ever. In this episode, Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance Group, shares his insights from helping over 20,000 clients navigate Medicare enrollment, insurance options, and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act. He explains why working with his team can be a game-changer and how choosing the wrong plan could cost you in the long run.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Bryan Gay: LinkedIn | Website
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Compare

Is the Deferred Resignation Program an opportunity or a risk for federal employees? In this episode, Tommy, John, and Michael break down what this program means, how it’s impacting federal employees, and why having a solid financial plan in place is more important than ever. They’ll discuss why you can’t rely on every media headline, the importance of working with a knowledgeable team, and how to position yourself for financial stability—no matter how secure your job may seem.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• OPM FAQs