For Your Benefit: Recent Episodes
Federal News Network | Hubbard Radio
Host Bob Leins and presenters from NITP, Inc., the national leader in Federal retirement planning seminars, present topics of interest to the Federal community including Federal benefits, Social Security, financial planning, TSP and estate planning.
September 11, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes M. Shane Canfield, CEO, and Stacy Outlaw, Chief Marketing Officer, WAEPA. September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Today’s guests will discuss the importance of and uses for life insurance.
Why do we need life insurance?
What are other uses of life insurance?
How does life insurance benefit families?
How does WAEPA compare to FEGLI?
For questions or comments, email us inadvance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
August 21, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and cohost Ray Kirk, Ph.D., welcome Phil Gardner, Federal Benefits Specialist. Today’s guest will talk about the cost of benefits for both the employee and the agency. He will discuss the value to the employee, the agency, and the Federal government. We will look through the lens of:
Early career employees;
Mid-career employees; and,
Employees planning to retire.
How much can a new/early career employee expect to pay for benefits? How does this differ for a mid-career employee? What about the retiring employee? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
August 14, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP® and Megan Schaeffer, Estate Planning Attorney. In honor of National Make a Will Month, Karen and Megan will talk about:
Essential documents for everyone.
How to get the process started.
What happens when the documents aren’t in place.
Why every 18-year-old should have at least health care documents.
How and when to update your will and other estate planning documents.
Strategies for streamlining transfers to family and charities.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area
August 7, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes John Jilek, CFP®.
The Basics: Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA
The Advanced: Roth TSP vs. Pre-Tax TSP
Tax law changes that will affect your decisions
The decision to not have some tax-free Roth money available in retirement could be a significant issue in your spending years
Impact of the SECURE Act and SECURE Act 2.0 on beneficiaries of retirement accounts
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
July 31, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David De Jong, Principal, and Sarah Broder, Senior Associate, Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC. The program will review SECURE 2.0 which changed the landscape of retirement plans upon enactment seven months ago. Among the topics to be discussed are:
Multiple changes to “over 50” elective deferrals to employer plans
Emergency withdrawals permitted from an employer plan or IRA and new emergency savings plans
The change in the required beginning date from age 72 to 73
The slashing of the minimum distribution penalty and the elimination of the penalty for excess contributions to an IRA
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
July 24, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP. It seems that everyone has an opinion when it comes to retirement decisions. Many of these opinions are stated as though they’re facts. Some of the questions from Federal employees about retirement center around relatively straightforward facts in law or policy. Here are some of the most common:
Will I get a cost-of-living adjustment on my retirement benefit?
What are the requirements to continue my health insurance coverage into retirement?
Do I have to begin taking payments from my TSP account when I retire from Federal service?
Other questions, though, require opinions because they lack a definitive right or wrong answer. In the retirement world, these often start with “Should I…” Here are some of the ones frequently asked: Should I…
File for Social Security at 62?
Leave my money in the Thrift Savings Plan after retirement, or move it to an IRA?
Retire when I am first eligible to collect a benefit, or continue working?
The answer to all of these is, well, it depends. When it comes to retirement decisions that may be hard to change later, it is important not to focus on the money you save now, but the cumulative cost your decision can have over the next decade or several decades. After all, for many Federal retirees, life after government may last longer than their working careers. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
July 10, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist at NITP, welcome Theresa Brownson and Darnetta Bascomb, Senior Medicare Patrol Project, AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly.
What is Medicare fraud and abuse?
What is the difference?
Who does Medicare fraud affect?
Examples of fraud and abuse
How to detect potential problems
What you can do to help stop Medicare fraud
How to report your concerns
How Medicare and FEHB work together
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com Copyright © 2023 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.
June 26, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kathy Lavinder, founder of Security & Investigative Placement Consultants, a niche executive search firm. Kathy will provide the information you need to know about the private sector jobs market. Transitioning from the public sector to the commercial sector can be mystifying. It’s certainly different from the public sector. Executive recruiter Kathy Lavinder will offer guidance on how to navigate your job search and increase the odds of a good outcome. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
June 12, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tony Zerante, Chief Strategy Officer, and Stephanie Baker, Chief Experience Officer, WAEPA. Across the country, there is still a significant need for life insurance, both from consumers who don’t own any and from those who have some but need more. The Insurance Barometer Study, published annually by LIMRA, works to identify this need. Blending estimated U.S. adult population data with the survey results suggests the total life insurance need gap now encompasses 101 million adults. Today’s guests will talk about the insurance need gap. What exactly is it? Why is it important for the insurance industry, and consumers, to consider? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
January 9, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA®, welcomes Herb Casey, Federal Benefits Specialist, to provide information on benefit changes for 2023.Largest Federal retiree COLA in nearly four decadesSocial Security: COLA, wage base increase, maximum benefit, earnings limitationFEHB and expansion of FEHB coverage in 2023Medicare changes for 2023For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
Want to make the most of the new year? Guest Karen Schaeffer, CFP® will talk about how to keep those New Year’s resolutions about money. Whether it’s paying off debt, buying a house, staying ahead of inflation, or having more confidence about your investments, Karen will share the tips financial planners give their clients.January is also a great time to make sure your TSP is allocated correctly. We have new contribution limits and a new mutual fund window to consider. Whether you are just getting started or actively spending down, tune in to make sure your TSP decisions align with what’s best for you.Learn how to choose between:Roth or TraditionalCore Funds or L FundsRebalance or Set and ForgetFor questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
December 19, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA®, welcomes Joe Sullender, CFP® to talk about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Basics of RMDsRMDs from inherited IRAsYear-end planning and strategiesFor questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
December 12, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA®, welcomes M. Shane Canfield, CEO, WAEPA. As the year comes to a close, it is a time to reflect and to look ahead. Shane will offer thoughts on preparing for the year(s) ahead.Current landscapePlanning for the year aheadPreparing for the unexpectedThinking about insurance needsPost Open Season considerationsWAEPA ResourcesFor questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
Dec. 5, 2022, on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA®, welcomes Patti Hudson, Lifetime Health and Fitness Expert.What is work/life balance? Does it exist? If it does, how do we achieve it?Work/life balance is defined simply as, “proper prioritizing, between work life and personal life.” Remember the proverb, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?” While this proverb is not new, the concept of work/life balance is relatively new. It became a concept when technology revolutionized the workplace making it more accessible with emails, computers, and cell phones. New technology helps to blur the lines between work life and personal life. Without a balance between achievement and enjoyment Jack indeed could become a dull boy.Imbalance affects relationships, health, especially stress levels, and life satisfaction. Efforts to focus on the issue of work/life balance has increased. Balance solutions are being offered by companies to include telework, less structured work hours, and flexible work schedules. Defining clear goals for employees and giving them autonomy with time to “get it done” generates commitment. Compartmentalizing work and personal life is difficult for many, highlighting the need to find solutions.Achieving work/life balance is a personal process. It depends on an employee’s life stage, life’s circumstances, and personal perception of what the term means. There is not a “one size fits all” for balance. Life changes constantly; ongoing attention and evaluation to achieve balance is necessary. The fit for balance falls on the shoulders of each working individual.For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com.
November 28, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA®, welcomes Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director NITP, and Karen Schaeffer, CFP®. Karen and Tammy will discuss the retirement topics that cross the line. The line between your Federal benefit decisions and your financial planning, that is!
Is Medicare Part B necessary and if so, how do you present this information to your clients/students? Social Security claiming strategies: Early or later? Survivor benefit elections Determining the need for life insurance at pre-retirement Is LTC insurance for everyone? How does this coverage affect the family? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 21, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, our hosts Bob Leins, CPA®, and Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director NITP, welcome insurance expert and author Walton Francis and his colleague Kevin Moss to talk about FEHBP Open Season. The Consumers’ CHECKBOOK Guide shows that most families can save $2,000 or more by selecting better plan choices.
Francis and Moss are the principal authors of both online and print versions of Consumers’ CHECKBOOK Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees. The Guide gives you vital insurance information that you cannot get from any other source. It tells you how much money you can save by changing – or by staying in – your health insurance plan and summarizes thousands of facts about the plans to simplify your choice.
At the Guide’s website, www.guidetohealthplans.org, you can check to see if your agency has purchased access to the Guide for you.
It rates about 270 health insurance plans available to all Federal employees and retirees, including twenty national plans, over 200 health maintenance organization (HMO) and preferred provider (PPO) local area options, and over a dozen consumer-driven and high deductible plan options. The Guide rates not only regular insurance plans open to both employees and annuitants, but also about 20 plans open only to annuitants on Medicare that provide special Medicare benefits, pay most or all of the Part B premium, or both. Its ratings of plan costs take into account premiums, catastrophic limits, and estimates of likely out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses of every kind.
