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Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, Tax Planning

Illustration showing how safe withdrawal rates differ between TSP/IRA, taxable brokerage, and Roth accounts due to taxes.

Why Your “Safe” Withdrawal Rate Depends on Taxes

Safe Withdrawal Rates & Taxes for Federal Retirees At Better Federal Retirement, we frequently work with federal retirees ...

Illustration of a confident bull in a suit representing a disciplined federal employee investor, with the U.S. Capitol and city skyline in the background.

2025 Delivered for Those Who Stayed in Their Seats

Markets rewarded discipline. Diversification mattered. Long-term investors were paid for patience. Key Takeaways: Stocks delivered strong returns—for the ...

“Flat-style illustration contrasting financial product sales with holistic wealth management for federal employees, showing a split screen with a megaphone and dollar document on one side and a checklist and money bag on the other, separated by a bold ‘VS.’”

The Reality Behind TSP Roll-Over Pitches Targeting Federal Employees

Many federal employees tell me the same story: as they approach retirement, their inbox fills with messages urging ...

“Graphic comparing the UMA investment options, featuring bold text 'UMA’ on a deep blue background with subtle financial icons.”

Meet the UMA: A Thrift Upgrade for Federal Employees

For decades, the Thrift Savings Plan has been a workhorse for federal employees. It is low-cost and simple, ...

A stylized illustration of a mountain with a climber planting a flag at the peak, showing “Accumulation” slanted upward on the left slope and “Distribution” slanted downward on the right, representing the financial journey from saving for retirement to drawing income.

How Much Can You Spend In Retirement?

The most important question in retirement planning rarely gets asked first. Financial advisors everywhere love to ask: “So… ...

A female VA doctor wearing a white coat and stethoscope walks carefully across a tightrope above a soft, stylized landscape of hills and a federal-style building, symbolizing the balance required in retirement income planning.

Investing, Retirement Planning

Common Investing Mistakes to Avoid in Your Retirement Income Planning

If you’re looking to retire within the next decade, it’s crucial to have a financial plan that’s built ...

“Four professionals—including a bearded advisor resembling the author—work together to assemble large puzzle pieces outdoors, with mountains and a federal-style building in the background. Illustration uses Better Federal Retirement color tones.”

Independent — Not Alone: The Power Behind “Better Federal Retirement”

Many federal employees appreciate that I’m an independent fiduciary advisor — it means my loyalty is to my ...

Illustration of a worried older woman sitting at a table, looking at a declining investment chart, with a speech bubble asking “Will I run out of money?” and abstract financial graphs in the background.

Retirement Planning

What Retirees Actually Worry About—And a Smarter Way to Plan for It

When most people think about investment risk, they imagine scary headlines and sudden market drops. But if you’re ...

“Horizontal blue graphic with large white text reading ‘What Is a Fiduciary?’ in a clean, modern font, styled in Better Federal Retirement brand colors.”

What is A Fiduciary Advisor and Why Does It Matter?

Understanding the Value of a Fiduciary in Your Financial Journey What’s a fiduciary? Is every financial advisor a ...

A retired couple stands at a three-way fork in the road, looking toward three appealing retirement lifestyle paths—a seaside scene, a mountain retreat, and an idyllic town home—symbolizing different retirement strategy choices.

Is Your Retirement Strategy Right for You?

Retirement planning can be a complex journey, especially if you’re a federal employee retiree or nearing retirement. There’s ...