This time around, Rayna breaks down one of the most misunderstood benefits in the entire federal system: FEGLI Basic Life Insurance. From how your basic coverage is calculated, to why she is such a strong advocate for keeping it into retirement, Rayna explains why FEGLI Basic is one of the best—and most cost-effective—legacy protection tools available to federal employees.

Listeners learn how FEGLI provides tax-free death benefits under IRC Section 7702, why the government essentially “buries you for free” once you hit age 65, and how choosing between the 100%, 50%, and 25% reduction options impacts both coverage and cost. Rayna also introduces the Living Benefits provision, sharing real experiences of federal employees who were able to access their benefits early during a terminal illness—saving them from unnecessary taxes and penalties.

Whether you’re approaching retirement, reviewing your FEGLI elections, or considering additional coverage, this episode is packed with clarity, examples, and life-changing planning strategies to help protect your family and legacy.

Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
Visit: AmericanFederal.org

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna digs into one of the most important — yet most avoided — parts of retirement planning: legacy planning. Inspired by Ben Franklin’s famous line about the certainties of life, Rayna highlights why planning for the “end in mind” isn’t morbid — it’s responsible, empowering, and essential for protecting the people you love.

She explains why beneficiary designations must be reviewed regularly, how different financial “vehicles” serve different purposes, and why failing to plan can saddle your children or non-spouse heirs with massive unexpected taxes. Rayna also introduces listeners to strategies that can increase what heirs receive — including plans that boost benefit values significantly, sometimes by 50% or more, while also helping heirs avoid forced lump-sum tax events.

Whether you’re nearing retirement or already there, this episode offers a clear, compassionate, and practical guide to preserving your legacy and setting up future generations for success.

Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
Visit: AmericanFederal.org

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.

In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna walks federal employees step-by-step through what really happens after you retire — from your final day of service all the way to receiving your official annuity payments. Drawing directly from OPM guidelines, Rayna explains why your retirement date matters, how the baton pass from HR to OPM works, what “interim payments” are, and how long you can expect the process to take. She also clears up confusion around annual leave payouts, website access, claim numbers, and how dental/vision coverage through BENEFEDS fits into the post-retirement timeline.

Whether you're retiring at month-end, navigating a government backlog, or wondering why nothing has shown up yet, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to understand every stage of the process. If you’re stuck in the waiting phase and unsure what to do next — Rayna has practical steps to help you move forward.

Rayna’s direct line for scheduling: 850-450-6500

Or call the American Federal Benefits Consultants team at 1-800-872-8857
Visit: AmericanFederal.org

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaynaRetirement

Rayna Retirement is the go-to podcast for federal employees – or anyone – looking to make smarter financial decisions with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, this show simplifies the complexities of retirement, benefits, and financial planning.

Whether you're navigating your FERS or CSRS pension, maximizing your TSP, or seeking expert advice on 401(k)s or IRAs, Rayna is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for practical knowledge, ethical solutions, and expert insights as you prepare for a secure and fulfilling retirement.