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# Medallion Financial Group

Financial planning firm specializing in individualized retirement solutions.

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [Blog](https://medalliongroup.com/blog/)
- [Are You Afraid of Outliving Your Money?](https://medalliongroup.com/are-you-afraid-of-outliving-your-money/) - As retirement nears, many people worry about the possibility of outliving their savings. This concern is understandable, given longer life expectancies and increasing healthcare expenses. However, with the right strategies and tools, we can help alleviate this worry and support a thought-out future. Understanding the Concern For many, the thought of running out of
- [Social Security Fairness Act: Increased benefits for millions of public sector employees.](https://medalliongroup.com/social-security-fairness-act/) - The Social Security Fairness Act, signed by Joe Biden on January 5, 2025, will bring significant benefits to millions of public workers across the United States. This act targets two specific provisions that have been criticized for penalizing certain groups of employees: the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). According to
- [A Unique LTC Strategy](https://medalliongroup.com/ltc-strategy/) - A little while ago, we worked with a client who was tired of paying the increasing annual premiums for their Long-Term Care (LTC) policy. As many of you know, traditional LTC policies are issued with a set level of benefits. This means the insurance company promises to pay a specified amount
- [Medallion Financial Group is Starting a Revolution](https://medalliongroup.com/medallion-financial-group-is-starting-a-revolution/) - Surfing the web to learn about your federal employee retirement benefits? The options don’t look so great, do they?You can try to sift through the textbook-style mountains of data, or read a million articles that are pretty much cut-and-pasted from OPM’s website (and take the gamble that they might actually tell you what you need
- [Is Lunch Killing Your Retirement?](https://medalliongroup.com/is-lunch-killing-your-retirement/) - There are so many different retirement savings calculators online. Search the phrase on Google and you’re likely to overload its servers with the possibilities.True, it’s not trending like one of the Kardashian sisters, but we’re talking about retirement savings calculators, not a lead story on Entertainment Tonight. Regardless, the results are in the millions.It Adds
- [Thrift Savings Plan Funds – A World of Options?](https://medalliongroup.com/thrift-savings-plan-funds-a-world-of-options/) - Federal Employees with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) have five different funds to choose from.From the ultraconservative G Fund, which invests in short term US Treasuries; to the relatively aggressive I Fund, an investment in a stock index fund that tracks large companies in developed countries.I don’t think too many people are biting their nails
- [FEGLI: Not Another Pasta Course](https://medalliongroup.com/fegli-not-just-another-pasta-course/) - When you started your job in one of those cavernous government buildings downtown, you probably knew that you were sacrificing the dream of a corner office or keys to the partners’ restroom in exchange for the infamous federal government employee benefits.The vacation, sick leave, telecommuting, healthcare, and Thrift Savings Plan are all wonderful, but the
- [Understanding Your Survivor Benefits as a Federal Employee](https://medalliongroup.com/understanding-your-survivor-benefits-as-a-federal-employee/) - The retirement annuities under CSRS and FERS have a survivor benefit option that can provide your spouse with an annuity after your death.Your spouse’s survivor annuity can be up to 55% of your full retirement annuity if you are a CSRS employee, or up to 50% for employees under FERS.Your spouse’s initial survivor annuity will
- [What You Need to Know About DIY Financial Planning](https://medalliongroup.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-diy-financial-planning-and-infographic/) - Planning for your own retirement can be stressful, to say the least.Will I have enough money to live?Am I doing it right?What am I missing?Unfortunately, do-it-yourself financial planning often leads to emotional decisions—buying high, selling low, chasing last years’ success stories… It can produce subpar results and become a detriment to retirement accounts that aren’t
- [Beneficiary Review](https://medalliongroup.com/beneficiary-review/) - Back in 2012, Forbes online published an article titled “ Dead man’s outdated beneficiary documents give one million to ex-wife." Can you imagine?This guy would probably be turning in his grave if he realized that he accidentally gave one million dollars to the wrong person!The story goes on to explain how this man went to
- [Reviewing Your SF-50 (with an infographic)](https://medalliongroup.com/reviewing-your-sf-50-with-an-infographic/) - Your SF-50 may be the most important document you have when it comes to your federal benefits. The information on its pages has the power to affect your retirement date, vacation and sick leave accrual, pension vesting, and more. It pays to make sure the information is accurate and complete.We’ve come up with a simple
- [Our Charm City Adventure](https://medalliongroup.com/our-charm-city-adventure/) - This past weekend the entire Medallion Group Team made the 45-minute trip up I-95 to the grand ole city of Baltimore for a three-day training conference.We listened to various speakers cover a range of topics related to financial services. Over all, the trip was a smashing success, and we have already started implementing much of