The Guide compares plans for insurance value in dealing with unforeseen medical expenses, not just for the routine costs you can predict.
It rates dental and vision plans as well. It provides dollar estimates of likely dental costs, taking into account both premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. It compares dental coverage in all plans, not just stand-alone plans.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 14, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Marc Levine, Esquire, and Lacey Yegen, Esquire. With the recession in mind, why is it important to have estate planning documents in place? Are they worth the investment? Today’s program will discuss what it is like, financially, when someone becomes incapacitated, and no one is authorized to help.
What banks and health care providers are likely to do What banks and health care providers are legally obligated to do What it takes to prepare a guardianship, if necessary Today’s guests will also discuss practical issues related to what to do when a loved one passes away, helping you to understand the timeline and task list, and how important it is to manage family expectations.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 7, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP®, and Kaitlin Schaeffer Yardley, CFP®. There is certainly a lot to talk about on the topic of TSP. Join our guests as they discuss the following:
The new terminology for making investment changes The importance of double checking your beneficiary designations The Mutual Fund Window What’s going on with the I Fund? How to make allocation decisions when the market is so volatile
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
October 31, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, NITP, welcome Jay Fritz, Program Manager, Outreach & Program Services, Healthcare and Insurance, U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
It is that time of year again for employees and annuitants to review their Open Season options, which include health plans, dental and vision plans, FSAs, etc.
Today’s discussion will include:
Federal Open Season: November 14 – December 12, 2022 What programs participate in Open Season? How can I prioritize my Open Season shopping list? What options do I have? What if I do nothing?
Resources for further information:
Visit opm.gov/openseason Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/usopm For Twitter News and Updates: https://twitter.com/usopm See your Human Resources Office
How do I make an Open Season election or change?
October 24, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc. welcome back Paula S. Jakub, RHU; CEO at The American Foreign Service Protective Association, sponsor of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan.
Today’s topic will focus on things to consider during Federal Open Season and how to get the most out of the health plan you choose. Paula is a Subject Matter Expert in Federal Health Insurance and serves on the adjunct faculty of the Foreign Service Institute. Paula will discuss:
FEHB PROGRAM
COVID-19 Impact on Healthcare OPM Initiatives and 2023 Benefits Lifelong health/wellness and support for chronic conditions Consider how you use health care Latest on Medicare, including the new Federal Medicare Advantage Plans FEDVIP
Make sure you understand these supplemental plans FSAFEDS
Pre-tax reimbursement for eligible costs What is an eligible cost? Rules on carryover amounts For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
October 17, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP® to talk about inflation.
High inflation, how did we get here? What is the Federal Reserve doing to fight inflation? How does Federal policy affect stock and bond markets? What are the best investment options to combat inflation? How should you plan for inflation in retirement? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
October 3, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Mercedes Johnson, Federal Benefits Specialist. Open Season will run from Monday, November 14 – Monday, December 12, 2022. If you are wondering why it is important to understand and participate in Open Season, tune in to this broadcast.
Which programs participate in Open Season? What changes can be made? What are the effective dates for enrollments and changes? Are there any limitations for annuitants during Open Season? Why would an employee want to change Premium Conversion Status during Open Season? What happens if I do nothing during Open Season? Can changes be made after Open Season? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
October 3, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Mercedes Johnson, Federal Benefits Specialist. Open Season will run from Monday, November 14 – Monday, December 12, 2022. If you are wondering why it is important to understand and participate in Open Season, tune in to this broadcast.
Which programs participate in Open Season? What changes can be made? What are the effective dates for enrollments and changes? Are there any limitations for annuitants during Open Season? Why would an employee want to change Premium Conversion Status during Open Season? What happens if I do nothing during Open Season? Can changes be made after Open Season?
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
September 26, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tom O’Rourke, Esquire.
The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August 2022. It provides tax saving opportunities to encourage individuals to invest in clean energy products and to take energy conservation measures. We will discuss what steps individuals must take to qualify for these tax savings.
We will also discuss IRS regulations issued in September 2022 regarding an individual’s obligation to take withdrawals from a tax qualified plan such as the TSP.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
September 19, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Stephanie Baker, Chief Experience Officer, and Brandon Jones, Chief Information Officer, WAEPA. Our guests will talk about the importance of evaluating your life insurance needs during Life Insurance Awareness Month.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
September 12, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David Santana, Health Insurance Specialist from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Did you know that FEHB Open Season and Medicare Open Enrollment are not the same? The 2023 Federal Benefits Open Season is coming. This is the time for you to think about your health, dental, vision, and tax-saving needs, and to enroll or change your enrollment. It is also the time to consider other health care coverage options, such as Medicare.
Topics include:
The difference between FEHB Open Season and Medicare enrollment periods. Which Part of Medicare do I need? When and how can I enroll in Medicare and Medicare health plans? Do I have to enroll in Medicare? If I have both FEHB and Medicare, who is supposed to pay first? Do my FEHB premiums change when Medicare pays first (is primary)? How about Medicare Health Plans (Medicare Advantage Plans)? How much does Medicare cost? Is there premium assistance for Medicare Part B? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 29, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kari Utz-Wolsky, Nutrition and Conditioning Specialist, CFT, SPN, SSC (ISSA). If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then this discussion is for you.
Do you wake up more tired than when you went to sleep? Do you find yourself craving sugar mid-afternoon? Do you rely on caffeine to get you through the day? Do you rely on sleep aids to fall asleep at night? Are you able to work out the way that you want? Have you cut out fun social events or activities because you feel too tired? Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 29, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kari Utz-Wolsky, Nutrition and Conditioning Specialist, CFT, SPN, SSC (ISSA). If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, then this discussion is for you.
Do you wake up more tired than when you went to sleep? Do you find yourself craving sugar mid-afternoon? Do you rely on caffeine to get you through the day? Do you rely on sleep aids to fall asleep at night? Are you able to work out the way that you want? Have you cut out fun social events or activities because you feel too tired? Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 22, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Joel Cundick, CFP® to talk about retirement transition:
What to be thinking about in advance of retirement How you might spend your time (volunteering, part-time work, classes at university, other hobbies) How income will work How to consider a move to another state
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 22, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Joel Cundick, CFP® to talk about retirement transition:
What to be thinking about in advance of retirement How you might spend your time (volunteering, part-time work, classes at university, other hobbies) How income will work How to consider a move to another state
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 15, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David Melton, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration.
How to get help from Social Security The redesigned my Social Security account and expanded services available such as online Social Security card requests 5 Steps toward your financial security https://www.ssa.gov/agency/5-steps-toward-your-financial-security/ Your retirement checklist How to apply online for retirement, spouses, or Medicare benefits Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 8, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Justin Dean, CFP®.
In an uncertain market, like the one we’re currently experiencing, even the most experienced investor can feel unsettled and uncomfortable. What can history teach us about what to expect? What mistakes should we avoid in a volatile market? What action can we take?
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 8, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Justin Dean, CFP®.
In an uncertain market, like the one we’re currently experiencing, even the most experienced investor can feel unsettled and uncomfortable. What can history teach us about what to expect? What mistakes should we avoid in a volatile market? What action can we take?
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 1, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David De Jong and Steve Widdes, tax and estate attorneys, Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC. Topics include:
Tax effect and timing of the transition Nuptial agreements Revisions to the estate plan Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 1, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David De Jong and Steve Widdes, tax and estate attorneys, Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC. Topics include:
Tax effect and timing of the transition Nuptial agreements Revisions to the estate plan Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
July 25, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP® and Kaitlin Schaeffer Yardley, CFP®. Today’s program will highlight and discuss the many changes that have been made to the TSP this year, including:
Summary of the TSP changes New TSP Election Form Mutual Fund window Changes to the Allocation/Reallocation process Loans and In-Service Withdrawals And more For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
July 25, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP® and Kaitlin Schaeffer Yardley, CFP®. Today’s program will highlight and discuss the many changes that have been made to the TSP this year, including:
Summary of the TSP changes New TSP Election Form Mutual Fund window Changes to the Allocation/Reallocation process Loans and In-Service Withdrawals And more For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
July 18, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist. Service Computations Dates (SCDs) are used to determine the amount of government service creditable toward eligibility for a specific benefit or entitlement. They do not necessarily reflect a specific date (but they could). SCDs often establish a “virtual” starting date for continuous creditable service for a benefit. While all your SCDs could be the same chronological date, they frequently are not.
