Services

Workshops and Seminars


NEW HIRE TRAINING

This 4 hour New Employee Benefits Seminars is to orientate and explain the Federal Employee Retirement System, available benefits for federal employees and the procedure for obtaining these benefits. Training shall cover in detail and at a minimum; all relevant benefits new government employees are entitled to receive, including eligibility and enrollment procedures.

  1. The components of the Federal Employee Retirement System
    a. FERS Retirement Annuity 
    b. FERS Supplement 
    c. Social Security Credits 
    d. Creditable Military Time Buyback 
    e. Special retirement information for Police Officers, Fire Fighter and Air Traffic Control

  2. Thrift Savings Plan 
    a. Individual Investment Risk Assessment
    b. TSP Family of Funds 
    c. Allocation & Distribution Options
    d. Agency Matching Funds 
    e. Withdrawal of Funds

  3. Federal Health Benefits (FEHB) Program
    a. Dental & Vision Plans 
    b. Flexible Spending Accounts
    c. Heath Savings Accounts 
    d. How to compare available plan

  4. Federal Employee Government Life Insurance (FEGLI) 
    a. Individual Life Insurance assessment (How much do you really need) 
    b. Basic Coverage 
    c. Additional Optional Coverage: Option A, B & C 
    d. Selecting Beneficiaries 
    e. Cost of FEGLI in retirement

  5. Federal Long Term Care Insurance
    a. Choosing the right plan 
    b. Premium cost
    c. LTC Coverage for Family Members


PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINAR FERS - (1DAY OR 2 DAYS) 

Federal Employee Benefit Advisors presents this comprehensive, formal seminar as a tailored one- or two-day seminar. The Pre-Retirement Seminar encompasses all aspects of the federal employee benefits program and includes information on how to plan for retirement, updating personnel files, and appropriate forms for choosing benefit options. Additionally, speakers will discuss financial planning as it relates to their federal benefits, legal information on wills and trusts, and Social Security.

Pre-Retirement seminar attendees will receive a complete workbook and will have an opportunity to receive a Personalized Federal Benefit Analysis.

Pre-Retirement Seminar Topics:

  • FERS Annuity

  • Thrift Savings Plan

  • Federal Employee Health Benefits Program

  • Federal Employee Group Life Insurance Program

  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Health Savings Accounts / Health Reimbursement

  • Long Term Care

  • Social Security: WEP and GPO

  • Medicare

  • Taxes on Federal Benefits

  • Forms

  • Financial and Estate Planning

  • Special Provisions: Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Air Traffic Controllers, Military

  • Reserve Technicians


A SURVIVOR'S CHECKLIST

Death is not an easy topic to discuss. However, it is inevitable. If you or your spouse dies, the trauma of the loss may make it very difficult to focus on the immediate financial affairs. The death of a spouse or loved one is a difficult time. Yet, during this period, important financial arrangements must be made. . This workshop will provide steps that can help guide you as you prepare.

Survivors of federal employees must report deaths to OPM to continue their annuity after a retiree passes on. You must also process benefit changes, cash in insurance policies, and change asset registrations. Proper planning can dramatically reduce your estate costs through easy to use probate avoidance techniques.

This workshop is designed to help survivors at this difficult time and the planning tools provided can make this task much easier for all concerned. Each participant will receive a useful checklist that can be tailored to their individual and unique needs.

Survivors Guide Checklist

  • Collecting The Papers Survivor Benefits Employee Benefits

  • The Will Probate Taxes

  • Changing Ownership Or Title


RETIREMENT PLANNING TODAY - 8 HOURS

**Note: The Retirement Planning Today workshop can be completely customized for your organization and can be conducted in a 1- or 2-day format.

