February 26, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes back our original program guests Tammy Flanagan, NITP Senior Benefits Director, Karen Schaeffer, CFP®, Marc Levine, Esquire, and Tom O’Rourke, Counsel. This is our final episode.  We have enjoyed our weekly conversations for the past 18 years.  Thank you to our loyal listeners for tuning in as we discussed topics ranging from benefits to finance to estate planning and everything in between. Our guests gather today to share their memories, stories, and closing thoughts.  Join us as we reminisce about the years ..read more

February 19, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Herb Casey, Federal Retirement Specialist. In retirement, some will decide to relocate to a different location or residence.  Maybe you want to live in a warmer climate or move closer to family.  Herb will discuss the main considerations and resources available in making this decision. And if you plan to relocate, it’s important to manage the possessions you have collected over the years.  How do you determine what to keep?   Understanding the reasons why it may be necessary to downsize possessions ..read more

January 29, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA®, welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist.  Have you ever considered how much additional income your loved ones might need if you were suddenly gone?  Have you planned their survivor benefits?  Today’s program will focus on answering these questions: What types of Federal survivor benefits would go to your loved ones if you pass away? How can you be sure the benefits you have planned/elected for your survivors will be enough? If you have not elected benefits or designated specific beneficiaries, will your ..read more

January 22, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP®.  The new year is a great time to review:  Investment allocations and rebalancing needs Cash flow and budgeting for the new year Retirement contributions, plans and projections Insurance coverage, needs and premium changes For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com ..read more

January 15, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist.  Bob will talk about: The annuity calculation FEGLI 5-year rule Medicare’s different enrollment periods Long term care – What to consider while the Federal plan is suspended For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com ..read more

January 8, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Herb Casey, Federal Benefits Specialist. Topics include: Income COLA for FERS and CSRS retirees Salary pay raises & new locality rates Social Security Maximum amount of earnings subject to Social Security tax COLA Earning limitations FEHB Insurances Increased premiums 12 fewer plans Medicare Rising premiums for Medicare Expansion of mental health coverage Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program Increasing premiums Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Contribution limits Secure 2.0 changes For questions or comments ..read more

January 1st, 2024 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Marc Levine, Esquire, to talk about Health Care Directives. What is a Health Care Directive (and is it different from a Health Care Power of Attorney)? What should l look for in my Health Care Agent?  Why an advocate matters. What is the difference between my Health Care Directive and a Do Not Resuscitate? What is MOLST? Resources for health care decisions. What else does my health care directive do? How does my Health Care Directive interact with my Power of Attorney? For questions or comments, email us in advance at&nb ..read more

December 25th, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Brian Kurrus, CFP®.   Our guest today will talk about cash flow planning and debt payoff strategies for Federal employees and retirees. How much of an emergency fund do you need?  How should you invest these assets? Which debt should you pay off first? What is the impact of higher interest rates on debt in general? Should you pay down your mortgage before retirement? What other cash flow changes might you have in retirement? For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com ..read more

December 18, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist.  Bob will talk about: The annuity calculation FEGLI 5-year rule Medicare’s different enrollment periods Long term care – What to consider while the Federal plan is suspended For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com ..read more

December 11, 2023 on ForYourBenefit, our host Bob Leins, CPA® welcomes Laurie Lee, Chief Financial Officer, WAEPA, and Daniel Eck, CFP®, Ernst & Young Personal Finance. Today’s guests will discuss the importance of wellness at the intersection of finance and mental health.  They will also talk about the benefits of WAEPA’s partnership with EY and their Navigate program, making immediate progress on financial goals and positively impacting your future. For questions or comments, email us in advance at ForYourBenefit@nitpinc.com ..read more