July 18, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist. Service Computations Dates (SCDs) are used to determine the amount of government service creditable toward eligibility for a specific benefit or entitlement. They do not necessarily reflect a specific date (but they could). SCDs often establish a “virtual” starting date for continuous creditable service for a benefit. While all your SCDs could be the same chronological date, they frequently are not.
July 11, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Herb Casey, Federal Retirement Specialist.
In retirement, some will decide to relocate to a different location or residence. Maybe you want to live in a warmer climate or move closer to family. Herb will discuss the main considerations and resources available in making this decision.
And if you plan to relocate, it’s important to manage the possessions you have collected over the years. How do you determine what to keep? Understanding the reasons why it may be necessary to downsize possessions and the steps necessary in the process will be discussed.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
June 13, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes WAEPA CEO M. Shane Canfield and Tony Zerante, Senior Vice President, Operations. The Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies has served the needs of Civilian Federal Employees and their families for over 75 years.
How does inflation impact the Civilian Federal Workforce? What is WAEPA doing to help its Membership during these uncertain economic times? How has WAEPA adapted to serving its Members’ needs as we emerge from the pandemic? How does WAEPA help its Membership and their long-term financial planning needs? The Future of WAEPA: WAEPA’s constant evolution of providing new products since it was founded during World War II What WAEPA is doing to address the coverage gap The importance of service to our country WAEPA offers resources online at WAEPA.org
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
June 6, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kathy Lavinder, the founder of executive search firm SI Placement.
Whether it’s the Great Resignation or the Great Reshuffle, many people are re-examining their careers. Kathy will offer advice for thinking about your career options and provide specific advice on how to execute any new priorities. With especially low unemployment now, the power dynamic has shifted in most organizations. Workers have more power than ever before so it’s a good time to learn when and how to speak up, develop your value proposition, find new opportunities, and possibly change things up.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
May 30, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist, to talk about CSRS Offset coverage.
What is it? How did it happen? When did it begin? Who does it cover? What is the difference between CSRS and CSRS Offset coverage? Which Federal employees are required to pay Social Security who are not in FERS coverage? Why is CSRS Offset considered to be the best of all worlds for CSRS? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
May 23, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Marc Levine, Esquire. During today’s broadcast, Marc will answer commonly asked questions about Estate Planning such as:
What Estate Planning does your young adult need? Planning for the 18 to 24-year-olds. When does a Power of Attorney end? “Mom died and the bank won’t listen to me anymore.” What really happens if you die without a will? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
May 2, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director, NITP.
This topic has become more complicated for employees retiring under the three-tiered FERS retirement system that includes Social Security, the FERS Basic Benefit (government pension) and the Thrift Savings Plan.
Today’s program will focus on the “best dates” to separate from Federal service under CSRS and FERS, and will also address the questions that are on many employee’s minds:
Teleworking over the past two years has caused many to consider retirement, especially if being ordered to return to the office. Learn how to prepare for delays in retirement processing that have occurred throughout the retirement planning process. There are clues to know when it’s “time” for retirement. The best retirement date may not be the same as your coworkers. There are important retirement planning steps everyone should take during the months leading up to your retirement date. The discussion may also include the following related topics:
There are mental, financial, and tax preparations that need to be done before selecting your date. It is important to have an idea of how you will spend your time in your life after retirement. Retirement can last a long time. Some Federal retirees receive benefits for more years than they worked for the government. How to prepare for longevity risk. Retirement is a taxable event! Learn how your benefits will be taxed in retirement. Gross vs. Net: Understand the withholdings and reductions that will impact your net income during retirement. Selecting the best date to retire under FERS and CSRS: The last day of the month for FERS, CSRS and CSRS Offset optional retirements The first three days of the month for CSRS and CSRS Offset Any day might be a great day for your retirement The rules are a little different for disability, early retirements and deferred retirements The end of the leave year remains a popular date for many Feds Be sure to include your leave balance in the retirement planning process Thrift Savings Plan drawdown: You can use your TSP to supplement your monthly FERS and Social Security benefits. Be sure that you have a plan for managing your TSP post-retirement. Applying for withdrawals from the TSP will get easier this summer! Know when to “turn on” your Social Security retirement: How would you answer the following questions? What if you are working past your full retirement age? Do you plan to work after you retire? Are you retiring under age 62? Are you married, widowed or divorced? Did you start a family later in life? Do you have a history of longevity in your family? Will you receive a CSRS retirement benefit? Consider the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
April 25, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Joe Sullender, CFP®, to talk about strategies for late savers.
The basic tenets are:
It is never too late to develop a plan You likely still have a long-term timeframe Do not worry about what you have and have not done in the past Strategies to consider:
Often later in life we have more clarity in our goals The opportunity to retire from Federal service and work elsewhere, banking the annuity (hyper-saving) Time is of the essence – Act swiftly and avoid further delays For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
April 18, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP® to answer questions about your investments, including the Thrift Savings Plan.
How are my investments allocated? How much risk am I taking? What are the fees? Should I make changes? Which investments should I access first? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
April 11, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes John Jilek, CFP®.
If you are planning to retire in the near future, it is time to take a serious inventory of your ability to handle risk associated with your investments, health, inflation, family, longevity, and liabilities. It is also time to meet with your ‘team’ of professionals well ahead of your retirement date.
If you think you are ready to retire, but want to know for certain that you will be okay, tune in to hear planning tips from a Certified Financial Planner® Professional.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
April 4, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP® and Jon Dauphine, CEO of the Foundation for Financial Planning.
Karen Schaeffer, CFP®, often says so much about financial planning is common sense. Then why do so many people struggle to make good financial decisions? In honor of Financial Literacy Month, please join Karen and Jon to learn more about the need for financial literacy and the work of the Foundation to bring financial planning to people on a pro bono basis.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
March 28, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc., welcome Kim Weaver, Director, External Affairs, and Jim Courtney, Director of the Office of Communications and Education.
Today’s discussion will focus on answering the following questions:
The TSP is adding new features this summer – what are they and how will they help participants? The TSP simplified the way catch-up contributions are made. Did it help? The country has been dealing with the pandemic for two years now – did that impact the TSP or its participants? Stats! How many participants receive the 5% match? How many millionaires? Average account balances? What were the administrative expenses for 2021?
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
March 21, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director, NITP.
“I believe legends and myths are largely made of truth.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
Today’s show will tackle some of the current urban myths that frequently circulate in pre-retirement seminars and among Federal employees who have heard these stories from a friend of a friend or they may have even read about them somewhere. Here are some that you may have heard:
Retirees need 70% to 80% of their current income in retirement. Maxing out your Thrift Savings Plan is all you need to do to save for retirement. At retirement, your investments should become very conservative. If you have coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, there’s no need to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65. Only those people in good health should consider a high deductible health plan. You can’t count on Social Security for your retirement years. Those who retire in 2022 will receive the 2022 COLA in their January 2023 retirement benefit payment. For those who retire after the January 2022 annual General Schedule pay adjustment takes effect, their high-three average salary used to compute their CSRS or FERS retirement benefit will reflect this new rate as one of the three years. If an employee dies before retirement, the benefits available to his or her survivors come only in the form of lump-sum payments. Federal retirees cannot receive Social Security spousal or widow’s benefits. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
March 14, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David Santana, Health Insurance Specialist from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Understand your Medicare coverage choices to maximize your benefits Evaluate the cost of enrolling in Medicare and premium payments Summarize the choices to make an informed Medicare enrollment decision Social Security offices remain closed for in-person appointments—Find out the different ways to enroll in Medicare
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
March 7, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes WAEPA CEO M. Shane Canfield and Stacy Outlaw, WAEPA’s Senior Vice President of Marketing.
March is Women’s History Month. During this program we will be discussing the coverage gap between men and women, the changing make-up of the Federal workforce, and the impact COVID continues to have on the life insurance industry.
Eliminating the coverage gap between men and women COVID-19 and its impact on life insurance benefits Listening to and aligning with the needs of the Federal workforce
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
February 28, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Josh Huder, Ph.D., to discuss the 117th Congress. Josh is a Senior Fellow at The Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Federal employees about Congress and its operation.
How has the 117th Congress fared so far? What should we expect in the coming months regarding agency funding? How will the 2022 midterms affect Congress’s work? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
February 14, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David Melton, Public Affairs Specialist with Social Security Administration, to answer common questions about Social Security.