This is a multi-faceted course with sections covering: Life Planning for Retirement, Retirement Needs & Expenses, Retirement Roadblocks & Mistakes, Retirement Income, Sources, Retirement Plan Distributions, Investments, Risk Management & Asset 
Protection, and Estate Planning

In this comprehensive retirement planning workshop, you will learn how to:

  • Create a plan to retire early

  • Use new tax laws to your advantage

  • Ask the right questions when evaluating insurance coverage

  • Select the retirement distribution choice that is right for you

  • Use 5 investment strategies to minimize risks and maximize returns

  • Plan your retirement income to preserve your standard of living

  • Ensure your estate plan still functions properly under new laws


SOCIAL SECURITY MAXIMIZATION

Social Security: A guide for making informed decisions

Social Security was created in 1935 to help Americans supplement their retirement income. While almost everyone is familiar with the idea of Social Security, it is a complex system and can often cause confusion. 

This workshop will answer some of the most common Social Security questions and may help you make more informed decisions about your retirement.

  • Your Social Security Statement

  • Calculating Benefits

  • Spousal, Survivor and Divorcee Benefits

  • Social Security and Medicare

  • How Benefits Are Taxed

  • Social Security Filing Strategies File and Suspend Restricted Application

  • What Baby Boomers Need to Know About Social Security

This workshop presents a general overview of the rules related to Social Security and the ideas presented are not individualized for your particular situation. The information will be based upon current law which can be changed at any time.

Spouses are encouraged to attend this informative workshop.


OPEN SEASON CONSIDERATIONS

This is the time of year to ensure that you have the right health, dental or vision insurance coverage for you and your family. It is also time to consider the money you can save on your out-of-pocket medical and dependent care expenses.

Why is Open Season important to me? 
Most FEHB plans will see benefit and rate changes.  Some plans are dropping out of the program and others are changing their coverage areas and/or benefit options. It is wise to review your coverage during this period to decide what coverage and premium best suits your needs for the upcoming year.

During this 60-minute workshop some of the topics we will discuss are:

  • Selecting a FEHB Plan

  • Premiums

  • Dental & Vision Plans

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

In addition we’ll briefly discuss ‘End of Year Tax Planning’ ideas:

  • TSP ROTH

  • IRA Contributions

  • 529 Plans


MID-CAREER (8 HOURS)

THIS COURSE IS DESIGNED FOR: Federal government employees (FERS and Transfers only) with 5-15 years of service, who are interested in planning now for retirement.

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

  • Understand the benefits available to you within federal service

  • Learn how to maximize benefits

  • Have in-depth understanding of all aspects of employee benefit programs

  • Approach financial planning wisely and with common sense

  • Understand the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) in detail

  • Know what benefits employees retain upon leaving the government

  • Understand what benefits are available to family members if an employee dies before retirement

  • Realize how a break in federal service affects future benefits

COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), Transfers Disability

  • Annual and sick leave

  • Deposit/redeposit

  • Social Security implications

  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

  • Insurance needs, to include Federal Employees Government Life Insurance (FEGLI)

  • Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), and Long Term Care

  • Financial planning


UNderstanding your thrift savings plan (4 hours)

For many federal employees, the retirement process can be a complex and challenging experience. The federal employee who is approaching eligibility for voluntary retirement is strongly encouraged to become informed and educated in all aspects of the retirement process.

This involves comprehensive advance planning -commencing at least five years prior to retirement. Unfortunately, many employees discover they did not perform enough advance planning for their retirement, and are forced to work more years than they initially planned.

The more you know about what you are entitled to at retirement -and what to expect from your federal agency and OPM -the greater the likelihood that your retirement process can go smoothly.

Spouses are encouraged to attend this informative workshop. During this 3 hour workshop topics we will discuss are:

  • Important Documents

  • FERS Application Process

  • Best Days to Retire

  • 3 Components to Calculating a FERS Annuity FERS Special Retirement Supplement Survivor Benefit Program

  • Managing Annual Leave and Sick Leave

  • Thrift Savings Plan Options FEHB, FEGLI, LTC options Personalized Retirement Computation


UNDERSTANDING YOUR THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN (4 HOURS)

As a Federal employee or member of the uniformed services, you have the opportunity to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a retirement savings plan similar to 401(k) plans offered to private sector employees.

The purpose of the TSP is to give you the ability to participate in a long-term retirement savings and investment plan.

TSP benefits differ depending on your retirement system (FERS, CSRS, or uniformed services). If you are covered by FERS, the TSP is one part of a three-part retirement package that also includes your FERS basic annuity and Social Security Benefit.

If you are covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or are a member of the uniformed services, the TSP is a supplement to your CSRS annuity or military retired pay.

Regardless of your retirement system, participating in the TSP can significantly increase your retirement income. Saving for your retirement through the TSP provides many advantages, during this 3 hour workshop topics we will discuss are:

  • TSP Contribution Elections Traditional VS Roth Contributions Risk Analysis Test

  • Investing in the TSP (L Funds, Individual Funds)

  • Fund Risks

  • TSP Loans, Withdrawals, and Refunds

  • Withdrawals After You Separate

  • Taxes

  • MRDs

  • How to use the TSP to Fund SPB Death Benefits


FINANCIAL LITERARY (2 HOUR WORKSHOPS)

Journey to Financial Success - 2 hours 
Do you have your ‘financial house’ in order? This class helps employees overcome the financial ‘blind-spots’ that sabotage financial security.

  • Employees will learn how to calculate future retirement needs and implement strategies to achieve their goals.

  • Wills and trusts, taxes, company benefits, insurance, investing -everything employees need to create a holistic plan for their financial wellness.

“Which IRA is best for you: Examining ROTH versus Traditional” - 2 hours

You hear a lot about Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) but how do you how they can help you reach your goals? In this session you will learn:

  • Understanding the difference between Tax-Free and Taxable

  • Which option is more advantageous for your retirement goal

  • Income limits on contributions and tax deductibility

Determining Your Retirement Income Needs - Part 1 - 2 hours

Do you know just how much you will need to live on in retirement? Have you ever calculated your current requirements in future dollars? In this session, you will learn:

  • Calculating your retirement income needs

  • Determining how your money will last

  • Exploring sources of retirement income

Determining Your Retirement Income Needs - Part 2 - 2 hours

Go beyond the basics with this session:

  • How to protect your retirement assets from lawsuits and liabilities

  • How to use tax-strategies to shelter your retirement nest egg

  • Investment strategies to help you manage risk in a down market

Fundamentals of Investing - 2 hours

Sometimes it is best to “begin at the beginning” even if you feel somewhat savvy with your financial future. In this session, you will learn:

  • The perfect investment for your goals

  • Accumulating “one-million dollars”

  • Types of investment risk

Financial Management for Women - 2 hours

Women have unique needs and concerns when it comes to fulfilling their retirement dreams. Sobering facts and statistics tell the story of the ultimate survivor: women account for 75% of the elderly poor. Planning for women is critical. In this informative session, you will learn:

  • How to manage your nest egg

  • Overcoming retirement planning shortfalls

  • Taking control of your finances

Estate Planning - 2 hours

Could you accidentally disinherit your children or your spouse? Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a simple will solves any estate problem. In this course, employees realize:

  • The living tax advantages accomplished in strategic estate planning.

  • Navigating through the maze of estate planning

  • Effective practical low cost solutions.

Leveraging Your Credit - 2 hours

How you manage your credit determines how much house you can afford and what rate, and 
even what job you might get. In this essential session learn:

  • Good vs. Bad Debt

  • Debt Elimination

Credit Reporting (Scores & Ratings)


PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINAR CSRS - (1DAY OR 2 DAYS)

Federal Employee Benefit Advisors presents this comprehensive, formal seminar as a tailored one- or two-day seminar. The Pre-Retirement Seminar encompasses all aspects of the federal employee benefits program and includes information on how to plan for retirement, updating personnel files, and appropriate forms for choosing benefit options. Additionally, speakers will discuss financial planning as it relates to their federal benefits, legal information on wills and trusts, and Social Security.

Pre-Retirement seminar attendees will receive a complete workbook and will have an opportunity to receive a Personalized Federal Benefit Analysis.

Pre-Retirement Seminar Topics:

  • CSRS Annuity

  • CSRS Offset and Transferees

  • Thrift Savings Plan

  • Voluntary Contribution Programs

  • Federal Employee Health Benefits Program

  • Federal Employee Group Life Insurance Program

  • Flexible Spending Accounts: Health Savings Accounts / Health

  • Reimbursement

  • OPM Long Term Care

  • Social Security: WEP and GPO

  • Medicare

  • Taxes on Federal Benefits

  • Forms

  • Financial and Estate Planning

  • Special Provisions: Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Air Traffic Controllers, Military Reserve Technicians


CSRS PRE RETIREMENT CHECKLIST (4 HOURS)

For many federal employees, the retirement process can be a complex and challenging experience. The federal employee who is approaching eligibility for voluntary retirement is strongly encouraged to become informed and educated in all aspects of the retirement process.

This involves comprehensive advance planning - commencing at least five years prior to retirement. Unfortunately, many employees discover they did not perform enough advance planning for their retirement, and are forced to work more years than they initially planned.

The more you know about what you are entitled to at retirement - and what to expect from your federal agency and OPM - the greater the likelihood that your retirement process can go smoothly.

Spouses are encouraged to attend this informative workshop.

During this 3 hour workshop the topics we will discuss are:

  • Important Document

  • Application Process

  • Best Days to Retire

  • Components to Calculating a CSRS Annuity Managing Annual Leave and Sick Leave Thrift Savings Plan Options

  • FEHB, FEGLI, LTC options Voluntary Contribution Plan Survivor Benefit Program

Personalized Retirement Computation


Taking the Mystery Out of Retirement Planning (4 hours)

For many Americans, retiring in this new century is a mystery. Earlier generations of workers could rely on employer-provided pensions, but now many workers will need to rely on their own work-related and personal savings plus Social Security benefits. These savings have to last longer because Americans are living longer, often into their eighties and Nineties.

If you are one of those people who want to plan - and are about 10 to 15 years from the day you retire - this booklet is for you. Today's (and tomorrow's) retirees may well have a new kind of retirement. With a longer and healthier life span, bikes, boats, planes, and RVs may be part of your life, because you are more likely than previous generations to be an active older American.

Opportunities to take courses, start a new career, and become a volunteer can make your future an adventure. A longer life, however, will also mean more medical care, some of which will not be covered by the federal Medicare program

Overview

  • Tracking Down Today's Money

  • Tracking Down Future Money At Retirement and After

  • Tracking Down Future Expenses

  • Comparing Income And Expenses

  • Five Ways To Close The Gap

  • Making Your Money Last

  • Tracking Down Help For Retirement


TSP ROTH: Know Your Options

How to know if the TSP Roth option is right for you

The Roth option is coming to the Thrift Savings Plan, and many analysts say you need to consider the options carefully before making the switch: 
It's all about the numbers, federal employees are going to have to sit down and evaluate, where am I better off? Getting my tax break now or in the future?

  • What are the differences between a Roth TSP and a traditional TSP?

  • Can I move Roth IRA funds into a traditional or Roth TSP?

  • What is the mandatory distribution for the Roth TSP

  • Can I borrow against my Roth TSP?

  • Is the contribution limit for the Roth TSP the same as the traditional TSP?

  • Can I transfer between a traditional and Roth TSP?

  • What is the fee structure for the Roth TSP?

  • Will the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board track my Roth and traditional

  • TSP investments?

Summary of the Thrift Savings Plan

Regardless of your retirement system, participating in the TSP can significantly increase your retirement income. Saving for your retirement through the TSP provides many advantages, during this workshop topics we will discuss are:

  • TSP Contribution Elections

  • Traditional VS Roth Contributions

  • Risk Analysis Test

  • Investing in the TSP

  • Withdrawals

  • How to use the TSP to Fund SPB 

Spouses are encouraged to attend this informative workshop.