Curious about how financial advisors actually earn their income—especially for federal employees and retirees? This video demystifies how advisors are paid, explains fee structures, and helps you choose the best financial guidance for your retirement planning.

KEY TOPICS COVERED:
Financial advisor fees explained
Commission, fee-only, and hybrid models
Pros and cons for federal employees and retirees
401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing tips
How to avoid common advisor pitfalls

🔗 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 How do financial advisors get paid? (overview & why it matters)
1:08 Fee-Only Planning (hourly/flat retainers, complexity & scope)
3:58 Fee-Based / AUM Explained (typical 1% example, billing in arrears, breakpoints)
6:52 Fiduciary Duty vs. Suitability (what standard protects you)
7:46 Commission-Based Models (insurance, annuities, broker-dealer spreads)
10:18 Real-World Story: Long-Term Care & why commissions may still appear
13:02 Case Study: Preferred stock issue & when clients captured “the spread”
15:06 Performance-Based Fees (the ‘2 and 20’ hedge fund model)
15:58 DIY vs. Hiring an Advisor (tax plan, income plan, sequencing risk)
21:03 Wrap-Up + Health Tip: 4-4-4 (and 4-7-8) breathing for stress

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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Are you a federal retiree still waiting for your first pension check? You’re not alone—delays at OPM are leaving thousands in financial limbo. In this video, learn bridge strategies to cover expenses, avoid financial hardship, and what steps you can take now if your federal retirement payment is late.

Your pension check might not be processed—so what are you going to do when no pension checks are being processed?

🔗 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 Intro – “No pension check. How are you going to survive the first few months of retirement?”
0:46 What happens when your agency hasn’t coded you retired yet: “You’re still an annuitant but no check.”
1:10 Ask your credit union or bank: CD access, penalty-free withdrawals, deferred loans.
1:40 Insurance & loan modifications: what banks might offer when you’re waiting for annuity payments.
2:37 Home-equity line of credit (HELOC) as a bridge strategy.
3:28 TSP options if you’re 59½ – in-service rollovers or IRA linkage.
3:52 What if you’re under 59½ and your TSP hasn’t been coded retired? General loan options.
4:54 Two outstanding general loans from TSP? How the law changed.
5:46 Recap of “handful of ideas” to bridge the gap until your first annuity payment.
6:18 Final thoughts: “You don’t have to work longer—you just 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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Should you work with a financial advisor? Discover when hiring a certified financial planner makes sense for federal employees and retirees—and when DIY investing might be enough.

Learn the real value a fiduciary financial advisor brings to your retirement planning, from tax-smart strategies to FERS benefits optimization. Whether you're nearing retirement or managing TSP withdrawals, this guide covers what to expect when working with a professional advisor.

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

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro - Why Use a Financial Advisor?
2:15 When Do You Need Professional Help?
5:30 What Does a Financial Advisor Actually Do?
9:45 Fee Structures Explained
14:20 Fiduciary vs Commission-Based Advisors
18:30 Federal Employee Specific Planning
22:10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring
25:00 Final Thoughts

💼 WHO WE HELP
CD Financial specializes in helping federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Get weekly strategies on TSP, FERS, Social Security timing, tax planning, and retirement readiness.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE for insightful retirement planning advice tailored to federal workers!

📱 CONNECT WITH US
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial

#FinancialAdvisor #RetirementPlanning #FederalEmployees #TSP #FERS #FinancialPlanning #RetirementIncome #TaxPlanning #FiduciaryAdvisor #FederalRetirement

⚖️ LEGAL DISCLAIMER
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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When the government stops, your bills don’t. Learn how to stay financially steady during a federal shutdown and protect your essentials.

When federal paychecks pause, preparation becomes protection. Here’s how to manage bills, cash flow, and peace of mind through a government shutdown.

🔗 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 Intro – What happens when the government shuts down
0:42 The reality: Bills don’t wait for paychecks
1:38 Essential first steps for federal employees & contractors
2:55 How to talk to lenders and service providers
4:15 Temporary relief options and community resources
5:40 How to stay calm and financially prepared

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

Medicare Part B premium costs can jump because of IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) when your MAGI crosses key thresholds—especially for federal retirees with pensions, Social Security, and RMDs. Learn how timing, Roth conversions, and TRICARE for Life choices can influence your Medicare Part B and Part D costs without panic or fear-mongering.

IRMAA isn’t a penalty—it’s a higher Medicare Part B and D premium triggered by income. With smart tax planning, you can navigate the thresholds instead of getting surprised.

