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Are you truly ready to retire? This episode of the CD Financial Podcast dives into key questions about eligibility and financial management, helping you to understand the path to getting ready for retirement. We discuss essential aspects of retirement planning to ensure your financial planning is robust.

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👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro — The Retirement Readiness Checklist (ready, eligible, afford)
1:24 Retirement mindset — how to visualize your day-to-day after work
3:10 Federal retirement eligibility — MRA + years of service basics
5:45 Can you afford to retire? Income sources and expense reality check
8:30 Turning TSP/401(k)/IRA savings into retirement income planning
11:00 Health insurance, FEHB, Medicare, and out-of-pocket costs
12:50 Estimating monthly expenses using net pay, deductions, and allotments
15:20 Part-time work in retirement — when it reduces income pressure
17:30 Lifestyle planning — spending shifts, travel, and staying active
20:00 Wrap-up — build your written retirement income plan and checklist

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

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👉 FREE Retirement Planning Guide + Checklist: https://cdfinancial.org/tsp%20free%20guide/
FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube

Are you truly retirement ready — financially secure, lifestyle-aligned, and prepared for life after work? Learn the key retirement planning questions and readiness checklist every pre-retiree should ask to avoid blind spots and achieve confidence in retirement.

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Join Our Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

👋 WHO ARE WE?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Are You Ready to Retire? Two Questions That Matter Most
0:24 What’s Most Important to You in Retirement? Lifestyle & Priorities
0:52 Why Visualizing Your Retirement Life Is Critical
1:16 Can You Afford to Retire If Nothing Changes Financially?
2:02 How Long Does Your Money Need to Last in Retirement?
2:37 What a Successful Retirement Plan Should Really Do
3:10 Why You Don’t Need to Work Longer — You Need a Better Plan

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

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Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) & Medicare Part B Explained: What Every Federal Worker and Retiree Must Know in 2025” — get the facts on FEHB cost changes, Medicare coordination, and retirement health planning to avoid unnecessary premium spending and coverage gaps. Discover whether combining FEHB with Medicare Part B or supplements makes sense for you. 👇

Understanding how FEHB works with Medicare Part B and retirement is one of the most important financial planning decisions federal employees face — and it can save you thousands in premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
Federal Benefits Open Season Info: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/
Medicare & FEHB Coordination Guide: https://www.medicare.tools/question/fehb-and-medicare-how-they-work-together-in-2025
FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube
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CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 FEHB vs Medicare Part B: The Decision Federal Employees Face
0:31 Meet Ann Vanderslice and Why This Topic Matters
1:25 Why Federal Employees Can Opt Out of Medicare Part B
2:57 FEHB Premium Increases: Recent Trends and What They Mean
5:12 FEHB Costs in Retirement: What Changes (and What Doesn’t)
7:20 How FEHB Premium Sharing Works and Why the OPM Cap Matters
9:02 FEHB as a “Part B Replacement” vs Pairing FEHB with Medicare
10:41 FEHB Part B Incentives and Rebates: Why Insurers Offer Them
12:01 Real Examples: Comparing FEHB Premiums Across Different Plans
14:14 Suspending FEHB and Medicare Advantage (Part C): Key Rules
22:53 Medicare Part B + Supplement + Part D: Cost Factors to Compare
17:47 Open Season Timing and Switching FEHB Plans
26:33 Preventive Health and Staying Active: Closing Takeaways

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

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Comparing Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage with Medicare Part B + Supplement helps retirees balance premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs while maximizing access to care.

FEHB + Part B or Medicare Part B with a Supplement — What’s the smarter retirement healthcare move for federal employees and retirees navigating rising FEHB costs and Medicare decisions? Discover how FEHB coordinates with Medicare, when Medicare Part B makes sense, and why dual coverage can change your out-of-pocket risk in retirement. 👉 Tap “Show More” to uncover key healthcare planning strategies for federal annuitants.

OPM Medicare vs FEHB Official Info: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/medicare/medicare-vs-fehb-enrollment/
Medicare Part B Info: https://www.medicare.gov/registration-eligibility/parts-what-they-cover/part-b

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube
Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

Socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial

👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Overview — FEHB + Medicare Planning
0:45 What Is FEHB and Why Does It Matter in Retirement
1:30 How Medicare Part B Works With FEHB
2:15 Costs to Consider: Part B Premiums vs FEHB Premiums
3:05 Benefits of Dual Coverage (Medicare + FEHB)
4:00 When a Medicare Supplement Might Make Sense
4:45 Coordination of Benefits and Out-of-Pocket Risk
5:30 Decision Scenarios for Different Retirees
6:15 Key Takeaways for Federal Healthcare Choices

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

Support the show

Most people never talk about the retirement income gap — the difference between what you think you’ll need and what you actually have saved, and that’s exactly why most retirements fall short.

Using disciplined retirement strategies like dollar cost averaging and optimizing employer matches can dramatically improve your long-term success.

FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube
Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

Socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial

👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro — What We Wish We’d Learned About Money Earlier
1:35 Why Most Families Never Talk About Long-Term Money Planning
3:48 How Starting Young Changes Retirement Outcomes
9:19 Dollar Cost Averaging Explained (TSP, 401(k), IRA)
11:06 Common Mistakes: Being “Too Conservative” When Young
12:38 Employer Match Is Free Money Many Miss
13:57 Emotional Investing vs Disciplined Investing
15:20 Why Regular Contributions Beat Market Timing
17:36 The Risk of Following “Hot Stock” Tips
19:48 It’s Never Too Late to Start Retirement Planning

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

Support the show

“I wish I knew earlier that starting saving and investing young turbo-charges your future wealth through compound growth, better retirement planning, and smarter money decisions.”

👉 FREE RETIREMENT PLANNING GUIDE 15-MIN CONSULT: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube
Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

“Start your Roth IRA early, let compound interest work, and build an investment plan that grows with you — because time is your greatest financial advantage.”

Building wealth isn’t about how much you make — it’s about when you start and what you do consistently. Studies show that early investing gives your contributions more time to grow through compounding returns, outperforming later, larger contributions.

Socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial

👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro — What I Wish I Knew About Saving & Investing When I Was Younger
0:23 Roth IRA for Young Adults — Why Starting Early Matters
0:56 It’s Never Too Late — How to Start Saving and Investing Now
1:22 Avoid the Wrong Account — IRA vs 401(k) vs SEP IRA Explained
1:50 The Value of Proper Guidance — Building a Long-Term Financial Plan
2:17 A Better Plan, Not Working Longer — Retirement Strategy Mindset

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

Support the show

2026 TSP and 401(k) contribution limits just increased—here’s how much you can put away, what catch-up really means, and how to set your payroll so you don’t miss it.
If you’ve heard the “15% max” myth or you’re unsure whether you’re actually doing catch-up contributions, this episode clears it up—fast.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
IRS: 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026; IRA limit increases to $7,500:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/401k-limit-increases-to-24500-for-2026-ira-limit-increases-to-7500

TSP Bulletin: 2026 TSP contribution limits:
https://www.tsp.gov/bulletins/25-3/

General reference: IRA contribution limits (2026):
https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/ira-contribution-limits

Book a free 15-minute clarity call (text us your first & last name + email): sms:+19493595100
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LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial
Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

👋 WHO ARE WE?
CD Financial (where health meets wealth) helps federal employees and retirees make confident decisions around TSP strategies, retirement income planning, and benefit-aware financial choices. Subscribe for practical, compliant education that helps you understand the numbers, the rules, and the real-world tradeoffs—without hype.

Max funding for 2026 is $24,500—catch-up starts after you hit the max per pay period, not before.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
⏱ 0:00 2026 TSP & 401(k) Contribution Limits: What Changed?
⏱ 1:15 2026 Max Contributions: Under 50 vs 50+ (Catch-Up Basics)
⏱ 2:23 Per-Pay-Period TSP Math: $24,500 ÷ 26 Pay Periods
⏱ 3:47 SECURE 2.0 “Super Catch-Up” Ages 60–63 (Higher Limit)
⏱ 4:42 2026 IRA & Roth IRA Limits: What You Can Contribute
⏱ 6:33 Backdoor Roth Overview (Conceptual Walkthrough)
⏱ 7:16 The “15% Max” Myth + When Catch-Up Actually Starts
⏱ 10:49 Why Max Funding Matters for Retirement Income Confidence
⏱ 12:38 TSP vs Private Roth IRA: What to Prioritize First
⏱ 15:42 How to Increase TSP Contributions (MyPay / GRB / EPP + EBIS)
⏱ 18:56 Roth Catch-Up Rule & $145,000 Income Threshold (Key Reminder)
⏱ 20:25 Health Tip: Consistent Sleep Schedule + Morning Light

#TSP #FederalEmployees #401k #RetirementPlanning #CDFinancial

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

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Max retirement contributions just got bigger in 2026 — $24,500 elective limit plus expanded catch-up contributions for federal TSP and 401(k) plans.

2026 contribution limits for TSP and 401(k)/403(b) increase — here’s how to make the most of your elective deferrals and catch-up contributions.

🔥 Curious how these IRS changes affect your federal benefits, TSP retirement strategy, and catch-up planning?

Get answers to your questions on a FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube
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👋 WHO ARE WE?
This channel helps federal employees, military personnel, and retirement savers maximize their retirement planning and tax-advantaged contributions through clear, strategy-focused videos on TSP, 401(k), catch-up contributions, and retirement benefit optimization. Subscribe for weekly financial planning insights and actionable strategies.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro & Key 2026 Contribution Highlights
0:45 2026 Elective Deferral Limit: $24,500 Explained
1:30 Catch-Up Contributions for Age 50+
2:15 Super Catch-Up Limits (Ages 60–63)
3:10 How TSP & 401(k) Contribution Limits Compare
3:55 Roth Catch-Up Rules Starting 2026
4:35 Federal Employees: How to Elect Your 2026 Deferrals
5:15 IRA Contribution Changes & Planning Tips
6:00 Retirement Planning Strategy: What to Do Now
6:40 Closing Thoughts + Next Steps

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

Support the show