Federal Benefits Explained is a podcast designed to help federal employees make sense of their retirement benefits with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Andrew McNair, founder of SWAN Capital and son of a CSRS employee, the show breaks down complex topics like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), federal retirement timelines, survivor benefits, taxes, and income planning — without jargon or hype. Each episode focuses on the real decisions federal employees face as they approach retirement, offering practical education, thoughtful strategy, and long-term perspective. The goal isn’t quick tips or risky moves but helping you understand how your benefits work together so you can retire confidently and sleep well at night. Whether you’re early in your career, five years from retirement, or already planning your exit, Federal Benefits Explained gives you the knowledge you need to make informed choices about your future. New episodes are released weekly. Follow the show to stay informed and confident about your federal benefits. Welcome to Swan Capital, LLC (“SWAN”), your friendly neighborhood Registered Investment Adviser ("RIA"). Now, while we may have a fancy title, remember that our registration doesn’t guarantee we’re flying high above the rest. This communication hasn’t been blessed or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or any state securities authority. At SWAN, we believe in giving you personalized investment advice as unique as a swan’s graceful glide. We work with clients in their own states, making sure to play by all the regulatory rules or find the right exceptions. But here’s the scoop: all investments come with risks—like a wild swim in the pond—so no investment strategy can promise profits or protect you from the occasional splashdown. Just remember, past performance is like a cozy old story; it might be nice to reminisce about, but it doesn’t promise what’s coming next. SWAN Capital, LLC is an independent firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) or any government agency. Thanks for gliding along with us at SWAN! We’re here to help you soar to new financial heights while ensuring you can truly Sleep Well At Night!
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Contact path
Verified email
Booking probability
40%
Guest openness
Selective
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Signup to Generate a PitchFederal Benefits Explained is a podcast designed to help federal employees make sense of their retirement benefits with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Andrew McNair, founder of SWAN Capital and son of a CSRS employee, the show breaks down complex topics like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), federal retirement timelines, survivor benefits, taxes, and income planning, without jargon or hype.
Recent episodes include "How OPM Calculates Your High-3 Salary for FERS Retirement" (30 October 2026, 6 minutes), "Can You Change Your FERS Survivor Benefit After Retirement?" (2 October 2026, 9 minutes), and "Why Your FERS Pension Estimate May Be Wrong" (25 September 2026, 7 minutes).
Federal Benefits Explained publishes roughly weekly, with episodes averaging 14 minutes.
Booking probability for Federal Benefits Explained is 40%, and the host is rated Selective on guests. Federal Benefits Explained requires a Pod Score of 80 or higher. Federal Benefits Explained's contact route on record: verified email.
The strongest fits for Federal Benefits Explained are Pension & Benefit Funds. Federal Benefits Explained has a business audience.
Federal Benefits Explained is a business podcast.
Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.
Federal Benefits Explained
How does OPM calculate your High-3 salary for FERS retirement, and which types of pay actually count toward your federal pension? Your High-3 salary is one of the most important factors in determining your FERS pension...
Federal Benefits Explained
Can federal employees change their FERS survivor benefit election after retirement? In this episode, Andrew McNair explains why survivor benefits are one of the most important retirement decisions federal employees...
Federal Benefits Explained
Federal employees often rely on agency estimates, GRB calculations, or HR-provided retirement numbers when planning for retirement. But what if that FERS pension estimate is wrong? In this episode, Andrew McNair...
Federal Benefits Explained
December 31 may seem like the perfect retirement date for federal employees, but it can create unexpected tax issues if you are not careful. In this episode, Andrew McNair explains why year-end retirement timing matters...
Federal Benefits Explained
Federal employees: your FERS pension does not necessarily start the day after you retire. In this episode, Andrew McNair explains the FERS 1/12th rule and how OPM calculates your annuity start date. Under FERS, your...
Federal Benefits Explained
Federal employees often wonder whether unused sick leave and annual leave help their retirement. Under FERS, they are treated very differently. In this episode, Andrew McNair explains how unused sick leave can convert...
Federal Benefits Explained
Can a federal employee retire mid-pay period and still get credit for that time? In this episode, Andrew McNair explains why your retirement date matters under FERS and how choosing the wrong day could cost you service...
Federal Benefits Explained
What happens to your TSP when you die — and who actually receives the money? For many federal employees, the Thrift Savings Plan may be one of the largest retirement assets they leave behind. But your will or trust may...
Federal Benefits Explained
Should you decline the FERS Survivor Benefit when you retire? For married federal employees, this is not just a checkbox on your retirement paperwork. Your spouse plays a major role in this decision, and declining the...
Federal Benefits Explained
Are you getting close to retirement under FERS and wondering what you might be missing? In this episode, Andrew McNair walks through what federal employees should be doing 5 years, 3 years, and 1 year before retirement...
Federal Benefits Explained
Does your FERS pension receive a cost-of-living adjustment in retirement? For many federal employees, the answer is yes — but the rules are more complicated than most people realize. In this episode, Andrew McNair...
Federal Benefits Explained
Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, can create confusion for federal employees — especially when you have money in the TSP, outside IRAs, old 401(k)s, or inherited retirement accounts. In this episode of Federal...
Federal Benefits Explained
Financial expert Suze Orman has helped millions of Americans build better financial habits but does her advice fully apply to federal employees?<br /><br />In this episode of Federal Benefits Explained, Andrew McNair...
Federal Benefits Explained
Is there a magic TSP number that means you're ready to retire? In this episode of Federal Benefits Explained, Andrew McNair explains why retirement readiness isn't determined by having $1 million—or even $2 million—in...
Federal Benefits Explained
Is there a magic TSP number that means you're ready to retire?<br /><br />In this episode of Federal Benefits Explained, Andrew McNair explains why retirement readiness isn't determined by having $1 million—or even $2...
Federal Benefits Explained
One of the most important—and irreversible—retirement decisions federal employees face is whether to elect a FERS Survivor Benefit or use life insurance to protect their spouse. <br /><br />In this episode, Andrew...
Federal Benefits Explained
One of the most important—and irreversible—retirement decisions federal employees face is whether to elect a FERS Survivor Benefit or use life insurance to protect their spouse. In this episode, Andrew McNair breaks...
Federal Benefits Explained
Many federal employees believe the G Fund is the safest place for their retirement savings. But is it? In this episode of Federal Benefits Explained, Andrew McNair breaks down one of the most common questions federal...
Federal Benefits Explained
Many federal employees believe the G Fund is the safest place for their retirement savings. <br />But is it? <br /><br />In this episode of Federal Benefits Explained, Andrew McNair breaks down one of the most common...
Federal Benefits Explained
Federal employees often hear that the Thrift Savings Plan is one of the best retirement plans available—and during your working years, that's often true.<br /><br />But what happens when retirement begins?<br /><br />In...
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