NARFE Webinar Archive
If you have questions after viewing a recorded webinar, please send them to NARFE’s federal benefits experts at fedbenefits@narfe.org.
Tax Planning for Retired Feds
Basic knowledge of the U.S. tax system and proactive tax planning can help retirees increase their after-tax income and improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, many retirees fail to implement any tax planning strategies and needlessly give up hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each year to unnecessary taxes.
Roth Conversions: A Path to Maximize the Value of Your TSP
For many retired TSP participants, tax planning is an afterthought rather than a proactive approach to maximize the after-tax value of their TSP. Many TSP participants simply continue to defer taxes on their traditional TSP balance until they’re forced to take the required minimum distributions. However, Roth conversions provide a proactive approach to not only help create greater after-tax balances during your lifetime but also preserve the after-tax value for your beneficiaries as well.
FEGLI: Is It the Best Option for Federal Retirees?
Life insurance is critical to your dependents’ financial well-being. Determining whether Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) is right for you, and which options to consider, can be a daunting task. (Recorded January 25, 2024)
Estate Planning: Strategies for Feds
“Estate planning” may sound like it’s just for the wealthy, but it’s not. An effective estate plan specifies not only what happens upon your death, but also what happens if you’re incapacitated. (Recorded December 13, 2023)
Choosing the Best FEHB Plan: Retirees Without Medicare Part B
Tammy Flanagan focuses on helping retirees narrow down FEHB plan options. (Recorded November 15, 2023)
Prescription Drug Benefits for Federal Annuitants in 2024 and Beyond
With the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare Part D benefits have strengthened considerably, becoming a more attractive option. (Recorded November 9, 2023)
Choosing the Best FEHB Plan: Medicare Edition
With hundreds of FEHB plan choices, federal retirees may feel paralyzed when choosing the best health plan to fit their needs. This webinar will assist retirees who are eligible for or enrolled in Medicare in understanding the importance of choosing a health plan that works well with Medicare. (Recorded November 2, 2023)
BlueCross BlueShield’s FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program
New for 2024, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) Government-wide Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program® (FEP®), will introduce the FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program. (Recorded October 24, 2023)
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Medicare Advantage Plans
Federal retirees have the option of adding Medicare Advantage (MA) coverage to a Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan, or they may decide to suspend their FEHB coverage to enroll in an MA plan that is open to the public. It is important to understand the difference between these two options and the impact choosing MA has on your coverage. (Recorded October 26, 2023)
To B or Not To B (Whether or Not To Take Medicare Part B)
What are the pros and cons to adding Medicare Part B to your FEHB coverage? What about delaying enrollment? (Recorded October 12, 2023)
FLTCIP Enrollee Decision Period: What to Consider
NARFE federal benefits experts Tammy Flanagan and Mark Keen, CFP, will help guide you through the decision-making process in this Zoom webinar and question-and-answer session . (Recorded September 26, 2023)
Take Charge of Your Thrift Savings Plan Account
In this webinar, Mark Keen, CFP, will discuss key investment principals, the TSP’s investment options, and strategies to help participants make the most of their TSP accounts. (Recorded September 20, 2023)
Thrift Savings Plan: Should You Stay or Should You Go?
In this webinar, Mark Keen will detail the benefits and drawbacks of the TSP system while highlighting other investment options and opportunities, allowing you to make an informed decision on what savings plan will best suit you. (Recorded Aug. 31, 2023)
Debunking Federal Retirement Myths
To help you better plan for your future, NARFE federal benefits experts Tammy Flanagan and Mark Keen will highlight some of the common myths and misconceptions around the federal retirement process. (Recorded July 19, 2023)
The Final Countdown to Retirement: Smoothing the Transition
It is much easier to fix mistakes while you still receive a biweekly paycheck than it is while you are waiting for your first retirement check. (Recorded June 1, 2023)
How to Prepare for Long-Term Care: Aging Gracefully While Financially Secure
NARFE federal benefits experts Tammy Flanagan and Mark Keen, CFP, guide you through how to plan and prepare – emotionally and financially – for the prospect of future long-term care costs. (Recorded March 14, 2023)
Mid-Career Reality Check: Golden Handcuffs or a Move to the Private Sector?
