Federal Employees Retirement & Benefits Podcast by CD Financial
The objective of this podcast is to educate and enlighten you about your federal benefits and to guide you in creating a well-formed retirement income plan.
Schedule your complimentary 15-minute phone call today! https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/dzamatalk-complimentary-15-min-phone-call
Episodes
240 episodes
3 TSP Mistakes That Could Cost You +$100K in Retirement
Federal employees near retirement: keeping the same TSP allocation you used at 35 could quietly erode your lifetime income, cost you tax flexibility, and expose your savings to sequence-of-returns risk that drains six figures from your hard-ear...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 88
•
17:05
.png)
The Humility Factor: Why Most Navy SEAL Teams Outperform Part 2
Lessons in leadership from Navy SEALs reveal how aggressive action, humility, and extreme ownership shape high-performing teams in business and life.”This video breaks down real leadership lessons from Navy SEAL training and applies the...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 103
•
10:27
Pension or No Pension? Here's How Everything Can Change
If you have a defined benefit pension, everything from when you claim Social Security to how you draw your TSP/401k changes — because guaranteed income becomes your foundation for smarter retirement planning.🔗 LINKS & RESOURCESF...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 87
•
17:09
4 Traits That Make Navy SEALs Great Leaders
Navy SEAL leadership traits aren’t complicated— they’re executed under pressure: cover and move (teamwork), simplify the mission, prioritize and execute, and decentralized command (empowerment). If you’ve ever led a team in business or a federa...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 103
•
5:26
Retirement Planning Risk #1: Waiting Until You Fill Out the Packet to Make Lifetime Decisions
Federal retirement planning shouldn’t start when you’re filling out the retirement packet — by then, you’re making lifetime decisions under a deadline. Planning early gives you time to align your benefits with your goals.Learn how to co...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 86
•
24:18
You Could Avoid Making This Irreversible Retirement Decision Last-Minute
When should you plan for retirement? This video discusses the critical timing of your federal retirement, emphasizing that thoughtful financial planning and income planning are crucial. Do not rush your decision-making at the last minute; prope...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 102
•
2:51
Federal Retirees: The Social Security Timing Mistake You Might Not Want to Make in Today's Landscape
This special podcast with Ann Wirtz and CD Financial discusses taking control of your financial success. We explore essential aspects of personal finance and financial management to help you make smarter decisions. Learn how to navigate your fu...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 85
•
24:38
Your TSP, Your Rules: Taking Control From Uncle Sam
Are You "Shutdown-Proof" for Retirement? Find out here: https://lb1nm6qa2sh.typeform.com/to/pKWB4w8bYour TSP, Your Rules — Take control of your federal retirement savings and overcome processing delays, tax traps, and income planning pi...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 101
•
3:55
The Retirement Readiness Checklist | Don't Retire Without This
Download the Guide here: https://cdfinancial.com FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtubeAre you truly ready to retire? This episode of the CD Financial Podcast dives into key que...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 84
•
26:09
The Retirement Questions Most Federal Employees Get Wrong
👉 FREE Retirement Planning Guide + Checklist: https://cdfinancial.org/tsp%20free%20guide/FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtubeAre you truly retirement ready — financially s...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 100
•
3:32
FEHB Changes Every Federal Employee Needs to Know With Ann Vanderslice
Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) & Medicare Part B Explained: What Every Federal Worker and Retiree Must Know in 2025” — get the facts on FEHB cost changes, Medicare coordination, and retirement health planning to avoid unnecessary p...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 83
•
28:28
FEHB + Part B vs Medicare Part B + Supplement: Which Move Saves You More
Comparing Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage with Medicare Part B + Supplement helps retirees balance premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs while maximizing access to care.FEHB + Part B or Medicare Part B with a ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 99
•
4:22
The Retirement Income Gap Most People Don’t Talk About (And How to Close It)
Most people never talk about the retirement income gap — the difference between what you think you’ll need and what you actually have saved, and that’s exactly why most retirements fall short.Using disciplined retirement strategies like...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 82
•
23:19
.png)
I wish I knew This About Saving & Investing When I Was Younger
“I wish I knew earlier that starting saving and investing young turbo-charges your future wealth through compound growth, better retirement planning, and smarter money decisions.”👉 FREE RETIREMENT PLANNING GUIDE 15-MIN CONSULT: https://...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 98
•
2:57
Your 2026 Contribution Limits Just Changed – Here's What You Need to Know
2026 TSP and 401(k) contribution limits just increased—here’s how much you can put away, what catch-up really means, and how to set your payroll so you don’t miss it.If you’ve heard the “15% max” myth or you’re unsure whether you’re actuall...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 81
•
23:54
.png)
2026 401k Updates: New Contribution Limits Released
Max retirement contributions just got bigger in 2026 — $24,500 elective limit plus expanded catch-up contributions for federal TSP and 401(k) plans.2026 contribution limits for TSP and 401(k)/403(b) increase — here’s how to make the mos...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 97
•
6:26
Are You Prepared for Long-Term Care Costs? Here's What You Need to Know
In this important discussion, we focus on "long term care awareness", especially relevant during Long-Term Care Awareness Month. We examine the critical aspects of "long term care" and effective "financial planning" strategies that align with a...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 20
•
30:52
.png)
A Minimalist Approach to Long-Term Care: 3 Options Worth Considering
In this important discussion, we focus on "long term care awareness", especially relevant during Long-Term Care Awareness Month. We examine the critical aspects of "long term care" and effective "financial planning" strategies that align with a...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 96
•
5:51
High Earners Might Be Missing This 2026 Catch-Up Opportunity
In this episode of the CD Financial Podcast, Chuck D and Marcus C delve into the implications of the new Secure Act 2.0, particularly focusing on catch-up contributions to retirement accounts. They discuss the differences between Roth and tradi...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 79
•
27:54
.png)
If You Earn $145K+, This Affects You
For high income earners, new rules for 2025 mean you might not be able to put your catch-up money into tax-deferred or traditional TSP or 401k for that matter. This video breaks down what this means for your retirement planning and highlights t...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 95
•
6:16
Listen To This If You're A Federal Worker Facing the 2025 Shutdown Aftermath
In this episode, Chuck D and Marcus C discuss the recent government shutdown, its effects on employees and retirees, and the importance of having a financial plan. They explore the challenges faced by those returning to work, the uncertainty fo...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 78
•
26:09
.png)
Shutdown's Over—Are You Ready to Retire Now?
If you’re done working in uncertain shutdown-zones instead of on your own terms, now’s the time to lock in your retirement freedom— the longest federal shutdown in history just highlighted what it means to wait.🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
•
Season 2
•
Episode 94
•
5:32
Evaluating the Pros and Cons of Leaving TSP as Is
Should you leave your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) untouched, roll it to an IRA, or turn it into a lifetime income stream? In this episode, we break down the real-world pros and cons of each TSP retirement option so you don’t accidentally trade aw...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 77
•
34:09
.png)
3 Surprising TSP Choices for Retirement!
Unlock the most overlooked Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) strategies for federal retirees! This video covers three powerful—but often missed—TSP retirement options that can increase your financial security. Discover:The unique benefits and r...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 93
•
34:09
Charitable Donations: Tax Strategies & Smart Giving for Retirees and Business Owners
Discover how charitable donations can maximize your tax benefits and support causes you care about. In this video, we unpack:Strategies for effective charitable givingTax deductions for retirees and business ownersDonor-advised ...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 76
•
23:09
.png)