INSIDE YOUR FERS BENEFITS
Lock In Multiple Streams of Guaranteed Lifetime Income the FERS Way
Lock In Multiple Streams of Guaranteed Lifetime Income the FERS Way
You’ve given years of service. Your retirement should feel secure, simple, and stress-free. Too many federal employees use bad estimates, guess their retirement date, or ignore taxes—then wonder why their numbers fall short. Let’s fix that today.
Under FERS, lasting peace of mind comes from understanding—and coordinating—your three lifetime income streams. When they work together, your retirement works for you.
Your 3 Streams of FERS Retirement Income
FERS Pension Annuity
This is your built-in monthly paycheck based on your years of service and high-3 average salary. It’s reliable, but it doesn’t cover the whole story. Most see the gross income on the projection and think it looks pretty good, but then fail to take off their selected deductions and taxes. Many FERS employees will still have a huge monthly income gap to fill.
Social Security Annuity
Another lifetime check— and timing matters. Claim too early and you may leave money on the table; claim too late and you could strain your savings. The “right” choice depends on your health, other income, and survivor needs.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) - Not an Annuity
Your TSP is the retirement vehicle you control—but too many employees crash it by cashing out at retirement and paying too much tax. Or worse, they take it out to buy a new (depreciating) retirement vehicle and end up with no TSP or their 3rd retirement income stream.
Why Estimates Aren’t Enough
Estimates feel comforting—until reality shows up. Example: Sarah was sure her TSP would give her $4,000/month. When we ran the numbers with a conservative, sustainable withdrawal rate, it was closer to $1,700/month. BIG difference. With a better strategy, she layered in guaranteed income for essentials and preserved TSP for a 3rd lifetime income offering flexibility— and hello, peace of mind.
3 Painful Tax Traps (to Dodge Now)
Missed RMDs: Skipping Required Minimum Distributions can trigger a 25% tax penalty—every year you miss. The new RMD age is 73, not 70½, before you must withdraw from your tax-deferred retirement accounts.
Wrong Rollovers: Moving TSP funds into the wrong account can create surprise taxes or loss of principle.
Outdated Beneficiaries: If life changed but your forms didn’t, your money could go to the wrong person. Review and update.
Risks That Can Derail a Good Plan
Debt: Taking thousands of dollars of debt into retirement will only cause more stress
Longevity: Living longer is a gift—plan so your money lasts as long as you do with guaranteed lifetime income.
Inflation: Prices creep up; your plan should, too.
Market Volatility: Downturns happen—sequence risk is real in early retirement.
Withdrawal Strategy: Taking “just a little more” adds up fast.
Healthcare Costs: A single event can bend a budget. Build cushions and consider protection.
The formula that works: Cover recurring monthly bills with guaranteed income (your “paycheck” FERS Pension and Social Security) and use TSP/other savings for choices and fun money (your “playcheck”).
What You Need to Take Control
A clear picture of your FERS pension, Social Security timing, and TSP income strategy
A tax-smart plan that avoids penalties, surprises, and avoidable taxes
Risk controls for longevity, inflation, markets, withdrawals, and healthcare
Your Next Step
Retirement doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting to think about your benefits or you’re getting close to your final working years, this call will give you:
✅ Clarity on how your FERS pension, Social Security, and TSP fit together.
✅ Confidence in knowing if you’re on track for a secure retirement
✅ A Plan for what steps to take next so you don’t leave money on the table
✅ Peace of Mind that your hard-earned career leads to the retirement lifestyle you want
This isn’t a generic chat — it’s a personalized session designed to answer your biggest questions and uncover opportunities you didn’t know existed.
Final Thought from Melinda
Retirement isn’t just numbers—it’s confidence. With the right plan, you can turn your benefits into dependable income, sidestep costly mistakes, and enjoy the future you’ve earned.
Ready to feel sure about your retirement? Book your FERS Retirement Confidence Call—Just Call Melinda.
📲 Want to talk this through?
Text me at 813-686-2208 or visit justcallmelinda.com. Let’s make sure your retirement plan supports not just your family’s future—but yours too.
