Think you have to wait for Open Season to make meaningful financial decisions as a federal employee? This episode breaks that myth wide open. John, Ben, and Tommy walk through the most impactful moves federal employees can make any time of year, from optimizing your TSP and HSA to updating insurance, beneficiaries, and retirement strategies. Whether you're early in your federal career, nearing retirement, or already retired, this episode gives you a practical checklist to help you avoid costly mistakes, spot overlooked opportunities, and make more confident decisions year-round.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Ben Raikes: LinkedIn
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
• FEGLI (Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance)
• FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits Program)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield prescription drug tool
• Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP)
• FEFP: Medicare Masterclass on Enrollment and the Inflation Reduction Act (EP87)

What if getting hacked isn't a question of if, but when? In this episode, Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the real-world cybersecurity risks they're seeing—not in theory, but from personal experience. After being compromised multiple times in a single year, John shares why even people with strong security habits can still be targeted, as well as what that means for retirees, business owners, and anyone managing meaningful assets.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

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

Do Roth conversions make sense for everyone? In this episode, we unpack the rules, strategies, and potential pitfalls of Roth conversions, as well as the role of taxes, spending, and charitable goals. You'll learn why it's not always wise to "just convert everything now" and why flexibility is a crucial part of any financial strategy.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

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

What would your life look like if you actually used the money you spent years saving? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the idea of "flexing your money muscles" and why those muscles can mean tightening your spending or giving yourself permission to enjoy more. You'll learn how habits, confidence, and values shape our decisions, and why many people struggle to spend even when they can afford to.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

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

What really happens after someone passes away—and why are so many families blindsided even when they think everything was "set up correctly"? In this episode, John and Tommy pull back the curtain on the messy, emotional, and often confusing reality of settling an estate. You'll learn why wills and trusts don't operate the way most people assume, as well as the true challenges in modern estate planning.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Federal Employee Financial Planning: Intro to Estate Planning (EP23)
• FEFP: Estate Planning Across State Lines for Federal Employees (EP76)
• FEFP: One Big Beautiful Bill Part 2 (EP100)
• FEFP: One Big Beautiful Bill Part 1 (EP99)
• HIPAA
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn

Are you making the most of your federal health benefits this open season? Whether you're an active federal employee or retired, this time of year can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options can save you thousands and help you plan smarter for the future. You'll learn how to evaluate your current plan, balance premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and make confident, informed decisions before open season ends.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Medicare Masterclass on Enrollment, Costs, and the Inflation Reduction Act with Bryan Gay
• 10 Things Federal Employees Can Do Outside Of An Open Season
• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Ben Raikes: Website

What role should the G Fund really play in your TSP strategy? In this episode, Tommy, John, and Ben tackle one of the biggest questions federal employees ask during uncertain markets. You'll learn what to consider before making changes, how to rebalance your TSP effectively, and why trying to "time the market" often does more harm than good.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Federal Employee Listener Mail - Survivor Benefits, IRA Rollovers, and Small Pensions
• Lifcycle Funds
• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn
• Ben Raikes: Website

What's really changing for federal employees retiring in 2025? In this episode, Tommy and John break down the new retirement process, including survivor benefits, electronic filing, and the realities of interest rates, refinancing, and investment risks. You'll hear clear guidance on how to navigate these updates, what to watch out for in "no closing cost" mortgage offers, and how to make confident financial choices during this pivotal transition.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• FEFP: Fork in the Road: Understanding Your Federal Retirement Options (EP86)
• FEFP: Social Security: Family and Survivor Benefits (EP37)
• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• John Mason: LinkedIn