- [C Fund, F Fund, and I Fund of the Thrift Savings Plan](https://medalliongroup.com/c-fund-f-fund-and-i-fund-thrift-savings-plan/) - The C,F, and I Funds are three of the five funds in the Federal Government’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., of BlackRock, Inc., the largest money manager in the world with over $4.5 trillion under management, manages the C,F, and I Funds along with the S Fund.Today, we will focus on the
- [CSRS Retirement: The Old Faithful of Pension Plans](https://medalliongroup.com/csrs-retirement-the-old-faithful-of-pension-plans/) - Diminishing CSRS Covered WorkforceEach year that goes by there are less and less Federal Employees covered under CSRS (Civil Service Retirement System). It may be before the end of the decade when only a few remain to walk about the cavernous corridors of our Federal office buildings.Around 10% of the Federal workforce is currently covered
- [Service Computation Date: The Key to Your Federal Benefits](https://medalliongroup.com/service-computation-date-the-key-to-your-federal-benefits/) - There are potentially five different Service Computation Dates (SCD) that you should be familiar with.They are used to determine your leave accrual rate, career tenure, in grade pay increases, retirement eligibility, retirement annuity, retention position during a reduction in force, and TSP vesting.For many Federal Employees, their service computation date, for all purposes, is the
- [Federal Employee Life Insurance Basics](https://medalliongroup.com/federal-employee-life-insurance-basic/) - The Value in Just the BasicsFederal Employee Life Insurance has many options but what is often lost with having so much choice is the value of the Basic coverage. The Basic Federal Employee life insurance provided by FEGLI is a valuable Federal benefit that will come in handy for your family in time of need.We
- [Social Security Spousal Benefits for Federal Employees](https://medalliongroup.com/social-security-spousal-benefits/) - Social Security for Federal EmployeesNavigating the Social Security benefits system is difficult enough for an individual, and it becomes even more complicated when trying to coordinate your benefits with your spouse.It is important to analyze your options and create a plan that will maximize benefits for both you and your spouse.When you file for Social
- [Is $1 Million Enough to Retire Today?](https://medalliongroup.com/is-1-million-enough-to-retire-today/) - One of the most important Financial Planning questions is, “How much money will I need to retire?"The problem is that there is no magic number that is right for everyone, and it is always a great idea to consult a retirement financial adviser.But for the sake of this discussion, let’s assume that you have diligently
- [5 Commonly Used Financial Idioms and Their Origins](https://medalliongroup.com/5-commonly-used-financial-idioms-and-their-origins/) - Did you ever wonder where the phrase “make money hand over fist" comes from? You probably know what it means intuitively, but if you break it down word for word, it just makes no sense.Yet people use it every day on television, at work, and in casual conversation. We thought it would be fun to
- [Kathleen Casey-Kirschling: The First Baby Boomer](https://medalliongroup.com/kathleen-casey-kirschling-the-first-baby-boomer/) - If you are a member of the Baby Boomer generation, you are in the process of or perhaps have already began retirement. It can be complicated to navigate, and getting someone to help with with planning your federal employee retirement benefits and policies is a great way to set yourself up to enjoy life after
- [Thrift Savings Plan Withdrawal Options: Enjoying the Nest Egg](https://medalliongroup.com/tsp-withdrawal-options-enjoying-the-nest-egg/) - Time to Withdraw from Your TSP?You have retired from the Federal Government. Your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is brimming with your contributions, the government’s matching contributions, and the growth of these investments. The question is, what should you do with this basket full of money?The government offers several ways to withdraw your federal TSP money,
- [G and S Funds: The Yin and Yang of the Thrift Savings Plan](https://medalliongroup.com/g-and-s-funds-the-yin-and-yang-of-the-tsp/) - The G and S Funds: Part of the TSP FamilyOne of the most frequently voiced complaints about the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the lack of variety within the allocation options it offers. However, the G and S Funds alone are very diverse investment vehicles.G Fund FactsSome G Fund basics1:The G stands for Government Securities
- [TSP Rollovers: A Scandal in the Making?](https://medalliongroup.com/tsp-rollovers-a-scandal-in-the-making/) - TSP Rollovers Make Bad PressLately, there has been a splash of negative articles about feds choosing to roll their TSP accounts over to IRA’s and managing funds themselves.45% of federal retirees take their money out of the TSP, causing a reduction of about $10 billion per year from the $420 billion it currently holds.So What’s
- [The CSRS Survivor Annuity vs. Life Insurance: The Dilemma](https://medalliongroup.com/the-csrs-survivor-annuity-vs-life-insurance-the-dilemma/) - When planning for your future, as a Civil Service Retirement System employee, one of the considerations you need to make is which CSRS survivor benefits you want to choose for your spouse. Although there are a few beneficiary designation options to consider such as FEHB Health Insurance, FEGLI Life Insurance, and Voluntary Contribution plan, when