If you’re a mid-career federal employee, and you’re thinking of joining the private sector, you need to know what federal benefits you have earned, how to protect them, and how to make sure they’re waiting for you when you retire. (Recorded May 17, 2023)
Tax Planning for Federal Retirees: It’s What You Keep That Counts
NARFE federal benefits expert Mark Keen, CFP, guides you through how to increase your after-tax income and improve your quality of life. (Recorded April 6, 2023)
NARFE Advocacy in the 118th Congress
This presentation covers what’s in store for NARFE advocacy in the 118th Congress. (Recorded February 15, 2023)
Estate Planning: Strategies for Feds
“Estate planning” may sound like it’s just for the wealthy, but it’s not. An effective estate plan specifies not only what happens upon your death, but also what happens if you’re incapacitated. It helps avoid messy legal battles and ensures state law doesn’t dictate who takes care of you and who gets your money. (Recorded December 14, 2022)
So Many Choices: Which FEHB Plans Work Best with Medicare Parts A & B
Coordinating your health plan with Medicare is the key to keeping costs down and ensuring you’ll have the best possible coverage. Federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan shows you how. (Recorded November 17, 2022) | Proudly sponsored by Aetna
Which FEHB Plan Is Right for You? – Retirees Without Medicare Edition
Tammy Flanagan focuses on helping retirees narrow down FEHB plan options. (Recorded November 3, 2022) | Proudly sponsored by GEHA
Which FEHB Plan Is Right for You? – Active Employee Edition
Tammy Flanagan focuses on helping active employees narrow down FEHB plan options. (Recorded October 25, 2022)
Understanding Medicare Advantage Options
Most retirees enroll in Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) and use an FEHB plan as their secondary coverage, but some FEHB plans offer a Medicare Advantage option with low premiums, enhanced benefits (non-medical transportation, meal delivery and more) and Medicare Part B reimbursements. Are these plans too good to be true or the answer to your Medicare dilemma? (Recorded October 13, 2022) | Proudly sponsored by Aetna
To B or Not to B: Is Medicare Part B Right for You?
Federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan gives you an in-depth look at your coverage options under FEHB and Medicare Part B, as well as the impact one has on the other when you combine them. (Recorded September 29, 2022) | Proudly sponsored by GEHA
The TSP’s New Mutual Fund Window
The TSP recently created a mutual fund window, which provides participants with access to thousands of mutual funds. But, the choice of more options comes with additional risks and costs that TSP participants need to be aware of. (Recorded September 14, 2022)
Understanding Military and Civilian Federal Service Credit
It is common for federal employees not to be aware of issues related to crediting past civilian federal employment and active-duty military service. There are, however, many critical elements that can impact your status and federal benefits. (Recorded July 7, 2022)
Understanding Deferred/Postponed Retirement Options
If you have more than 10 years of service, but will not be eligible for an immediate retirement benefit based on your age when you separate from federal employment, this webinar is for you. (Recorded June 8, 2022)
Managing Your TSP in Retirement
Retired Thrift Savings Plan participants have complete control over their TSP balance, but they also assume all risk and are personally responsible for the ultimate outcome. Unfortunately, many participants lack a disciplined strategy necessary to maximize the value of their TSP. (Recorded May 5, 2022)
Preparing Retirement Forms: Costly Errors and How to Avoid Them
Mistakes during your federal retirement process can cost you time and money. This webinar will help current federal employees avoid problems that can slow down the process. (Recorded April 6, 2022)
It’s Not Magic: Target Your Best Retirement Date
Choosing a retirement date is more complex than most federal employees realize. A wrong decision can result in leaving money and service credit on the table. Choosing one date over another can even affect your TSP withdrawals and Social Security entitlement. (Recorded March 15, 2022)
Post-Retirement Tax Planning for Federal Employees
Understanding how federal benefits are taxed can empower retired Feds to take charge of tax planning to ensure money isn’t lost to unnecessary income taxes, including stealth taxes, such as the Income Related Monthly Adjusted Amount (IRMAA), that increase Medicare Part B premiums. (Recorded February 16, 2022)
From Employee to Annuitant: Special Retirement Considerations for Special Category Employees
In this webinar, Tammy Flanagan explores the world of Special Category Employees and issues that matter when federal law enforcement officers (LEOs), fire fighters (FFs), and air traffic controllers (ATCs) are considering retirement. (Recorded January 20, 2022)
Leaving Federal Service Before Retirement: What You Need to Know
During these unprecedented times, you may be taking stock of the different aspects of your life and thinking about change. If you’re a federal employee, you may be taking a hard look at your federal career and wondering if it’s still right for you. But if you decide to leave before you are eligible for an immediate retirement, what happens to all of your hard-earned federal benefits? (Recorded December 2, 2021)
Federal Dental and Vision Insurance: FEDVIP Explained
FEDVIP offers eligible federal employees and retirees a range of dental and vision plans, but the complexity of the program and the numerous coverage offerings can be confusing.
Which FEHB Health Plan is Right for You?
Whether you’re a current or retired federal employee, NARFE federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan will show you how to narrow down your many FEHB plan choices, and help you select your best insurance option during Open Season.
Smart Tax Moves for Federal Employees
Get a basic understanding of how the U.S. tax system works and learn strategies to take advantage of the current tax rules. (Recorded August 26, 2021)
Understanding TSP Funds and How To Diversify For Your Life Stage
Do you have a clear strategy for allocating investments and assets in your federal Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement funds? If not, you could be on shaky ground financially.
Discover the True Cost and Value of CSRS/FERS Survivor Benefits
Whether you are a current federal employee, a retiree, or are separated and currently waiting for a deferred or postponed retirement from OPM, join NARFE federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan to learn about your survivor benefits under CSRS/FERS, and to ensure a secure future for your loved ones.
