Beyond the Pension: Building Financial Freedom After Government Service with Rita Stewart

In this episode of the GenWLTH Podcast, host Judy Robins welcomes financial expert Rita Taylor Stewart, National Vice President with Five Rings Financial, to discuss smart retirement planning strategies for federal employees, government contractors, and military personnel.

Rita shares her remarkable career journey—from the founding team at Capital One to two decades in banking, followed by over a decade in ministry and nonprofit leadership. Now, as CEO of Legacy Financial Wellness and co-founder of Centric Vision Consulting, she blends her professional and ministry experience to empower clients to make informed financial decisions.

Throughout this episode, Rita and Judy explore practical tools for navigating economic uncertainty, understanding key retirement milestones, and leveraging strategies like the "100% Rule" and bucket allocation system for financial stability and growth. Rita also draws from her work with professionals at the Pentagon, FBI, and CIA, offering unique insight into the retirement needs of those in government service.

Listeners will walk away with actionable steps for safeguarding their financial future, exploring alternative investment options, and building a lasting legacy beyond traditional benefits.

 

Rita's Career Journey and Experience (00:03:40) Rita shares her background in banking, ministry, and financial education for federal employees and contractors.

Focus of the Episode: Early Retirement (00:04:57) Judy sets the episode's focus on early retirement for federal employees, government contractors, and military personnel.

Key Questions for Federal Employees (00:07:12) Judy asks why federal employees should review their finances now; Rita explains the importance of understanding available options.

Case Study: Double Retirement Strategy (00:17:23) Rita shares a client story about creating multiple pensions and securing retirement income without tax penalties.

The Third Alternative: Index Accounts (00:20:46) Judy and Rita discuss the benefits of index accounts—combining safety and market growth without downside risk.

Lessons from the 2008 Financial Crisis (00:21:35) Reflection on the 2008 crisis, emphasizing the need for safer, more informed retirement planning.

The 100% Rule and Bucket Strategy (00:25:19) Rita introduces the "100% rule" for asset allocation using green, red, and blue buckets for liquidity, stability, and growth.

 

Powerful Quotes from the Episode:

Judy, "I was left to pick up the pieces, and through that journey, I realized how critical it is to have a financial plan in place."

Rita, "Sometimes it was intimidating to actually go into some of those halls to speak on those subject matters."

Rita, "There is a lot of uncertainty right now, and no one wants to experience 2008 or 2009 again. I know I certainly do not."

Rita, "There is nothing more freeing and more liberating than to know where you stand as it relates to your money."

Resources

• WEBSITE: https://sixthandking.com/
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