- [Halloween Reflections and 3 Scary Facts About Retirement](https://medalliongroup.com/halloween-reflections-and-3-scary-facts-about-retirement/) - As a certified financial planner, I have seen some pretty scary things. Forget the ghouls, goblins, and ghosts of Halloween time! They don't hold a candle to the horror of not planning for retirement.It’s All About the ChocolateThere’s a house in my neighborhood that goes all out for Halloween every year. You know the type–decked
- [Medicaid and Money](https://medalliongroup.com/medicaid-and-money/) - Getting old is not for sissies. Especially if one’s health begins to fail. Yet most of us will agree that getting old sure beats the alternative. Yeah, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, and Bruce Lee are forever young in our minds, but they missed a whole lot of livin’. To make sure we enjoy life, many
- [CSRS Voluntary Contribution Program – The Additional Annuity Option](https://medalliongroup.com/csrs-voluntary-contribution-program-the-additional-annuity-option/) - A Big Benefit With a Cinderella StoryWhile the CSRS Voluntary Contribution Program (VCP) can be a great benefit for CSRS employees, it is often given far less attention than the CSRS retirement annuity and the FEHB plan.However, the VCP offers great options like the opportunity to supercharge a Roth IRA account or have a second
- [Service Computation Date: The Effect of Nonpay Status](https://medalliongroup.com/service-computation-date-the-effect-of-nonpay-status/) - Nonpay StatusWho would have thought that you could still accrue time toward your federal employee retirement benefits while in nonpay status and without having to adjust your service computation date? Well, it turns out that you can.Various Service Computation DatesAs we discussed in a previous article, there is no one-size-fits-all Service Computation Date (SCD) for
- [What Legacy Are You Going To Leave?](https://medalliongroup.com/what-legacy-are-you-going-to-leave/) - I have attended many industry seminars and conferences as a certified financial planner. I enjoy a good motivational speaker, but one that really sticks with me is Dr. Jerry Linenger, a retired U.S. Navy flight surgeon and NASA astronaut.Many TrialsHis story is reported to be one of the most dangerous and dramatic missions in space
- [Are Federal Employees Not Putting Enough Money into the TSP?](https://medalliongroup.com/are-federal-employees-not-putting-enough-money-into-the-tsp/) - The Head of BlackRock SpeaksLarry Fink, the head of the company that manages all of the TSP funds (except the G fund), stated in the October meeting of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board that he is concerned that Federal Employees are not putting enough money into the TSP (Thrift Savings Plan).The government automatically contributes
- [FEHB: So Many Options to Choose From](https://medalliongroup.com/fehb-so-many-options-to-choose-from/) - FEHB Open Season is HereThe Federal Employee Health Benefits, or FEHB open season is upon us. Federal Employees and retirees have until December 8th to make changes to their health care coverage for the upcoming year.FEHB Covers Many and Has Many ChoicesAccording to OPM, the FEHB covers approximately 8.2 million people, and in 2015 there
- [TSP Withdrawal Options: In-Service, Age-Based and Still Trucking](https://medalliongroup.com/tsp-withdrawal-options-in-service-age-based-and-still-trucking/) - When it comes to TSP withdrawal options, three choices usually come to mind: early withdrawal due to financial problems, early withdrawal for a down payment on a house (exempt from the 10% early withdrawal penalty), or monthly withdrawals in retirement.Federal Employees often forget that they can also make a penalty-free withdrawal once they reach age
- [It’s Not a Bird or a Plane: It’s The S Fund!](https://medalliongroup.com/its-not-a-bird-or-a-plane-its-the-s-fund/) - Look! Up in the sky!We all remember that catchy 60’s theme song…Faster than a speeding bullet.More powerful than a locomotive.Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.The Superman FundIf they were to print T-shirts for each of the TSP funds, the S Fund would have a big ol’ Superman “S" on the front, complete
- [Passing Down the Good Life with Baking Cookies Holiday Traditions](https://medalliongroup.com/passing-down-the-good-life-with-baking-cookies-holiday-traditions/) - Hawaiian SantaWhen I was a kid, I always wondered how it was possible to celebrate Christmas in a place where there wasn’t even the slightest chance of snow. If you live in Honolulu, does Santa come down the chimney in a Hawaiian shirt and lei? If you live in the American Southwest do you decorate
- [Your 2015 Financial Resolutions](https://medalliongroup.com/your-2015-financial-resolutions/) - Weight, Taxes, and MemoirsIn the weeks before Christmas we often dwell too much on what we don’t have or what we have not accomplished, instead of counting our blessings.We start making goals and resolutions, usually about losing weight, getting our taxes done early, or (my favorite) writing our memoirs.Changes at the MarginsBut if you do
- [What’s Ahead for the Feds in 2015?](https://medalliongroup.com/whats-ahead-for-the-feds-in-2015/) - Cliched Investment StrategiesIn almost every family, there’s a relative who tries to dominate the dinner conversation with cliched investment strategies. Often, these so-called “strategies" just create more confusion, offer few specifics, and fail to provide a plan of action.When you get right down to it, you just can’t do much with advice like, “Invest in
- [Will You Outlive Your Money?](https://medalliongroup.com/will-you-outlive-your-money/) - There are far more seniors living today than ever before. As a group, they are more active, healthier and more involved than any previous generation. However, this longevity and active lifestyle, which most of us call “livin,’" is expensive.In fact, with gas and food prices on the rise, Americans’ disposable income is under a nasty
