• Top 10 Mistakes Made by Federal Employees — Part 3: Not Properly Maximizing TSP Matching
    Jan 30 2026

    In episode 163 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val continues the countdown of the most common (and costly) mistakes federal employees make—this week shining a spotlight on mishandling and not properly maximizing TSP matching.

    Many federal employees carry Option B coverage for years without realizing how dramatically the cost increases with age—or how often better, less expensive alternatives are available. Val breaks down how FEGLI Option B really works, why it becomes one of the most expensive insurance choices in your 40s, 50s, and beyond, and how this single benefit decision can quietly drain your retirement cash flow.

    Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

    ---

    Listen to Previous Episodes:

    https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

    Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:

    www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

    ---

    Connect with Val:

    Phone --- (512) 582-6050

    Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com

    American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com

    Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts

    LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

    ---

    About American Benefits Exchange:

    American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

    American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    15 mins
  • Top 10 Mistakes Made by Federal Employees --- Part 2: Paying too much for Fegli Option B
    Jan 23 2026

    In episode 162 of The Federal Retirement Show, we continue our countdown of the most common (and costly) mistakes federal employees make—this week shining a spotlight on FEGLI Option B.

    Many federal employees carry Option B coverage for years without realizing how dramatically the cost increases with age—or how often better, less expensive alternatives are available. Val breaks down how FEGLI Option B really works, why it becomes one of the most expensive insurance choices in your 40s, 50s, and beyond, and how this single benefit decision can quietly drain your retirement cash flow.

    Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

    ---

    Listen to Previous Episodes:

    https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

    Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:

    www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

    ---

    Connect with Val:

    Phone --- (512) 582-6050

    Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com

    American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com

    Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts

    LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

    ---

    About American Benefits Exchange:

    American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

    American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Top 10 Mistakes Made by Federal Employees — Part 1: Federal Benefits and Retirement Training
    Jan 16 2026

    Many federal employees assume they’ll “figure it out later” when it comes to retirement—but later often comes with costly surprises. Val explores a 10-part series of the Top 10 retirement mistakes made by federal employees, and in part one he tackles one of the most common and avoidable errors: not attending a retirement meeting or seminar focused on federal benefits.

    Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

    ---

    Listen to Previous Episodes:

    https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

    Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:

    www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

    ---

    Connect with Val:

    Phone --- (512) 582-6050

    Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com

    American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com

    Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts

    LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

    ---

    About American Benefits Exchange:

    American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

    American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Starting the Year Right - 2026 Retirement Checklist
    Jan 9 2026

    Planning to retire from federal service in 2026 or soon? Episode 160 breaks down a practical, step-by-step retirement checklist designed specifically for federal employees. Val walks you through walk through the TSP checklist, how to address the current debt you may have, and explains the not-so easy online retirement application.

    Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

    ---

    Listen to Previous Episodes:

    https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

    Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:

    www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

    ---

    Connect with Val:

    Phone --- (512) 582-6050

    Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com

    American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com

    Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts

    LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

    ---

    About American Benefits Exchange:

    American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

    American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • The TSP Journey – Part 3
    Dec 19 2025

    In episode 159 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val continues with part three of his TSP series, and breaks down the distribution phase in your TSP!

    Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

    ---

    Listen to Previous Episodes:

    https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

    Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:

    www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

    ---

    Connect with Val:

    Phone --- (512) 582-6050

    Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com

    American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com

    Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts

    LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

    ---

    About American Benefits Exchange:

    American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

    American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • The TSP Journey – Part 2
    Dec 12 2025

    In episode 158 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val continues with part two of his TSP series, and breaks down the preservation phase of TSP!

    Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

    ---

    Listen to Previous Episodes:

    https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

    Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:

    www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

    ---

    Connect with Val:

    Phone --- (512) 582-6050

    Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com

    American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com

    Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts

    LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

    ---

    About American Benefits Exchange:

    American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

    American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • The TSP Journey – Part 1
    Dec 6 2025

    In episode 157 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val break down one of the most important—yet often overlooked—stages of your financial journey: the accumulation phase. He dives deep into how your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) can become a powerful engine for long-term growth, exploring smart strategies to build your balance year after year. From the benefits of consistent contributions to the advantages of TSP’s low fees and diverse investment options, we’ll show you how to make the most of this essential retirement tool!

    Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

    ---

    Listen to Previous Episodes:

    https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

    Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:

    www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

    ---

    Connect with Val:

    Phone --- (512) 582-6050

    Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com

    American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com

    Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts

    LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

    ---

    About American Benefits Exchange:

    American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

    American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    14 mins
  • Federal Employees - Recent Questions Answered!
    Nov 26 2025

    In episode 156 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val unveils the latest version of recent questions answered – answering common questions he receives from Federal Employees daily!

    Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge.

    ---

    Listen to Previous Episodes:

    https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/

    Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:

    www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange

    ---

    Connect with Val:

    Phone --- (512) 582-6050

    Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.com

    American Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.com

    Federal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcasts

    LinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/

    ---

    About American Benefits Exchange:

    American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets.

    American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins