Rayna Retirement

In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes unpacks one of the most important—and often misunderstood—rules in federal retirement planning: the 5-year requirement for keeping your federal health insurance in retirement.

Rayna explains why this rule matters, what “consecutive coverage” really means, how switching between plans impacts eligibility, and what steps you must take to...

Divorce is rarely simple—and for federal and postal employees, it can get especially complicated when pensions, survivor benefits, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) are involved. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes breaks down the rules around divorce-related financial obligations, including Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (Quadros), apportionments, and survivor ben...

In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes walks you through the essential retirement forms that federal and postal employees must complete to officially begin their retirement journey. Just like needing a ticket to board a plane, your "ticket to retirement" is your completed OPM paperwork—and Rayna makes sure you know exactly what’s required, which pages matter most, and how ...

If you’re a federal employee or retiree, understanding your survivor benefit options could mean the difference between financial stability and unexpected shortfalls for your spouse. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes breaks down how survivor benefits work for CSRS and FERS employees, who can receive them, and how they compare to life insurance payouts.

She’ll walk you throu...

Ever feel like you’re counting down the days until your retirement like a prisoner waiting for parole? You’re not alone. In this episode, Rayna Reyes walks you through exactly when—and how—you can leave federal service under both FERS and CSRS.

Whether you’re wondering what your Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) means, confused about the MRA +10 rule, or unsure if a Vera or RIF applies to yo...

Got a dozen retirement accounts and no idea what to do with them? You’re not alone. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes breaks down the concept of rollovers, required minimum distributions (RMDs), and the art of simplifying your financial life — especially for federal employees.

Rayna uses relatable analogies (yes, there’s coffee, mugs, and even Hank Williams) to explain how...

Basic, A, B, C… it might sound like alphabet soup, but when it comes to federal life insurance, these options can make or break your retirement legacy. In this information-packed episode, Rayna Reyes breaks down the key components of FEGLI and offers practical advice on what to keep, what to consider, and how to make sure your loved ones are protected for life—without overpaying. She als...

Rayna Reyes is back with a big sigh of relief and a message of gratitude after the signing of the long-anticipated federal bill. In this heartfelt and informative episode, she breaks down what’s not changing for federal employees—no “high-five,” the pension supplement is safe, and your high-three calculations remain intact. 

But Rayna goes beyond the headlines. She reminds federal worker...

If the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) had a soundtrack, it might just be “My Heart Will Go On”. In this fun and informative episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes breaks down the misunderstood world of TSP L Funds—and what they can do for you. 

What does the "L" in L Fund actually mean?
How does your investment mix shift automatically as you approach retirement?
Are you one of the many f...

“There are things you know. Things you know you don’t know. And things you don’t know you don’t know.”

In this rich, relatable, and sometimes hilarious episode of Rayna Retirement, federal retirement specialist Rayna Reyes breaks down everything you didn’t know you didn’t know about the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)—especially the difference between Traditional and Roth contributions.

With a...