- [The Service Computation Date Comes in Five Flavors](https://medalliongroup.com/the-service-computation-date-comes-in-five-flavors-2/) - This article was originally posted on FedSmith.com by John Stohlman. John has been working with clients to help them achieve retirement success since 1987 and is designated as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant (ChFEBC®).The Service Computation Date (SCD)There are five different service computation dates that you should be familiar
- [The Impact of Inflation on Your Federal Employee Retirement](https://medalliongroup.com/the-impact-of-inflation-on-your-federal-employee-retirment-2/) - Keeping Inflation in MindWhen designing your retirement plan and investment portfolio, it is important to invest with the impact of inflation in mind. Inflation decreases your purchasing power over time and erodes investment returns.To maintain your standard of living over a federal employee retirement that could last 30 years or more you must combat this
- [The CSRS Voluntary Contribution Program](https://medalliongroup.com/the-csrs-voluntary-contribution-program/) - This article was written by Federal Navigators and was originally posted on FedSmith.com. The CSRS Voluntary Contribution Program has been available to CSRS or CSRS Offset employees for many years. VCP can be a very useful option for the CSRS employee to significantly increase their retirement savings by allowing them to contribute up to
- [Baby Boomers: Worse Off Than Their Parents in Retirement](https://medalliongroup.com/baby-boomers-worse-off-than-their-parents-in-retirement/) - 2008: The Baby Boomers’ Swan SongA Businessweek Online article tells the story of Lee Manchester. Lee is a 61-year-old Baby Boomer. She worked hard her whole life and even tried to start her own business back in the 80’s.Today, she finds herself with only $120,000 in a 401(k) retirement account and a home that she
- [Thrift Savings Plan Millionaires:  An Example for Us All](https://medalliongroup.com/the-tsps-millionaires-an-example-for-us-all/) - The NumberIn December 2013, the government announced that the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)’s millionaires had reached an all-time high of over 1,600. That may not seem too impressive when you consider that there are currently over 2.7 million Federal Employees.However, no one goes into government service thinking they are going to be the next dot.com
- [Retired on a Cruise Ship: The Ultimate Form of Assisted Living](https://medalliongroup.com/retired-on-a-cruise-ship-the-ultimate-form-of-assisted-living/) - Contributing to a 401k retirement plan, hiring a personal financial adviser, and smart investments are all ways you can prepare for life after the workforce. And if you are lucky, you may be able to plan for a retirement as cool as "Mamma Lee".Lee Wachstetter’s story went viral across the internet. The 86 year-old woman
- [529 Plan vs. Life Insurance](https://medalliongroup.com/529-plan-vs-life-insurance/) - The Media DebateIt’s hard to turn on the TV or listen to the radio nowadays without hearing a commercial about investing in a 529 plan or buying insurance as a way to pay for college.A certified financial planner is an excellent resource to help find out what route is best for you, but in the
- [Life After Retirement: Shirley Temple More Than a Hollywood Icon](https://medalliongroup.com/life-after-retirement-shirley-temple-more-than-a-hollywood-icon/) - Though Shirley Temple was a child star that faded from the spotlight, she never ceased to be an iconic force in whatever she pursued. She had a career by the age of three and retired by the age of 22 and in a second marriage. However, as she ended her career as a United Nations
- [CSRS Offset: Who Are You?](https://medalliongroup.com/csrs-offset-who-are-you/) - CSRSWhen we talk about federal benefits, we are usually talking about CSRS or FERS employees.In most cases, employees who started government service before January 1, 1984 are CSRS employees, with a retirement benefit based almost solely on a pension.Employees under CSRS don’t contribute to Social Security, so they don’t receive Social Security benefits unless they
- [The TSP Moves Closer to Offering Mutual Fund Options](https://medalliongroup.com/the-tsp-moves-closer-to-offering-mutual-fund-options/) - Flight from the TSPIn 2012, 45% of those who left government work withdrew completely from the TSP, totaling $10 billion in total withdrawals.Federal Employees who are over age 59½, but still working, took out another $2 billion. Much of this $12 billion total was rolled over into IRA accounts.This is causing major concern among the
- [6 Little-Known Facts About FERS Retirement](https://medalliongroup.com/6-little-known-facts-about-fers-retirement/) - More than a Three-Legged StoolMost Federal Employees are familiar with the of the FERS retirement program—the basic annuity, TSP investments, and Social Security.But there’s more to the FERS retirement system than these basic components. We’ve gathered 6 little-known FERS retirement facts to spark your interest and help you maximize your retirement.1. Collecting Social Security and
- [Does Online Financial Planning Really Work? The Dawn of the Robo-Advisor](https://medalliongroup.com/does-online-financial-planning-really-work-the-dawn-of-the-robo-advisor/) - Just about anything nowadays can be done online, from paying bills to ordering groceries. There’s even been talk of finding ways to perform surgery via the internet.So why not financial planning? Welcome to the dawn of the robo-advisor; an algorithm designed to fill in the place of a certified financial advisor.The Evolution of Online Portfolio
