Is claiming Social Security early really the smartest move, or could it cost you more in the long run? In this episode, you'll learn how financial planners actually think about claiming strategies beyond the headlines and viral YouTube advice. We break down the real factors that matter and why there's no "one-size-fits-all" answer when it comes to turning on your benefits.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• FEFP: Maximizing Social Security with Elaine Floyd (EP73)

Are federal employees sitting on far more wealth than they realize? In this episode, financial planners Tommy Blackburn and John Mason break down the fundamentals of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and explain why your pension is only one piece of a much larger financial picture. You'll learn how the FERS pension formula works, what your "high-three" salary actually means, and how factors like minimum retirement age, years of service, and turning 62 can impact your retirement income. The conversation also covers how employee contributions have changed over time, how the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) match works, and why understanding these core pieces is essential when planning your financial future.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• Avoid the Top Financial Mistakes Made by Federal Employees
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
• Federal Employee Financial Planning: FERS Part 1 (EP5)
• Federal Employee Financial Planning: FERS Part 2 (EP6)
• Federal Employee Financial Planning: FERS Part 3 (EP7)

Are you choosing your Medicare plan based purely on math or on what truly fits your life? In Part 2 of our Medicare 2026 series, Bryan Gay, owner of Boomer Insurance and seasoned Medicare expert, returns to expand your understanding of the options available, especially if you're a federal employee or enrolled in TRICARE for Life. You'll learn why Medicare decisions aren't just about premiums and deductibles, why there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and how to evaluate whether switching plans actually makes sense for your situation.

Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC

Resources Mentioned:

• Mason & Associates: LinkedIn
• Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn
• Bryan Gay: LinkedIn
• Traditional Medicare vs Advantage: Luxury Ride or Bus Pass? (EP46)
• FEHB: Shifting Landscape of Medicare, FEHB, and Part D (EP47)
• The TRICARE For Life Medicare Advantage: Rethinking Options (EP48)
• Medicare Masterclass on Enrollment and the Inflation Reduction Act (EP87)