How can one get help from SSA? When should you apply to start retirement benefits? What documents will you need to provide? Which factors may affect your retirement benefits? What to remember to do after applying for retirement benefits? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
February 7, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Patti Hudson, Lifetime Health and Fitness Expert.
Aside from the physical symptoms, Covid-19 has wreaked havoc on our lives with long term effects on our mental and emotional well-being. We are struggling with striking that balance between what used to be a normal routine lifestyle and the new normal. This unpredictable stressor has ushered in states of depression and anxiety. The impact is felt across demographics. The loss of social connections is just one of the ancillary effects of Covid-19 especially for young adults and adolescents.
According to Dr. Robert Waldinger, leaning into relationships with friends and family helps us to strike a balance with work and family life. Dr. Waldinger’s study is conclusive: healthy relationships are necessary to achieve life satisfaction and maintain good health. Social support networks contribute to brain health and total well-being. Isolation has devastating effects on society. Combine that loss with the fear surrounding the pandemic and it is no wonder chaos ensues.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
January 31, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Marc Levine, Esquire, to talk about how we deal with the two certainties in life: death and taxes, and in this case, death taxes. Among the topics we will discuss are:
2021 Proposed Tax Legislation – What didn’t happen. Will I pay an Estate Tax? (It may depend on where you live) Capital Gains, Gifting and the Step Up in Basis: Why it is often better to inherit a house than to get it as a gift? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
January 24, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist.
Do you have questions about coordinating Medicare with FEHB? Email questions in advance and tune in to learn:
What FEHB and Medicare both cover What Medicare does not cover What FEHB does not cover Why have both? Coordinating FEHB with Medicare for “wraparound” coverage Coordination issues to consider when making a Medicare enrollment decision
January 10, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Herb Casey, Federal Benefits Specialist.
“Retirement is a time to experience a fulfilling life derived from many enjoyable and rewarding activities.” – Ernie Zelinski
What lifestyle do you want in retirement? As you prepare for that glorious event, think of those emotional and personal factors that will bring retirement happiness to you. Determine which activities you enjoy, activities to eliminate, and activities that you feel are important to you.
Sure, most of you have been focused on financial readiness but it is equally important to look at the social, emotional and lifestyle issues which facilitate a healthier adjustment process.
What’s your vision of retirement? What are those activities you enjoy and want to include in your retirement transition? How can you anticipate and rehearse your future vision? What social relationships will you have? How will you spend your leisure time? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
January 3, 2022 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP®.
Looking to avoid financial missteps and getting a great start to the New Year? Join Karen Schaeffer, CFP®, and learn how to:
Maximize your TSP Take advantage of HSAs Protect your wealth with an Umbrella Policy Rethink your mortgage Give a warm and generous hand, and other smart financial strategies For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
December 27, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP®. As the year comes to a close it is a good time to review your finances. Today’s discussion will focus on:
Year-end tax strategies Retirement contributions Reviewing your budget Setting financial goals for the new year Rebalancing investment accounts For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
December 20 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tom O’Rourke, Esquire. Today’s program will focus on tax updates including:
Changes in the tax law that will become affective in 2022 Changes currently pending in Congress Steps individuals may take by year end to reduce their 2021 taxes Income tax questions from our webinars
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
December 13, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes WAEPA Senior Vice Presidents Tony Zerante and Stephanie Baker.
When making a New Year’s resolution to be healthier and more active in 2022, you might already know what type of gym package or exercise equipment you want to purchase. But do you know what type of life insurance coverage your family needs? Are you covered in the event of a short-term disability? A new year brings new opportunity, and WAEPA’s leadership will offer advice on using this opportunity to gain the peace of mind that your family’s future is secure.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
December 6, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Phil Gardner, Federal Benefits Specialist. Today’s discussion will focus on recapping changes thus far in 2021 and what is ahead in the coming year. There is good news and not so good news.
FEGLI rate increases FEHB and Medicare rate increases on the horizon Near record COLA increases for CSRS, FERS and Social Security End of year retirement surge processing Covid relief extended deadlines for FSA reimbursement There is still time to make Open Season changes
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 29, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, our hosts Bob Leins, CPA®, and Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director NITP, welcome Mary Beth Franklin, Certified Financial Planner®, Contributing Editor for InvestmentNews, and President of RetirePro.
Tune in for relevant information about your Social Security retirement benefit. During the broadcast you will learn the answers to some of the big questions you may have about Social Security such as:
How does the solvency of the Social Security Trust Fund impact your future? Learn about the 2022 numbers that are going to impact your Social Security benefits. Covid-19 and Social Security. Why 2020 is no longer “a bad year to turn 60”. Does Social Security pay retroactive benefits? When does it make sense to delay claiming Social Security benefits? When can Social Security benefits be suspended? Why is it important to have a MySocial Security account? The new and improved Social Security benefits statement. Are Social Security benefits subject to income tax? Who is eligible to receive Social Security benefits based on my work record? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 22, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Patti Hudson, Lifetime Health and Fitness Expert.
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Presence of total well-being is defined as a balance between body, mind, and spirit. This includes mindful stress reduction practices, a focus on work/life balance, implementation of healthy eating behaviors, creating an individualized and effective exercise program, and the importance of adequate optimal sleep.
Tune in as Patti talks about finding ways to incorporate all of this and make it a less daunting task.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 15, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, our hosts Bob Leins, CPA®, and Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director NITP, will talk about Open Season.
Segment 1: Things that everyone should do during Open Season:
Review your current year's out-of-pocket medical expenses Check the plan brochure for your current plan for 2022: How your plan is changing, 2022 premiums, and summary of benefits (links to these three topics are on the cover of every plan brochure) Consider dental and vision plans to supplement FEHB choice Employees elect an allotment for HCFSA, LEXFSA, and DCFSA as needed for tax savings
Segment 2: What to consider during Open Season if you are employed:
Employees who are younger and in good health Employees who are higher salaried may want to consider a HDHP What is the difference in a consumer driven health plan vs. a traditional fee-for service plan with a PPO? Beware of PPO plans that don't cover out-of-network benefits (BC/BS Basic, GEHA Elevate Plus) and have no deductible When does a high option plan make sense?
Segment 3: Questions for retirees to consider:
How do FEHB and Medicare work together? Do you need both? What is IRMAA? What if you have Tricare? What if one spouse is younger than 65 or there are children who are covered on your plan? What are good choices for retirees with Medicare A & B? What should Federal couples consider? What are good options for retirees who are over age 65 and chose not to enroll in Medicare Part B?
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 8, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, our hosts Bob Leins, CPA®, and Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director NITP, welcome insurance expert and author Walton Francis to talk about FEHBP Open Season. The Consumers’ CHECKBOOK Guide shows that most families can save $2,000 or more by selecting better plan choices.
Francis is the principal author of both online and print versions of Consumers’ CHECKBOOK Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees. The Guide gives you vital insurance information that you cannot get from any other source. It tells you how much money you can save by changing – or by staying in – your health insurance plan, and summarizes thousands of facts about the plans to simplify your choice.
At the Guide’s website, www.guidetohealthplans.org, you can check to see if your agency has purchased access to the Guide for you.
It rates about 275 health insurance plans available to all Federal employees and retirees, including twenty national plans, over 200 health maintenance organization (HMO) and preferred provider (PPO) local area options, and over a dozen consumer-driven and high deductible plan options. The Guide rates not only regular insurance plans open to both employees and annuitants, but also about 20 plans open only to annuitants on Medicare that provide special Medicare benefits, pay most or all of the Part B premium, or both. Its ratings of plan costs take into account premiums, catastrophic limits, and estimates of likely out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses of every kind.
The Guide compares plans for insurance value in dealing with unforeseen medical expenses, not just for the routine costs you can predict.
It rates dental and vision plans as well. It provides dollar estimates of likely dental costs, taking into account both premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. It compares dental coverage in all plans, not just stand alone plans.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 1, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, NITP, welcome Jay Fritz, Program Manager, Outreach & Program Services, Healthcare and Insurance, U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
It is that time of year again for employees and annuitants to review their Open Season options, which include health plans, dental and vision plan companies, FSAs, etc.
Today’s discussion will include:
Federal Open Season: November 8 – December 13, 2021 What programs participate in Open Season? How can I prioritize my Open Season shopping list? What options do I have? What if I do nothing?
Resources for further information:
Visit opm.gov/openseason Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/usopm For Twitter News and Updates: https://twitter.com/usopm See your Human Resources Office
How do I make an Open Season election or change?