- [Life After Retirement: Wayne Shipley, Filmmaker](https://medalliongroup.com/life-after-retirement-wayne-shipley-filmmaker/) - An Amazing Second CareerFor most people, life after retirement is a time a to relax, travel, and spend more time with family and friends. It can really be what you make it, and a certified financial planner can help you plan for what you'd like to do. Wayne Shipley’s life after retirement is a story
- [Required Minimum Distribution Deadline](https://medalliongroup.com/required-minimum-distribution-deadline/) - The 15th of April, the nationally known Tax Day, is the deadline for everyone to file their taxes. However, that is not the only deadline this year in April.If you have money in a personal fund, such as an IRA, 401(k), Simplified Employee Pension, or other retirement account that involves rollovers, you may need to
- [Building a Sufficient Retirement Nest Egg](https://medalliongroup.com/building-a-sufficient-retirement-nest-egg/) - It’s the same old story: you’re going about your everyday routine and then all of a sudden retirement comes into focus. Turning 50 and not having anything put away for retirement leaves you breaking out in a sweat at night as you try to fall asleep.You envisioned leaving work at an age when you could
- [Then and Now: The Stock Market Crashes of 1929 and 2008](https://medalliongroup.com/then-and-now-the-stock-market-crashes-of-1929-and-2008/) - Downton Abbey and the InevitableOne of the most popular shows on TV right now is Downton Abbey, the BBC’s historical drama about the residents of a grand manor house in the English countryside from 1912-1924. Since the show first began the family and servants of Downton have been through the sinking of the Titanic, World
- [OPM Breach: Update](https://medalliongroup.com/opm-breach-update/) - OPM HackedYou probably remember that in early June, the Obama administration and OPM announced that the OPM systems were breached in April, and that the information of around 4 million Federal Employees was compromised.A Second BreachUnfortunately, we now know about a second, more severe breach of the same systems that exposed the information of 19
- [Famous Federal Employees](https://medalliongroup.com/famous-federal-employees-issue-1/) - Our nation is run by some amazing people. The men and women who work for the Federal Government are not only hard workers, but they are dedicated to doing great things for the citizens of our country. Many of them have gone on to become quite famous!It’s astounding how many former Federal Employees are now
- [The Roth TSP, Remember Me?](https://medalliongroup.com/the-roth-tsp-remember-me/) - This article was originally written by our own John Stohlman and posted on FedSmith.com.The Roth TSP, Remember Me?With all the talk about the TSP possibly opening up a mutual fund window and expanding withdrawal options, you may have forgotten that it also offers a Roth option, which began in 2012.The Roth TSP combines the after-tax
- [How to Handle Financially Dependent Adult Children](https://medalliongroup.com/be-fair-to-yourself-how-to-handle-financially-dependent-adult-children/) - Being FairDear Medallion Group,I have two sons. One is doing very well, financially. The other married late, has a big mortgage, two car payments, and costly private school tuition for his two daughters. We want to help him out, but we don’t want to be unfair to our other more financially successful child. How can
- [Fees vs. Commissions](https://medalliongroup.com/fees-vs-commissions/) - One of the most important lessons in life is learning who to trust. We feel lucky that almost all of the advisors we’ve met in the financial world are honest, hard-working folk. They are trying to earn a living while helping clients grow and protect their investments.However, within this framework, brokers each have their own
- [OPM Hacked: What You Need To Know and What You Can Do](https://medalliongroup.com/opm-hacked-what-you-need-to-know-and-what-you-can-do/) - Last week, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that in April they found a data breach in their system from last year. OPM manages security clearances for most government agencies, as well as managing the Federal Civil Service. What Happened? According to OPM, the breach may have compromised the personal information of four
- [What to Consider When Thinking About Getting an Immediate Annuity](https://medalliongroup.com/the-immediate-annuity-living-at-the-next-level/) - In his book Living at the Next Level: Insight for Reaching Your Dreams, John Maxwell wrote, Every time you discover something new, ask yourself three questions: ‘Where can I use this?’ ‘When can I use this?’ and ‘Who needs to know it?’ This truth also applies in life and finances. Very few financial products are
- [Buried Under: Managing Your Financial Papers](https://medalliongroup.com/buried-under-managing-your-financial-papers/) - According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans dispose of more than 250 million tons of trash each year, and recycle 82 million or so more. But no matter how much we throw away, we always seem to end up with a stack of paperwork somewhere in the house that just keeps growing. Am I Keeping
- [Inflation and Jurassic World](https://medalliongroup.com/inflation-and-jurassic-world/) - “Jurassic World," just one of the summer’s major blockbusters, has been raking in the ticket sales. The fourth movie in the Jurassic franchise took just 13 days to reach $1 billion at the international box office, the quickest ever to do so (“The Avengers" took 14 days to reach that amount).The first weekend alone saw