🔗 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 Intro – Medicare Part B premium & IRMAA setup
1:38 What IRMAA Really Is (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount)
3:10 MAGI Explained: Pensions, Social Security taxation, IRA withdrawals
5:20 Key IRMAA Thresholds (single vs. married) & why singles are “brittle”
6:55 TRICARE For Life & Part B – enrollment timing and realities
8:22 Roth Conversions: Helpful tool—or IRMAA tripwire?
10:05 RMDs and the Two-Year Look-Back: Why today’s choices hit future premiums
12:02 Coordinating Tax Brackets vs. IRMAA Brackets (which “ball” matters when)
13:40 Practical Planning Moves (appeals, pacing conversions, income smoothing)
22:40 Wellness Tip: Why laughter helps your stress & sleep

#MedicarePartB #IRMAA #FederalRetirement #TSP #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.

Support the show

Your pension check hasn’t arrived yet — and it’s been months?
That’s not a rare story anymore. Federal retirement delays are real, and it’s time to prepare for them. OPM processing times have stretched far beyond the traditional six to eight weeks, and thousands of retirees are waiting much longer for their first payment.

👉 Schedule your free retirement transition consultation:
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 OPM pension delays — what to expect
0:28 Real stories from retired federal employees
0:51 How long it used to take to get your pension check
1:27 Annual leave payout delays you should anticipate
1:54 Why timelines vary between agencies and locations
2:24 What’s causing these bottlenecks at OPM

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

Is your federal job at risk? Learn everything about the 2025 government shutdown, Reduction in Force (RIF), furloughs, and how they impact federal employees with expert Ann Vanderol. This urgent breakdown covers what you need to know RIGHT NOW to protect your career, benefits, and retirement.

🚨 2025 Federal Shutdown & RIF Critical Topics:
✅ What is a Reduction in Force (RIF) and how does it work?
✅ Difference between furloughs, layoffs, and RIF
✅ Which federal employees are most at risk?
✅ How shutdown affects your pay, benefits, and retirement
✅ Steps to protect your federal career today
✅ Expert insights from federal career specialist Ann Vanderol

Whether you're a current federal employee, planning retirement, or concerned about job security during the 2025 government shutdown, this video provides actionable strategies to navigate furloughs, potential layoffs, and RIF procedures.

🔗 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 Intro: Shutdown 2025 & why this one’s different (RIF risk)
0:19 “Layoff” vs. RIF: what each means for your job & benefits
1:44 Essential vs. non-essential status, furloughs, and back pay dynamics
3:52 Agency coverage gaps & workload—realities on the ground
5:18 Agency reviews & potential workforce cuts: what to watch
10:00 RIF basics: retention rights, severance, and notices (OPM rules)
14:45 DRP retirees: HR backlogs, last paycheck & annual leave timing
17:10 TSP coding delays after retirement & why access may be held up
18:50 Bridging cash needs: TSP loans vs. hardship withdrawals—trade-offs
20:58 Health tip: reduce stress with simple, sustainable routines
22:45 Your action plan & next steps (how to get personalized help)

#FederalShutdown2025 #RIF #FederalEmployees #GovernmentShutdown #federalretirement

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

How will the 2025 government shutdown impact federal employees, retirees, and those receiving Social Security? In this urgent update, CD Financial unpacks the latest on furloughs, layoffs, and Reduction in Force (RIF)—plus what steps you need to take right now.

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

A reduction in force (RIF) during the 2025 federal shutdown may allow some to claim discontinued service retirement under strict rules.

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 – Government Shutdown & Layoffs Overview
Who’s being affected, and why nearly everyone in the federal workforce feels the impact.
0:44 – Essential Employees Working Without Full Pay
A real story from a DCMA employee driving two hours each way—earning only 70% pay.
1:13 – Federal Layoffs: HHS, DOJ, and More
Over 4,000 employees affected so far—and why this shutdown feels different.
1:40 – Will Furloughed Workers Still Get Paid?
Clarifying back pay and what happens if you’re laid off mid-shutdown.
2:12 – RIFs and Unemployment Filing
What to do immediately if you’re affected by a Reduction in Force (RIF).
2:46 – Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR)
How some employees may qualify for early, unreduced pensions under DSR rules.
3:12 – The Power of a Written Plan
Why now is the time to create or revisit your retirement income plan.
3:34 – Introducing the Charted Retirement Course™ (CRC)
How our trademarked CRC helps you navigate uncertainty with confidence.
4:08 – How to Connect With Us
Text your name and email to 949-359-5100 for a personalized plan.
4:25 – Final Message: You May Not Need to Work Longer
You might just need a better plan—and a trusted guide by your side.

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