Rayna Retirement

In this episode, Rayna Reyes breaks down the critical differences between CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System) and FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System)—and why understanding your retirement system is essential for maximizing your federal benefits. Rayna uses real examples, clear explanations, and her signature humor to help you make sense of pensions, Social Security, TSP contrib...

In this high-energy episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes breaks down the most common question she hears from federal employees: “Can I retire yet?”

Using her signature humor and straight-to-the-point style, Rayna explains the five main pathways out of federal service—Immediate Retirement, MRA+10, Deferred Retirement, Postponed Retirement, and Disability Retirement—and helps listeners...

In this fun and highly practical episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes helps you “ride the Medicare train” with confidence. Whether you're turning 65, retiring from federal service, or navigating disability-based eligibility, Rayna breaks down exactly who qualifies for Medicare, when you can enroll, and how to avoid costly penalties.

She explains the differences between Medicare Parts...

Rayna breaks down the difference between Roth and Traditional TSP contributions using her signature humor—and even a brand-new song. Learn why your contribution type and strategy matter, how percentage vs. dollar amounts impact your match, what to do when you get a raise, and the big Roth-related rule change coming in 2026 for high earners.

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In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes breaks down some of the most confusing—and most misunderstood—questions federal employees have about survivor benefits and FEHB health insurance. From what happens if you retire single and get married later, to how survivor benefits impact premiums, to the surprising truth about “Twinkies,” Rayna gives clear, easy-to-understand answers you...

Love and marriage come with a lot of decisions — and for federal employees, one of the most important is whether or not to leave a survivor benefit. In this episode, Rayna Reyes breaks down the complex rules around FERS and CSRS survivor benefits, explaining how they work, what they cost, and how they connect to your health insurance in retirement.

Rayna uses clear, real-life examples to...

Just when you got used to the GRB system, the federal government rolled out a new retirement portal — ORA (the Online Retirement Application). In this episode, Rayna Reyes breaks down exactly what federal employees need to know before starting their ORA retirement application.

Rayna walks you through the three critical forms ORA doesn’t include — the SF 2818 (Life Insurance Election), th...

Losing someone you love is never easy — emotionally or financially. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, shares compassionate and practical guidance for federal employees and their families on what to do after the death of a loved one. 

Rayna explains:

• The first steps to take when a spouse or family member passes...

Think you’re too young to touch your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) without a penalty? Think again. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, breaks down how separated or early-retired federal employees under age 55 can legally access their TSP — without triggering that dreaded 10% IRS penalty.

Rayna explains:

• The differen...

In this emotional and insightful episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes shares a true story that proves just how powerful a single financial review can be.

When one federal employee nearly retired without buying back his 12 years of military service, Rayna’s timely guidance changed everything — not only boosting his pension by nearly $1,000 a month, but also increasing his spouse’...

In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes breaks down the new rules for catch-up contributions in 401(k) and TSP accounts starting in 2026.

If you’re over 50, you’ve likely heard of the “catch-up” provision that lets you contribute extra toward retirement — but big changes are coming. Rayna explains what those new income thresholds mean, how high earners will see their catch-...

Think your income only matters for taxes? Think again.
In this episode of Rayna Retirement, host Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, explains how your income from two years ago determines how much you’ll pay for Medicare Part B — and what you can do to plan ahead. 

Rayna breaks down how IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) works, the income thres...

It’s that time of year again — Medicare open enrollment! In this episode, host Rayna Reyes, co-founder of American Federal Benefits Consultants, helps listeners make sense of the annual mail flood and plan changes that arrive each fall.

Rayna breaks down what to look for when reviewing your coverage for 2026, including:

• How Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans differ from traditional M...

It’s that time of year again—open enrollment season for federal employees and postal workers! In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes takes a fun but practical look at one of the most important decisions you’ll make each year: choosing your health insurance plan.

With her trademark humor (“What do you think I’m doing this for—my health?”), Rayna explains what you need to know be...

Are you making the most of your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)? In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes breaks down exactly how much you should be contributing to your TSP—so you’re not leaving free money on the table. 

Rayna explains:

• Why 5% is the minimum you should contribute to get your full government match
• How to calculate your per-pay-period contribution to hit your yea...

Remember when the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) used to be full of restrictions? Those days are gone—thanks to the TSP Modernization Act. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes dives into what the law changed, how it benefits federal employees, and what smart planning looks like today.

From multiple partial withdrawals to flexible installment payments and separate Roth access, Rayn...

Rolling over your TSP or other retirement plan can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes breaks down the do’s and don’ts of rollovers in plain English. She explains how to move your money safely, avoid unnecessary taxes, and understand what Uncle Sam is really waiting for when it comes to your retirement savings.

You’ll also hear how dif...

Pensions are disappearing, 401(k)s are everywhere, and federal employees often face confusing decisions about lifetime income. In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes explains the critical difference between annuitization and other lifetime income strategies that let you keep access to your retirement savings.

 Rayna breaks down what happens when you annuitize your balance—why i...

Do you know the difference between postponed retirement and deferred retirement under the federal benefits system? In this episode of Rayna Retirement, Rayna Reyes clears up one of the most confusing topics for federal employees. 

Rayna explains what happens when you leave federal service before full eligibility, how your pension and benefits are affected, and why choosing to postpone in...