- [Meet Our Interns](https://medalliongroup.com/meet-our-interns/) - This summer we are thrilled to welcome nine interns to our company. A few of these wonderful high school and college kids work with us year-round, but most of them are here for the first time this summer. Our interns are given the opportunity to work on many different projects, including web design, writing, and
- [Financial Planning Disaster: The Tim Duncan Story](https://medalliongroup.com/financial-planning-disaster-the-tim-duncan-story/) - There was a recent story about NBA and San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan losing over $20 million in investments. He got advice from a certified financial planner with a conflict of interest, and now that money is gone after the investments tanked. This has the potential to have many people scared and worried about
- [Life After Retirement: Fran Tarkenton](https://medalliongroup.com/life-after-retirement-fran-tarkenton/) - Retirement is the end goal for a lot of people. There are hundreds of different ways to save for retirement, and many people save fervently, looking forward to the day when they can stop working. But some people, including a series of famous figures, have gone on to lead very successful second careers after retiring
- [Investing When You Don’t Have A Lot Of Money](https://medalliongroup.com/investing-when-you-dont-have-a-lot-of-money/) - Investing can be difficult for anyone. There are so many types of investments to choose from, all with different conditions, minimums, goals, purposes, commitments, riders, and more. So even if you’re just an average Joe looking to put some savings into the market, you have a lot of decisions to make and details to consider
- [Facts About TSP Withdrawals](https://medalliongroup.com/facts-about-tsp-withdrawals/) - Our own John Stohlman writes for FedSmith.com from time to time and we also get to benefit from his writing. Recently, he wrote about TSP withdrawals, an important topic to be well versed on for any federal employee or retiree. 5 Facts About TSP Withdrawals So you’ve spent your career putting money into your account,
- [10 Great College Towns For Retirees](https://medalliongroup.com/10-great-college-towns-for-retirees/) - College towns are popular retirement destinations because they offer great amenities like places to eat, things to do, diverse communities, and lots of sports games for weekend entertainment. We’ve come up with a list of 10 great college towns for retirees around the country. Enjoy! 1. Ann Arbor, Michigan University of Michigan Ann Arbor is
- [How Does Life Insurance Work?](https://medalliongroup.com/how-does-life-insurance-work/) - Let’s be honest: federal employee life insurance isn’t a pleasant topic. But it’s something most people eventually need, and it’s important to understand how it works. Simply put, with life insurance, you pay premiums to the insurance company so that the company will pay a certain amount to your family when you die to cover
- [Buying Domestic: Is it Worth It?](https://medalliongroup.com/buying-domestic-is-it-worth-it/) - One of my favorite stories is about a boy on the beach. After a big storm comes through he begins picking up starfish and throwing them back into the ocean. By and by, an old man walking along the beach strikes up a conversation with the boy. “Son," he explains, “there’s been a big storm.
- [What are CDs and Annuities?](https://medalliongroup.com/what-are-cds-and-annuities/) - I’m always suspicious of those magazine ads selling socks or sweatshirts that say “one size fits all." I’m a pretty big guy, with 50-inch shoulders, that still plays rugby with “The Old Boys Club." However, my brother is tall and a little on the thin side. The point is, there’s no way the two of
- [Are Annuities Only Good for the Person Selling Them?](https://medalliongroup.com/are-annuities-only-good-for-the-person-selling-them/) - I was in the police station the other day getting fingerprinted (required by FINRA for all registered securities reps) and as I was pulling up my sleeves to stick my finger in the ink, the police officer asked me why I was there. When I told him that I’m a registered investment representative and it’s
- [Town Hall Meeting on Major Time Sensitive Changes to Social Security](https://medalliongroup.com/event-town-hall-meeting-on-major-time-sensitive-changes-to-social-security/) - The budget bill signed into law on Monday, Nov. 2, 2015 made significant changes that could impact your Social Security options and your optimal collection strategy. Here are a few key points you need to know: The bill is eliminating the popular “file and suspend" strategy. However, those already utilizing this strategy will be grandfathered
- [Retired Sports Stars- What they did after retirement](https://medalliongroup.com/retired-sports-stars-what-they-did-after-retirement/) - We see sports stars out on the field all the time. They’re sports stars, it’s what they do! We watch them and cheer them on. We celebrate when they win and are crushed when they are defeated. They represent cities and countries in various games. But what do they do when they hang up the
- [Chicken Little and The Stock Market Swoon](https://medalliongroup.com/chicken-little-and-the-stock-market-swoon/) - It’s no secret that the stock market is extremely volatile. The only guarantee is that it will go up and down, and wide swings can make even the savviest investor nervous. Sometimes it’s enough to make you want to pull out everything you’ve got. The Sky is Falling The 24/7 news cycle inflames investor concerns