Financial Strategies for Mid-Career Federal Employees
In today’s world, things can change in the blink of an eye, particularly when it comes to finances. Financial markets can be influenced by factors like the shifting political landscape, the ongoing impact of the pandemic, and many more. Now more than ever, it’s critical to focus on your future and develop a sound financial plan for yourself and your family. (Recorded June 8, 2021)
Plan Ahead: Helping New and Mid-Career Feds Manage Their Benefits
Federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan takes you on a guided tour of the many important benefit considerations that affect new and mid-career federal employees. (Recorded April 23, 2021)
Navigating the Retirement Process: Smooth Sailing to Your Life After Retirement
Whether you’re planning to retire or just thinking about it, this webinar featuring Tammy Flanagan will help you avoid regretting what you would’ve, could’ve or should’ve done and guide you safely to the great retirement you deserve.
Is There a ‘Best Date’ to Retire?
Tammy Flanagan discusses the pros and cons of an immediate versus a deferred retirement and will help you create a timeline from submitting your application until your retirement claim is finalized.
CSRS Offset: The Best of Both Worlds or a Nightmare?
Tammy Flanagan discusses steps to take prior to your retirement date, preparing for the reduction to your Civil Service Retirement System benefit, what information to relay to your spouse in the event you predecease them, and much more.
Protecting Your Federal Benefits in Divorce
Jessica Markham, attorney at law and author of “Representing Federal Employees in Divorce, a Practical Guide,” discusses key aspects of the federal retirement system and the impact of a divorce on your benefits. Attendees will learn how federal benefits are divided in a divorce and what factors to consider in the division of assets.
New Congress, New Administration: What’s in Store for Your Federal Benefits
With a new administration in the White House, a thin Democratic majority in the House and control of the Senate still in doubt, federal employees and retirees want to know how congressional and administration policy priorities will affect their federal benefits and federal personnel policy.
Expecting the Unexpected: What We Learned From the Pandemic
For many, 2020 seemed like no other year in our lifetimes. It was often challenging, transformative, and even life-changing. So, where do we go from here? What can we do to move forward? And, how can you secure your future?
One Year Later: TSP Withdrawal Options
In September 2019, new rules gave TSP participants a wide range of enhanced withdrawal options. Over the past year, many retired feds have taken advantage of these new opportunities, but they’ve also encountered some limitations and shortcomings.
The SECURE Act: A Retirement & Estate Planning Game Changer Webinar
In this webinar recorded July 30, 2020, NARFE federal benefits expert Mark Keen explains changes in inheritance rules for retirement plans and how you may want to reevaluate your retirement and estate planning strategies.
Managing Your Federal Retirement Benefits During the COVID-19 Crisis
Mark Keen, CFP, offers tips how you can weather the storm, including not to panic amid volatility and to set reasonable expectations. Avoid emotional mistakes by sticking to a plan.
Act II — How Federal Reemployment Affects Your Benefits
Thinking about returning to federal service? Federal retirement benefits expert James Marshall helps you answer questions like whether your annuity will continue, if your salary will be affected and how your federal benefits may be affected.
Federal Long-Term Care Insurance – Lower Risk to Cover Future Care
Federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan will help you answer critical questions about long-term care insurance, including how to understand “activities of daily living,” how care is provided and how long-term care insurance can help provide resources to pay for health care, giving you peace of mind in a crisis.
Avoid Post-Retirement Pitfalls
James Marshall, a federal retirement benefits expert, offers strategies to help you maintain a secure financial future.
The Pros and Cons of Consumer Driven Health Plans Webinar
Consumer-Driven Health Plans (CDHP) are the latest insurance offerings on the market as a way to reduce medical costs. With Open Season on the horizon, it’s time to learn more about these options and whether they are a good fit for you and your family.
New TSP Withdrawal Options Explained
Learn how you can increase your savings and decrease your taxes. In this webinar recorded September 30, 2019, NARFE Magazine‘s “Managing Money” columnist, Mark Keen, CFP®, offers insight on what rules have changed and what hasn’t changed with the TSP Modernization Act.
Understanding the FERS Basic Benefit
Whether retirement is on your radar or on the back burner, anyone who is under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) needs to understand the value of their government annuity and how it is calculated. NARFE federal benefits expert Tammy Flanagan explains the FERS basic benefit and how it contributes to your overall retirement plan. (Recorded February 13, 2020)
FEGLI — Manage Your Options Webinar
In this webinar, federal benefits expert James Marshall will help you explore your coverage options and choices for Federal Employees Group Life Insurance.
Social Security: A Key Ingredient in Your Retirement
Tammy Flanagan walks you through steps to customizing your Social Security benefit in retirement.
Divorce, Remarriage and Federal Benefits
For most people, a federal annuity and Thrift Savings Plan account are the largest value items divided in a divorce. Yet many times, little care is given to the details.
Federal and Military Service: How to Maximize Your Benefits Webinar
In this webinar recorded January 15, 2019, you will learn about CSRS or FERS and military service deposits and creditable military service when calculating retirement, as well as how Tricare works with FEHB.