Flexible spending accounts under FSAFEDS (employees only): FSAFEDS.com or call 1-877-FSAFEDS (372-3337) or TTY 1-866-353-8058. Dental or vision under FEDVIP: Everyone – go to BENEFEDS.com or call 1-877-888-3337, TTY 1-877-889-5680. FEHB: Employees - use the Health Benefits Election Form (SF 2809) or use an online self-service system; your agency’s human resources office can help you. Retirees - go to Open Season Online at https://retireefehb.opm.gov or call Open Season Express at 1-800-332-9798, TTY 1-855-887-4957.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
October 25, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc. welcome back Paula S. Jakub, RHU; CEO at The American Foreign Service Protective Association, sponsor of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan.
Today’s topic will focus on things to consider during Federal Open Season and how to get the most out of the health plan you choose. Paula is a Subject Matter Expert in Federal Health Insurance and serves on the adjunct faculty of the Foreign Service Institute. Paula will discuss:
FEHB PROGRAM
Impact of COVID-19 No Surprises Act – What it means for you Understanding the programs and services available to you Collaboration on chronic conditions Using the Plan’s Wellness Programs Consider how you use health care What will Open Season look like this year? FEDVIP
Make sure you understand these supplemental plans FSAFEDS
Pre-tax reimbursement for eligible costs What is an eligible cost? Rules on carryover amounts Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
October 18, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP®
What are the individual TSP fund options and how much risk do they take? What are the Lifecycle funds? How are they allocated? How do the allocations change over time? TSP investment options: What’s new? How should you invest your TSP and when should you consider making changes? What are common TSP investment mistakes and how can they be avoided? Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
October 4, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David De Jong and Steve Widdes, tax and estate attorneys, Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC.
Congress is once again considering significant tax legislation that would affect ordinary income tax rates, capital gain rates, retirement plans and estate planning. While much of the proposed increases would affect upper income individuals, many of the provisions would have broader effect. Tax and estate attorneys, David De Jong and Steve Widdes, of the Rockville law firm of Stein Sperling will review the prospective changes, the rationale behind them and any planning opportunities that may be created.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
September 27, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes WAEPA CEO M. Shane Canfield and WAEPA CIO Brandon T. Jones.
As the country continues to battle the pandemic, the importance of Federal service and Federal leadership have never been more important. But how do we inspire the next generation of civilian Federal employees to answer the call to action? WAEPA’s leadership will discuss the future of the Federal workforce, the challenges that workforce will face, and the skills necessary to meet those challenges head on.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
September 20, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Anne Sullivan, Esq. and Lacey Yegen, Esq. This is a common topic, but one that people ask a lot of questions about. Today’s program plans to address:
Types of trusts Revocable living trusts explained Advantages and drawbacks of having a revocable living trust Are you the right candidate for a revocable living trust? Whether to get a joint or separate revocable living trust Retitling assets to the living trust What a revocable living trust will not do for you (asset protection and Medicaid planning) Common questions and pitfalls to avoid (e.g., refinancing home in trust; how to amend/revoke a living trust; what happens if the trust is not funded; accidentally making a revocable living trust a beneficiary of a tax-deferred retirement account) How trust administration works after death.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
September 13, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David Santana, Health Insurance Specialist from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to discuss your health care coverage options.
This is the time of year to ensure that you have the right health, dental or vision insurance coverage for you and your family. It is also the time to consider other health care coverage options, such as Medicare. Did you know that FEHB Open Season and Medicare Open Enrollment are not the same?
Some of the topics for this program include:
The difference between FEHB Open Season and Medicare enrollment periods When you can enroll in Medicare and Medicare Health Plans How Medicare works with FEHB—who pays first? Do my FEHB premiums change when Medicare pays first (is primary)? Do I have to enroll in Medicare? How about Medicare Health Plans (Medicare Advantage Plans) How much does Medicare cost? Is there premium assistance for Medicare Part B? Which part of Medicare do I need? How do I enroll in Medicare? 2021 FEHB Open Season is from November 8, 2021 through December 13, 2021.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 30, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David Melton, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration. David will answer these questions and also provide an update on accessing SSA services during the pandemic.
When am I eligible? How much will I receive? What If I still work? Does my government pension affect Social Security benefits? How do I apply for benefits? How do I access services now?
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 23, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Marc Levine, Esq., Handler & Levine, LLC.
As the country sees a possible repeat of Covid slowdowns and shut downs, host Bob Leins welcomes Marc S. Levine, Esq., to discuss how to think about your estate planning. Marc will discuss what he wishes clients had been thinking about in the winter of 2019-2020, pre-Covid-19, and what you can and should be doing now.
Today’s guest will talk about:
The practical application and uses of powers of attorney and health care directives, How important it is to review your current estate planning with a critical and practical eye, How to review and update beneficiary designations to make sure they will work with, and not against, the rest of your estate plan.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 16, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist. The FERS early retirement scenario is one of the lesser known but more flexible retirement options under FERS.
Topics:
What is the MRA + 10 Retirement Option and how do I qualify for it? How is this option different from other FERS retirements? What are the benefits? downsides? What is the age-reduction? Can it be avoided? What is the postponed retirement option under MRA +10? How does this differ from deferred retirement? Am I eligible for the FERS annuity supplement if I retire this way? Do I have other retirement options?
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 9, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Maureen Wilkin, Federal Benefits Specialist for a look back at her lifelong Federal career. Maureen will talk about then and now and share her best stories serving in Federal benefits and HR for over 25 years, and retiring as a Federal Benefits Officer.
From the dark ages of paper OPFs and handwritten retirement calculations, Maureen will discuss how far Federal processes have changed and progressed. She will provide information on how employees can stay on track, avoid surprises, and be prepared before filing those retirement forms.
Join Maureen for this walk down memory lane and tips for the future.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
August 2, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP® and Megan Schaeffer, Estate Planning Attorney. Karen and Megan will talk about what financial planners and lawyers specializing in estate planning have learned from the pandemic.
Planning for incapacity is as important as planning for death. Documents without conversation and conversation without documents is not enough. Emergencies happen, but planning for them works. The economy is not the stock market. Rental real estate requires a strong plan and strong temperament. Taking money from retirement plans is an expensive way to survive the pandemic. How to keep emotions from steering us to bad decisions.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
July 26, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Michele Bollier, Federal Benefits Specialist. Michele is developing a checklist specifically for Federal employees who are single. This resource will be available soon at www.nitpinc.com. During today’s program, she will talk about some of the key items in the checklist:
Why create a checklist for Singles? Federal benefits and Social Security – What to consider Create a reliable support team Planning for the future and after Federal service Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
July 19, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc. will talk about things that are going on in 2021.
Predication of the largest COLA for retirees since 2012 (3.6%) and 2009 (5.8%) Employee pay raise of around 3% and the impact on retirement benefits Retirement processing delays and increased number of retirement cases in 2021 How will the end of telework in some agencies impact the end of year retirement cases? Postal reform, if passed, may impact their Federal Employees Health Benefits Legislation moving forward to ease or end the WEP and GPO
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
July 12, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Patti Hudson, Life Coach and Health Educator.
Stress Defined Negative and Positive Aspects of Stress How Mindset Affects Your Stressors Tips on Using Your Stressors to Your Advantage
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
June 28, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Justin Dean, CFP®.
As we gain some space from the COVID-19 pandemic, Justin will share tips to help ensure your investments are working hard for you consistently even when you are away on summer travel.
Know your destination Match goals with investments Invest for growth Check your progress
Justin will also answer the question, “How should investors respond to inflation?”
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
June 21, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes today’s guests to talk about how the pandemic has changed career transitions and job searching.
Sixteen months into the pandemic and many things have changed for those working in government, looking to transition from government, or already working in the private sector.
Alison Bouwmeester, author of MISSION: CAREER TRANSITION – A Career Change Guide for Intelligence, Military, Foreign Affairs, National Security and Other Government Professionals, will share what she's seeing. Alison will also discuss her personal transition from the Intelligence Community to the private sector and ultimately her role now as a Certified Career Coach.
Kathy Lavinder, the founder and Executive Director of SI Placement, a niche recruiting firm, will offer her perspectives on the private sector as organizations confront return to office, remote work, employee morale and hiring and retention.
Both Alison and Kathy have box seats to what the private sector is looking for, so it's sure to be a fascinating hour for anyone ready to transition or thinking about starting a job search.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
June 14, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes M. Shane Canfield, CEO; Stephanie Baker, Senior Vice President, Member Services; and Laurie Lee, Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration, WAEPA.
