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 & RESOURCES
FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube
Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

Socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial

👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Pension vs No Pension — Why Retirement Planning Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
0:28 Why Most People Underuse Their Pension
1:20 Your Pension as the Foundation of Retirement Income
2:12 The Financial House Framework Explained
3:45 Why Claiming Social Security Early Can Be a Costly Mistake
5:05 Social Security at 62 vs 67 vs 70 — Understanding the Math
6:25 How a Pension Creates Flexibility in Retirement Decisions
6:49 Two Retirees, Same Savings — Very Different Outcomes
7:48 Coordinating Pension Income With TSP and 401(k) Withdrawals
8:40 How Strategy Impacts How Long Your Money Lasts
10:02 Should You Be Playing It Safer or Smarter With TSP
11:10 Separating Income Assets From Growth Assets
12:16 Why Pulling Money During Market Drops Hurts Retirement
13:41 Three Questions Every Pension Holder Must Ask
14:58 Using Your Pension as a Strategic Planning Tool
15:41 How to Book a Pension Coordination Review
16:38 Final Takeaways — Don’t Leave Retirement Income Unused

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

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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 federal agency and felt moments of chaos, this framework will feel immediately practical—click “Show More” for the full breakdown.

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube
Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

Socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial

👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Navy SEAL Leadership Lessons — Introduction
0:21 Cover and Move: Teamwork Under Pressure
1:14 Simplify the Mission: Clear Communication for Execution
2:17 Prioritize and Execute: Decision-Making in Chaos
3:08 Decentralized Command: Empowering Everyone to Lead
4:04 Leadership Trust: Supporting the Team Without Doing Their Job
4:43 Key Leadership Takeaways
5:04 End

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

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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 complete your federal retirement paperwork accurately, understand benefit elections, TSP options, survivor benefits, and the retirement submission process before you’re up against the clock.

We offer you a FREE 15-minute call to ask questions and start understanding whether you have a real retirement plan or just the idea of one. Schedule here: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube

Are You “Shutdown-Proof” for Retirement?, find out here: https://lb1nm6qa2sh.typeform.com/to/pKWB4w8b

Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

Socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial

👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro: Why the Retirement Packet Matters
1:15 Understanding Your Retirement Forms
3:40 Key Benefit Elections – FERS & CSRS Explained
6:25 TSP, Social Security & Benefit Timing
9:05 Survivor Benefit Options Explained
11:50 Common Errors & How to Fix Them
14:10 Submission Methods – Mail vs eOPF
16:40 Timing Your Retirement Effective Date
19:00 Where to Get Help & Support

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

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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; proper retirement planning requires foresight and careful consideration, well in advance of OPM's deadlines.

Take the Quizz: https://lb1nm6qa2sh.typeform.com/to/pKWB4w8b

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube
Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

Socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial

👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 When should you really start planning for retirement?
0:33 Why six months before retirement is not enough
1:04 The danger of making irreversible retirement decisions last-minute
1:32 Building a strong retirement foundation: the financial house analogy
1:56 Why retirement planning must happen well before paperwork is filed
2:18 Understanding age-based in-service rollovers (TSP and 401k basics)
2:55 Final guidance on preparing before submitting your OPM retirement packet

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

Support the show

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 future with confidence and robust financial planning. Take the quiz: https://lb1nm6qa2sh.typeform.com/to/pKWB4w8b

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES
FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube

Socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial
Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Who’s in charge—Uncle Sam or you? (Federal retirement uncertainty)
0:35 A year of chaos: shutdowns, mandates, layoffs, and constant change
1:29 Focus on what you can control: planning through instability
4:58 Emergency fund planning for federal employees (shutdown-proof cash)
5:50 Invest in yourself: skills, career options, and private-sector flexibility
6:16 Real example: job searching after DRP and staying persistent
6:59 Reality check: unemployment limits and income gaps during disruption
7:48 Common risk: big TSP balance, small cash reserves
8:08 TSP loan strategy during a shutdown (how it can bridge pay delays)
11:17 OPM processing delays: retirees paid vs “no man’s land” cases
12:24 OPM backlog and processing pace: what it means for your timeline
18:41 Retiring soon? Why 3 months of expenses is a smart minimum buffer
22:02 Health meets wealth tip: coconut oil for dry skin and shaving
23:56 Wrap-up and where to find more resources