- [Annuities: The Financial Swiss Army Knife](https://medalliongroup.com/annuities-the-financial-swiss-army-knife/) - From politics to religion, it’s no secret that this country is sharply divided on many issues. Remember when Republican Ronald Reagan was President and Tip O’Neal was the Democratic Leader? Although the two great men often argued vehemently, their disagreements were never personal. Reason always seemed to prevail, and at the end of the day,
- [Albert Einstein and Our Tax Code](https://medalliongroup.com/albert-einstein-and-our-tax-code/) - The great physicist and philosopher Albert Einstein once said, “The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax!" The man was a genius and even he couldn’t make sense of our tax code, and it’s only gotten worse over the years. The Ever-Changing Tax Code Since 1914, the tax code has changed
- [Annuities Have Big Tax Advantages Over CDs](https://medalliongroup.com/annuities-have-big-tax-advantages-over-cds/) - The most important skill a financial planner brings to the table for their client is not knowledge, designations, or even experience. A planner’s most important asset is his or her ability to put down the pen and listen to each client’s wants, needs, anxieties, hopes, and dreams. It is only then that he or she
- [5 Ways to Set You and Your Children on a Path to Financial Success](https://medalliongroup.com/5-ways-to-set-you-and-your-children-on-a-path-to-financial-success/) - You're never too young to start learning how to deal with the tool called "money." Once children are old enough to complete basic age-appropriate chores and want to spend money on things they see when out shopping, it's time to get them on the path to financial success. Teachable moments happen when kids start saving
- [Reasons Women Should Look Into Long-Term Care](https://medalliongroup.com/reasons-women-should-look-into-long-term-care/) - 1) Women Live Longer. It’s no secret that women generally live longer than men, and there are plenty of statistics to prove it. And while a longer life is surely a blessing, it can also present many hardships if you don’t plan properly. This includes planning for health setbacks, long term finances, and speaking to
- [4 Ways to Help Prepare your Finances for the Unexpected](https://medalliongroup.com/4-ways-to-help-prepare-your-finances-for-the-unexpected/) - Are you and your finances prepared for a rainy day? Major fluctuations in the market, new legislation, unexpected health issues and more can put stress on your budget. But, planning ahead can help you handle unforeseen circumstances if and when they arrive. Here are a few steps to consider. Check up on your finances. It’s
- [Should You Invest In Companies That You Don’t Believe In?](https://medalliongroup.com/should-you-invest-in-companies-that-you-dont-believe-in/) - Socially Responsible Investing As the array of investment options continues to grow, investors have the opportunity to be more and more selective about the companies they choose to invest in, often choosing or rejecting certain stocks according to the ethical principles of the company they represent. There are many terms used to describe this trend;
- [Collapsing Life Insurance](https://medalliongroup.com/collapsing-life-insurance/) - Life Insurance. Those words are enough to make many people’s eyes roll over into the backs of their heads. Some people think it’s boring. Others simply don’t want to think about the fact that death is involved in anybody’s collection of “life" insurance. Still, each month provides hundreds of millions of dollars to widows, widowers,
- [Exciting Changes at Medallion](https://medalliongroup.com/exciting-changes-at-medallion/) - After working as Laura’s assistant since 2002, Suzanne is becoming a Financial Advisor taking on her own clients full time, and will primarily be working to assist federal employees with retirement planning and preparation. Suzanne is working towards earning her ChFC designation, with 6 classes down and only 2 more to go. With over 15
- [Shred Fest 2016](https://medalliongroup.com/april-30th-shred-fest-2016/) - On Saturday, April 30th we hosted our annual Shred Fest event to celebrate the end of tax season!Clients gathered their old documents and joined us for FREE on-site shredding, live music, refreshments, and a raffle drawing for a prize!We also collected canned food items for a local food bank and old eyeglasses for the Lion’s
- [FAQ- Will I have to work more after retirement? [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/will-i-have-to-work-more-after-retirement-video-1/) - Retirement. It’s something everyone thinks about and looks forward to enjoying. The idea of waking up without being tied to an alarm clock – to know that your day is yours. It’s a dream most people can’t wait to fulfill. Many of those people, though, have one common question: Will I have to
- [Event: June 2016 Wine, Women, & Finance](https://medalliongroup.com/event-june-2016-wine-women-finance/) - On June 23rd and June 28th we hosted our traditional Wine, Women & Finance Seminar in the Medallion Conference Center.Laura, Suzanne and John gave an informative presentation regarding the unique challenges women investors face as retirement approaches; the new social security laws; and leaving a legacy to children and grandchildren.Our guests enjoyed the discussion while
- [Don't Panic](https://medalliongroup.com/dont-panic/) - If you’ve been watching market headlines, you probably heard that markets tumbled in the first days of 2016, raising the specter of corrections and bear markets. When markets swing, it’s natural to worry about your investments and question your commitment to your strategy. As financial professionals, here is what we recommend you do when markets