After a full year of change, what can we expect as the country heads into a new normal with mask mandates being lifted and vaccinations being dispersed? WAEPA’s leadership discusses what this means for Civilian Federal Employees as cities continue to enter these new phases and are looking for ways to keep employees safe.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
June 7, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David De Jong and Steve Widdes, tax and estate attorneys with Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC.
The Administration would extend the 2021 broadening of the child tax credit, dependent care credit and earned income credit beyond the current year. Final legislation, if enacted, may look a lot different than the proposal as Republicans and some “red state” Democrats oppose large portions; many Democrats from high taxing states will oppose any bill which fails to restore the full deduction for state and local taxes. The Administration is proposing an increase in ordinary income rates for those making over $400,000 per year as well as increases in capital gain and corporate tax rates. The Administration would limit the like kind exchanges of real estate where there is more than $500,000 in gain. The Administration would effectively limit the step-up in asset basis for larger estates upon death by taxing the built-in gain.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
May 24, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Stacy. Retirement is about new beginnings, reinvention, and the next chapter of life.
How do you know it’s time? The question – To work or not to work MPS – What does this mean? Importance of social activities How to stay connected to others
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
May 17, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc., and Mike Causey, Senior Correspondent at Federal News Network.
This topic has become more complicated for employees retiring under the three-tiered FERS retirement system that includes Social Security, the FERS Basic Benefit (government pension) and the Thrift Savings Plan.
Today’s program will focus on the “best dates” to separate from Federal service under CSRS and FERS, and will also address the questions that are on many employee’s minds:
Has the COVID-19 Pandemic impacted your plans to retire? Are you thinking about retiring sooner than later or are you staying on board longer? Learn how to prepare for delays in retirement processing that have occurred throughout the retirement planning process. How do you know it’s “time” for retirement? How do you choose the best date for you? What else should you do to prepare to retire? The discussion may also include the following related topics:
What are the mental, financial, Federal benefits and tax preparations that need to be done before selecting your date? What are your plans for your life after retirement? Can you afford to be retired to age 99? Have you done your retirement tax planning? Do you understand the withholdings, reductions and computation of your CSRS and FERS retirement benefit? How do you select the best date to retire under FERS and CSRS? The last day of the month for FERS, CSRS and CSRS Offset optional retirements The first three days of the month for CSRS and CSRS Offset Why not any other day of the month? What about disability, early retirements and deferred retirements? What is so special about the end of the leave year? What happens to your leftover annual and sick leave at retirement? What about your Thrift Savings Plan? What is the best time to “turn on” your Social Security retirement? What if you are working past your full retirement age? Do you plan to work after you retire? Are you retiring under age 62? Will you receive a CSRS retirement benefit? Consider the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
May 10, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host John Elliott welcome John Jilek, CFP®.
The Basics: Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA The Advanced: Roth TSP vs. Pre-Tax TSP Potential and actual tax law changes that may affect your decisions The decision to not have some Roth money available in retirement could be a significant issue Impact of Secure Act on beneficiaries of retirement accounts
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
May 3, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist. There are approximately 132,000 full-time Law Enforcement Officers in the Federal government. Today’s program is dedicated to answering questions for Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and Air Traffic Controllers, such as:
What kind of retirement qualifications must I meet? How will my benefits be calculated? Why is my retirement mandatory at age 57? If I do not want to retire at 57, do I have any options? If I have my 25 years of service (including the 20 qualifying special occupation years) before age 50, can I retire? Are there other benefits associated with these enhanced retirements? Are there any consequences to my retirement annuity if I come back to work for the government? I understand I qualify for a FERS annuity supplement and that the rules are different LEOs? Please explain what the differences are? How about cost of living adjustments? Once I retire, do I have to wait until I am 62 years of age to receive them? Can I retire from a non-LEO position and still get the special retirement formula? Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
April 26, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP®.
What income will you need in retirement? Evaluating income sources. Which investments should you access first? How reliant will you be on your assets? How to plan for the unexpected.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
April 19, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Joel Cundick, CFP®. All good financial plans start with clear goals.
What are the critical elements of a well-articulated goal? What are time horizons, and how are they appropriately incorporated into good planning? How can time horizons naturally point to appropriate investment strategies? How can Federal employees use time horizons to retirement to properly allocate their TSP accounts? Are rules of thumb the best way to evaluate where you stand on saving for retirement, or is there a better approach?
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
April 12, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc., welcome Kim Weaver, Director, External Affairs, and Jim Courtney, Director of the Office of Communications and Education, Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board.
Today’s discussion will focus on answering the following questions:
The new L Funds went live last summer – how have participants responded? The TSP changed the way catch-up contributions are made. What did you do and why? Congress passed the CARES Act last year. What did the TSP do and did participants use those options? The country has been dealing with the pandemic for over a year now – did that impact the TSP or its participants? Stats! How many participants receive the 5% match? How many millionaires? Average account balances? What were the administrative expenses for 2020?
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
April 5, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, for a discussion of financial literacy.
The definition of financial literacy and the basic steps to becoming financially literate. The big gap in most financial literacy education. How to protect what you have. How understanding the concepts of financial literacy can save you taxes and increase your income.
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
March 29, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Mr. David Santana from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Understand your Medicare coverage choices to maximize your benefits Evaluate the cost of enrolling in Medicare and premium payments Summarize the choices to make an informed Medicare enrollment decision Social Security offices remain closed for in-person appointments—Find out the different ways to enroll in Medicare Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
March 22, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David Melton, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration, to answer frequently asked questions.
Are Social Security offices open? What are mySocialSecurity accounts? What should I do if I get a call claiming there is a problem with my Social Security number? What is the Social Security retirement age? When can I apply for Social Security? How much Social Security will I get? What are the Social Security wage limits for 2021?
Send in a question: Email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
March 15, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kari Utz-Wolsky, Nutrition and Conditioning Specialist, CFT, SPN, SSC (ISSA).
Feeling stressed and anxious? Learn how a detox can improve your mental health too.
Do you need a digital detox too?
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
March 8, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP®.
Topics include:
Strategies for coping with reduced income Cautions about the Cares Act TSP missteps Making good decisions while stressed Embracing the pause
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
March 1, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Stephanie Baker, Senior Vice President, Member Services and Stacy Outlaw, Senior Vice President, Marketing at WAEPA.
As the interview will take place on the first day of Women’s History Month, Stephanie and Stacy will discuss how women are consistently under-covered by a life insurance policy compared to men. Although women make up 47% of the workforce, nearly 40% of adult women have no life insurance.
Among those who are insured, they only carry about a quarter of the coverage necessary for their needs. This coverage gap also extends to the amount of coverage an individual has, with many Civilian Feds not having enough life insurance coverage as part of their plan. These WAEPA leaders will also discuss some of the inequities and misconceptions found in life insurance and estate planning and highlight the importance of women seeking out their own policy.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
February 22, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Marc Levine, Esquire, Handler & Levine, LLC.
Using Powers of Attorney
What Kinds of Powers Do You Need? Who Do You Pick? – Why Is That Not Obvious When Can Someone Use The POA?
Health Care Directives – Getting Information
Making Sure People Can Get the Information They Need Equipping Your Advocate – What the Directive Needs to Include
Revocable Trusts
Making Sure It is Set Up to Work While You Are Alive
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
February 15, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Josh Huder, Ph.D., to discuss the 117th Congress. Josh is a Senior Fellow at The Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Federal employees about Congress and its operation.
What can we expect from an evenly divided Congress? How and when will Congress pass COVID relief? Should we expect a normal budget process with unified Democratic control?
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
February 8, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Herb Casey, Federal Benefits Specialist, to talk about how you can prepare for transitioning to life after your Federal career.
Retirement readiness assessment:
What will be your focus? What is your attitude towards retirement? How will you take care of your health and well-being? Where will you live? What community activities will you be involved with? What social relationships will you have? How will you spend your leisure time? How knowledgeable are you of your retirement benefits as a Federal employee?
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
February 1, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tom O’Rourke.
It’s the beginning of tax season. Today’s program will focus on updates for this year and more.
Is the 2020 Stimulus payment taxable? How much did 2020 Income Tax Rates increase over the 2019 rates? How is my 2020 Federal tax bracket determined and what does that mean to me? What are some of the tax savings opportunities offered by my Federal benefits package? Are there any tax savings opportunities that will be paid in 2021 that will impact my 2020 tax return? What are some of IRS’s audit “Red Flags”? What are some of President Biden’s Income tax proposals of general interest?
January 25, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist.
New health, dental and vision plans A major new TSP feature Increased pay for employees and retirees Temporary AL Carryover Increase for 2021 Extending Emergency Paid Sick Leave (COVID-19) And more
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
January 25, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist.