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

Support the show

Are You "Shutdown-Proof" for Retirement? Find out here: https://lb1nm6qa2sh.typeform.com/to/pKWB4w8b

Your TSP, Your Rules — Take control of your federal retirement savings and overcome processing delays, tax traps, and income planning pitfalls with smarter decisions.” Learn how to manage your Thrift Savings Plan distributions, withdrawal strategies, and TSP loan options with confidence.

“Understanding your TSP withdrawal options and income planning — from required minimum distributions to installment strategies — is one of the smartest steps you can take for a secure federal retirement.”

FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube

Socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial
Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro — Who Controls Your Retirement: You or Uncle Sam
0:27 Retirement Processing Backlog at OPM
0:58 What Happens When Your Pension Is Delayed
1:29 Real Federal Retiree Story: No Income, Forced to Work
1:59 The Cash Flow Problem Most Federal Employees Miss
2:31 Why a 3-Month Emergency Fund Matters
2:58 Using a TSP Loan as a Temporary Safety Net
3:25 How TSP Loan Interest Really Works
3:45 Final Takeaway — You Don’t Need to Work Longer, You Need a Better Plan

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

Support the show

Download the Guide here: https://cdfinancial.com FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube

Are you truly ready to retire? This episode of the CD Financial Podcast dives into key questions about eligibility and financial management, helping you to understand the path to getting ready for retirement. We discuss essential aspects of retirement planning to ensure your financial planning is robust.

Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

Socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial

👋 WHO AM I?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro — The Retirement Readiness Checklist (ready, eligible, afford)
1:24 Retirement mindset — how to visualize your day-to-day after work
3:10 Federal retirement eligibility — MRA + years of service basics
5:45 Can you afford to retire? Income sources and expense reality check
8:30 Turning TSP/401(k)/IRA savings into retirement income planning
11:00 Health insurance, FEHB, Medicare, and out-of-pocket costs
12:50 Estimating monthly expenses using net pay, deductions, and allotments
15:20 Part-time work in retirement — when it reduces income pressure
17:30 Lifestyle planning — spending shifts, travel, and staying active
20:00 Wrap-up — build your written retirement income plan and checklist

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

Support the show

👉 FREE Retirement Planning Guide + Checklist: https://cdfinancial.org/tsp%20free%20guide/
FREE 15-minute call: https://calendly.com/charlesdzama/complimentary-15-minute-phone-call-youtube

Are you truly retirement ready — financially secure, lifestyle-aligned, and prepared for life after work? Learn the key retirement planning questions and readiness checklist every pre-retiree should ask to avoid blind spots and achieve confidence in retirement.

Socials:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cdfinancial.llc/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/cdfinancial
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/cd-financial
Join Our Newsletter: https://cdfinancial.com/newsletter

👋 WHO ARE WE?
CD Financial helps federal employees and near-retirees create sustainable, tax-smart retirement income. Expect weekly strategies on 401K, FERS, TSP, Social Security timing, tax planning, and health-meets-wealth habits—clear, practical, compliant.

⏱ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Are You Ready to Retire? Two Questions That Matter Most
0:24 What’s Most Important to You in Retirement? Lifestyle & Priorities
0:52 Why Visualizing Your Retirement Life Is Critical
1:16 Can You Afford to Retire If Nothing Changes Financially?
2:02 How Long Does Your Money Need to Last in Retirement?
2:37 What a Successful Retirement Plan Should Really Do
3:10 Why You Don’t Need to Work Longer — You Need a Better Plan

Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of CD Financial and our editorial staff. The information contained in this material has been derived from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy and completeness and does not purport to be a complete analysis of the materials discussed. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

Support the show