New health, dental and vision plans A major new TSP feature Increased pay for employees and retirees Temporary AL Carryover Increase for 2021 Extending Emergency Paid Sick Leave (COVID-19) And more
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
January 18, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc. to talk about the changes to Thrift Savings Plan for 2021 and the Voluntary Contributions Program (VCP).
Thrift Savings Plan
The Big Change – reaching the elective deferral limit before the end of the year but continue to save, contributions will automatically continue toward the catch-up limit for those age 50 or older in 2021, even if you turn 50 by the end of the CY. For 2021, elective deferral limit remains unchanged at $19,500 and catch-up contributions remain at $6,500. What about contributions spilling over toward the catchup limit? Voluntary Contributions Program
VCP available only to CSRS and CSRS-Offset employees. It allows such employees to contribute funds that can equal up to 10 percent of the total basic pay they have earned in Federal service toward their own retirement. CSRS employees who want to participate in this program must establish an account by completing an application to make voluntary contributions (no later than while their retirement application is being processed by OPM). Did you know that you can contribute up to 10% of your lifetime salary to a Roth IRA? Learn about the best kept secret of the Civil Service Retirement System, the Voluntary Contributions Program. Steps for putting the monies into other retirement investment vehicles, such as traditional and Roth IRAs. The VCP is a way to enhance your retirement income. In OPM’s brochure “Retirement Facts 10,” the Civil Service Retirement System offers this explanation: “At retirement, each $100 in your voluntary contributions account (including interest earned) will provide an annual annuity of $7 a year, plus 20 cents for each full year you are over age 55 at the time you retire.” However, it is also possible to withdraw all voluntary contributions at any time before receiving this annuity. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
January 11, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc. welcome back Paula S. Jakub, RHU; CEO of The American Foreign Service Protective Association, sponsor of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan.
Today’s guest will discuss benefits in your FEHB plan that you might not be aware of and how to get the most out of your Health Plan. Paula is a Subject Matter Expert in Federal Health Insurance and serves on the adjunct faculty of the Foreign Service Institute.
FEHB Program
Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare and the FEHBP Understanding the Programs and Services Available to You Collaboration on Chronic Conditions Using the Plan’s Wellness Programs Medicare and FEHBP Update for 2021 For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
January 4, 2021 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Joe Sullender, CFP® to talk about starting 2021 with a focus on re-assessing your situation.
Plans may have changed around retirement, the market has changed, how can you reassess and move forward in the new year?
Today’s discussion will focus on:
Setting Goals and “Risk Management” throughout each career phase (early, mid-career, pre-retirement) Impact of recent changes in Tax Law under the SECURE Act For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
December 28, 2020 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host John Elliott, Federal Benefits Specialist, welcome John Jilek, CFP® to talk about end-of-year financial planning.
Perfect vision is 20/20. Does the year 2020 have us seeing our finances through blurry lenses?
Financial Planning in a time of international crisis has become fuzzy to say the least. There are many different tax and penalty waivers available to help individuals that have suffered either physically or financially from COVID-19.
Some decisions are simple, others may have serious long term financial implications to your goals.
What has changed? What hasn’t changed? What do we think 2021 holds in store for Federal Employees? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
December 21, 2020 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP® to talk about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).
What are RMDs and which accounts have them When and how to take the first RMD RMDs for this year How RMDs are calculated Safety of RMD withdrawal plan Inherited IRA options Impact on estate planning For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
December 14, 2020 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes M. Shane Canfield, CEO, and Stephanie Baker, Senior Vice President, Member Services, WAEPA.
As Open Season ends, WAEPA would like Federal employees to know that it is never too late to start planning for the future. WAEPA works to serve Feds year-round.
WAEPA Background Lessons from Open Season Life Insurance – A Unique and Necessary Product The WAEPA Difference Advancements in Technology Year-Round Application Process For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
December 7, 2020 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, NITP, for a Federal Open Season wrap-up and insights about dealing with OPM.
Wrap-Up Open Season
“Takeaways” from the Open Season programs. Don’t ignore Open Season. Look at options. Mistakes people make focusing only on premiums and premium changes. Look at total cost and the benefits mix that best meets your needs. Importance of the plan network. How to make elections during Open Season and retire Dec 31. Insights from Ray about dealing with OPM
Retirement application tips You are your own best advocate – Don’t be afraid to challenge an OPM decision. Keep OPM, Thrift Board and SSA informed of address and bank changes. In addition, Ray is looking forward to sharing some interesting retirement cases and the impact they have had.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 30, 2020 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, NITP, welcome Gavin Toner, Manager, Account Management, Federal Employee Health Benefit Programs and Dr. Saima Siddiqui, Physician Advisor for MAPMG and Chief of Acute Care Services for DC and Suburban MD, Kaiser Permanente.
If you’re like most Federal employees, you probably don’t shop around for a new health plan, even though your current plan may no longer fit your needs. The Office of Personnel Management consistently says 20–30% of Federal employees can and should be changing their plans. Don’t leave money on the table.
Whether you’re just starting your Federal career, planning a family, or thinking about retirement, Kaiser Permanente’s comprehensive system brings your care, your health plan, top-notch physicians, convenient medical centers, and more together, delivering quality, affordable care.
Listen in and discover how you can save significantly on your health care costs with Kaiser Permanente:
$0 copays for maternity care, and $0 copays for pediatric primary care through age 17 for Standard Option $0 copay for telehealth benefits whether by video, phone, or online for all plan options New $150 Medicare Part B reimbursement for High Option members To find the plan that’s right for Federal members during Open Season, visit kp.org/feds.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 23, 2020 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, NITP, welcome Jay Fritz, Program Manager, Program Support and Analysis, Healthcare and Insurance, U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
It is that time of year again for employees and annuitants to review their Open Season options, which include health plans, dental and vision plan companies, FSAs, etc.
Today’s discussion will include:
Federal Open Season: November 9 – December 14, 2020 What programs participate in Open Season? How can I prioritize my Open Season shopping list? What options do I have? What if I do nothing?
Resources for further information:
Visit opm.gov/openseason Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/usopm For Twitter News and Updates: https://twitter.com/usopm See your Human Resources Office
How do I make an Open Season election or change?
Flexible spending accounts under FSAFEDS (employees only): FSAFEDS.com or call 1-877-FSAFEDS (372-3337) or TTY 1-866-353-8058. Dental or vision under FEDVIP: Everyone – go to BENEFEDS.com or call 1-877-888-3337, TTY 1-877-889-5680. FEHB: Employees - use the Health Benefits Election Form (SF 2809) or use an online self-service system; your agency’s human resources office can help you. Retirees - go to Open Season Online at https://retireefehb.opm.gov or call Open Season Express at 1-800-332-9798, TTY 1-855-887-4957.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 16, 2020 on ForYourBenefit, our hosts Bob Leins, CPA®, and Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director NITP, welcome insurance expert and author Walton Francis to talk about FEHBP Open Season. The CHECKBOOK’s Guide shows that most families can save $2,000 or more by selecting better plan choices.
Francis is the principal author of both online and print versions of Consumers’ CHECKBOOK’s Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees. The Guide gives you vital insurance information that you cannot get from any other source. It tells you how much money you can save by changing – or by staying in – your health insurance plan, and summarizes thousands of facts about the plans to simplify your choice.
At the Guide’s website, www.guidetohealthplans.org, you can check to see if your agency has purchased access to the Guide for you.
It rates all of over 250 health insurance plans available to Federal employees and retirees, including twenty national plans, over 200 health maintenance organization (HMO) and preferred provider (PPO) local area options, and over a dozen consumer-driven and high deductible plan options. Its ratings of plan costs take into account premiums, catastrophic limits, and estimates of likely out-of-pocket costs for medical expenses of every kind.
The Guide compares plans for insurance value in dealing with unforeseen medical expenses, not just for the routine costs you can predict.
It rates dental and vision plans as well. It provides dollar estimates of likely dental costs, taking into account both premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, not just descriptions. It compares dental coverage in all plans, not just stand alone plans.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 9, 2020 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist at NITP, welcome Brian Sperling, Senior Account Manager with GEHA (Government Employees Health Association, Inc.)
Today’s discussion will include topics such as:
Why it’s important to shop for health benefits this Open Season How to make smart decisions when reviewing your options GEHA’s health and well-being benefits and rewards programs Overview of GEHA’s five high-value medical plan options Today, GEHA is one of the largest national medical and dental plan providers serving Federal workers, covering more than 2 million Federal employees, retirees and their dependents.
Learn more at GEHA.com
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
November 2, 2020 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, NITP, welcome Dan Morgan, General Manager for Commercial Markets and Federal Programs at VSP Vision Care, and Mike Davis, President and Chief Operating Officer, Dominion National Dental.
The first half of the program will feature Dan Morgan. VSP Vision Care is the only national not-for-profit vision benefits company, which provides access to eye care for nearly 90 million members through a network of over 40,000 doctors worldwide.
The second half of the program will feature Mike Davis who will discuss Dominion’s innovative, high-value dental benefits offered in the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). Dominion is the only Dental HMO plan offered in the FEDVIP program.
VSP Vision Care:
Information about VSP Vision Care The importance of vision insurance and an annual eye exam Details on VSP’s plan options for 2021 Visit ChooseVSP.com to review the VSP plan options and learn why you should enroll Dominion National Dental:
No maximum dollar limits, waiting periods or deductibles Predictable, pre-determined fees for dental services An innovative Prevention Rewards Program that incentivizes members to get their two dental cleanings each year Orthodontics benefits provided for adults and children (no lifetime maximums) Discounts on teeth whitening and Invisalign Third annual cleaning provided at a reduced fee Rates starting at just $5.52 per bi-weekly pay period Plans available in DC, DE, MD, parts of NJ, PA and parts of VA Visit Dominion Dental Select For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
Host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, welcome Tom Bernatavitz, Vice-President of Aetna Federal Plans to the studio. Aetna offers a variety of FEHB plans, including plans for retirees that offer
Host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc. welcome back Paula S. Jakub, RHU; CEO of The American Foreign Service Protective Association, sponsor of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tom O’Rourke, Esquire, Miles & Stockbridge, PC. Perhaps the most common question I get when I teach a seminar is what steps can I take to reduce my income tax liability and stay out of trouble with the IRS. The first step for any Federal employee is to look at your Federal benefits package as a tool to help you reduce taxes.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kathy Lavinder, Founder of Security & Investigative Placement Consultants, a niche executive search firm.
Host Bob Leins welcomes to the studio, Mr. David Santana from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kari Utz-Wolsky, Nutrition and Conditioning Specialist, CFT, SPN, SSC (ISSA).
2020 certainly hasn’t been a typical year. Whether you are finding that you have more time and energy to focus on your health, or less, tune in for realistic tips on staying healthy through the fall season.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes M. Shane Canfield, CEO, WAEPA, and Scott Berlin, Senior Vice President of the Group Membership Association Division at New York Life Insurance Company.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Anne Sullivan, Esq. and Lacey Yegen, Esq. for a discussion on estate planning as it relates to both young and adult children.
Description: Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP® and Megan Schaeffer, Estate Planning Attorney. • What everyone should know about the CARES Act • Coping strategies for reduced income • Today’s investment do’s and don’ts • Which documents are essential for all adults • How to talk about money up and down the family tree Out of concern for everyone’s safety, the host and guests will hold this discussion from remote locations. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Mike Townshend, transition and aging authority and founder of Carpe Diem Coaching, to talk about whether or not to consider working after you retire.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host John Elliott welcome Lester Austin, Retired Senior Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration, to talk about where Social Security has been, where it is now, and where it’s going.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Ray Kirk, Ph.D for a general discussion on Thrift Savings Account Plan (TSP), and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options in the year 2020
Host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, welcome Social Security and retirement planning expert Mary Beth Franklin, Certified Financial Planner®. She is a Contributing Editor for InvestmentNews and President of RetirePro.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes John Jilek, CFP®to talk about:
Should I change my TSP strategy based on recent market events? Is it a good idea to take advantage of withdrawals from my retirement account under the CARES Act with no penalty to pay off debt or buy a car? Should I defer my RMD from my TSP or IRA this year? Is it true that the RMD age is now 72? How will the stretch beneficiary payout affect my TSP beneficiaries?
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist. Bob Braunstein will talk about what Social Security Disability Benefits are and how to qualify for them.
• What is the difference between Social Security Income (SSI) and SSDI? • How is a Social Security disability benefit different from a retirement benefit? • Can I receive OPM disability retirement benefits at the same time I receive Social Security disability benefits? • Will receiving SSDI cancel out my Social Security retirement benefit?
Out of concern for everyone’s safety, the host and guest will hold this discussion from remote locations.
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kathy Lavinder, Founder of Security & Investigative Placement Consultants, a niche executive search firm.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Shane Canfield, CEO, Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA), Brandon Jones, CIO, and Stacy Outlaw, SVP of Marketing.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes David De Jong and Steve Widdes, tax and estate attorneys with Stein Sperling Bennett De Jong Driscoll PC.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Kari Utz-Wolsky, (ISSA) CFT, SPN, SSC, Crossfit level 1; Nutrition & Conditioning Specialist.
During the show Bob and Ray will discuss both the short term and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on retirement planning and benefits.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Joe Sullender, CFP®. COVID-19 has generated many financial questions.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Karen Schaeffer, CFP®. Karen will talk about financial do’s and don’ts during a pandemic. She will also discuss the personal financial planning provisions of the CARES Act and what they mean for your personal plan.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist, NITP, welcome Ravi Deo, Executive Director, and Kim Weaver, Director of External Affairs of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Justin Dean, Certified Financial Planner®. It’s hard to stay calm when you’re bombarded by news about the economy and markets. Anxiety about your portfolio can creep in, and before you know it, a media barrage may turn your anxiety into panic. And if that’s not enough, investing has become more complex, pushing investors to take on more risk to achieve the same return of 10 or 20 years ago.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, Inc. welcome back Paula S. Jakub, RHU; CEO of The American Foreign Service Protective Association, sponsor of the Foreign Service Benefit Plan. Today’s guest will discuss benefits in your FEHB plan that you might not be aware of and how to get the most out of your Health Plan. Paula is a Subject Matter Expert in Federal Health Insurance and serves on the adjunct faculty of the Foreign Service Institute
Host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host John Elliott, Federal Benefits Specialist, NITP, welcome Lester Austin, Retired Senior Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration. Social Security is sometimes an overwhelming topic for Federal employees. Today’s talk will explain it.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Tom O’Rourke, Esquire, Miles & Stockbridge, PC., to talk about recent changes in the tax law and in particular the Secure Act.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Josh Huder, Ph.D., to the studio to discuss the 116th Congress. Josh is a Senior Fellow at The Government Affairs Institute at Georgetown University, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating Federal employees about Congress and its operation.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Stacy, Transition Specialist.
Retirement sounds so final, let’s think “re-wire-ment” instead. This is the next stage or chapter of life. It’s a time for new beginnings and reinvention of self (lifelong learning).
How do you know it’s ‘time’ to retire? Do you have enough? Do you have enough to DO? Join Bob and Bob as they talk about 3 letters (M-P-S) to guide you in planning this next stage. Bob explains why leaving your job is not leaving your life. He is an active retiree and brings an abundance of great ideas for you to consider!
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Dwayne Jackson, CFP® to talk about saving for retirement.
Traditional or Roth TSP? Traditional or Roth IRA? What is the difference? Which is best for you?
Is your financial plan ready for the New Year? Karen Schaeffer, CFP® will join Bob to discuss what you need to know about.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Phil Gardner, Federal Benefits Specialist.
Planning on working after retirement? We will discuss the effect of post-retirement employment, Federal or non- Federal on both retirement and Social Security benefits.
Host Bob Leins welcomes David Santana from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to the studio.
What would you do if you suddenly learned that your Federal retirement coverage is incorrect? You would probably want to know what your correct coverage should be and why the mistake happened. You would be interested in how and when the error will be corrected and what its financial impact will be.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Tammy Flanagan, Senior Benefits Director at NITP, welcome Joe Sullender, CFP® to discuss areas of overlap between finance planning, tax planning, and Federal benefits.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® and co-host Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist at NITP, welcome Theresa Brownson and Darnetta Bascomb, Senior Medicare Patrol Project, AARP Legal Counsel for the Elderly.
Host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Anne Sullivan, Esquire, and Lacey Yegen, Esquire of Handler & Levine, LLC. Our discussion will focus on factors that make Estate Planning for women unique. We will also describe the Estate Planning documents that every person needs and explain how planning can change over time based on your relationships and stage in life.
• How Estate Planning is Different for Women • Evolution of a Plan - From Start to Finish • Single • Married or Partnered • Married or Partnered with Children and Single with Children • Divorced • Blended Families • Widowed
For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com