- [Event: Understanding Trusts, Wills, and Powers of Attorney](https://medalliongroup.com/event-understanding-trusts-wills-and-powers-of-attorney/) - On August 2nd, 2016, we hosted a special educational opportunity, where attendees learned about the operation of a trust during life, disability and death. We covered topics like:Is a Living Trust revocable or irrevocable?What’s the difference between a Testamentary Trust and a Living Trust?Changes that have been made to estate law, including:Federal HIPPA regulations (regarding
- [Are You Setting Up Your Family For a Feud?](https://medalliongroup.com/are-you-setting-up-your-family-for-a-feud/) - Since 1976 (with brief blackouts), Family Feud has been providing entertainment based around family unity.The game show premise has family members working together to come up with the right answers. While members may dispute, the time restrictions mandate a quick consensus.Sometimes families find themselves in similar circumstances when a loved one has not made known
- [Americans Underestimate Need for Long-Term Care](https://medalliongroup.com/americans-underestimate-need-for-long-term-care/) - According to a survey conducted by USAA, only ¼ of U.S. adults believe they are likely to need long-term care, despite predictions from independent organizations that half of the American population is likely to need some form of this specialized and potentially costly health care service.USAA commissioned the survey to determine how much consumers understand
- [October 27th: Oktoberfest](https://medalliongroup.com/october-27th-oktoberfest/) - Autumn harkened our tastes to beer.Our clients and their guests joined us for this fun event and sampled a few brews while enjoying food and fun door prizes on Thursday, October 27th.Our Special Guest Scott, the Brewmaster from Olde Towne Gaithersburg’sGrowlers, brought entertaining enlightenment about his craft.At Medallion Financial Group, we believe financial planning is
- [Event: Understanding Social Security Benefits](https://medalliongroup.com/event-understanding-social-security-benefits/) - At Medallion Financial, one of the most important things we provide our clients is timely information and professional advice. On November 17th , John and Laura Stohlman presented facts and information to help attendees understand social security options. Topics covered were:What is the impact on my benefit if I collect prior to full retirement age?What
- [Financial Planning: Don't Put All Your Eggs In One Basket](https://medalliongroup.com/dont-put-all-your-eggs-in-one-basket/) - We have all heard the saying, “Don’t put all of your eggs in one basket."I heard it many times as a young child growing up in Lawrenceville, Georgia. One day that saying took on literal meaning.When age seven or eight, I walked down the dirt road to help our neighbor, Mrs. Still, a wonderful grandmotherly
- [5 Things Retirees Should Know About Social Security Benefits](https://medalliongroup.com/5-things-retirees-should-know-about-social-security-benefits/) - For most Americans, Social Security will provide a significant portion of their income in retirement.It's ImportantAccording to Social Security Administration (SSA) statistics, Social Security benefits account for about 34 percent of retirement income for the average American.1One of the biggest mistakes today’s retirees can make is to underestimate the importance of Social Security in their
- [Shred Fest 2017](https://medalliongroup.com/shred-fest-2017/) - On Saturday, April 22nd, we hosted our annual Shred Fest event to celebrate the end of tax season!Clients gathered their old documents and paperwork to join us for a FREE secure shredding party.Hosted on-site at Medallion Financial Group's office, we like to turn a mundane task into a party with live music, delicious refreshments, and
- [Event: Wine, Women, and Wealth](https://medalliongroup.com/event-wine-women-and-health/) - On May 4th, we hosted our popular Wine, Women, and Wealth seminar, which discussed how women investors face special challenges that make financial literacy and advanced planning especially important.Women are more likely to outlive their husbands or be disproportionately affected by a divorce, making long-term financial strategies especially critical.At Medallion Financial Group, we believe financial
- [43 Reasons Why You Need A Financial Advisor](https://medalliongroup.com/43-reasons-why-you-need-a-financial-advisor/) - FINANCIAL PLANNINGFinance can be overwhelming. There are different laws, tax codes, and nuances to navigate. When it comes to your retirement, there can be deadlines that make or break an investment or withdrawal period.A certified financial adviser can help you navigate all of the rules of investments and keep an eye out for your financial
- [Event: Aging and Your Mind](https://medalliongroup.com/event-aging-and-your-mind/) - John Carroll, from Deans Consulting LLC, came to share with us an engaging and educational presentation on how to set our bodies up for success as we age.He dispelled common myths about aging and confronted the uncomfortable, while providing healthy strategies for people of all ages on preventing cognitive decline, how aging affects our brains,
- [5 Unexpected Benefits Of Letting (Your Stuff) Go](https://medalliongroup.com/5-unexpected-benefits-of-letting-your-stuff-go/) - Disney's movie Frozen came out when I was in college. As catchy as it is mind numbing after the millionth time your child replays the famous musical debut, Let It Go, the song has some truth to its message (especially when applied to letting go of material goods you don't need). Fast forward a few
- [Shred Fest 2019](https://medalliongroup.com/shredfest-2019/) - As a child, my parents bribed me with toys to get good grades. Now that I'm an adult, the bribes are a lot less fun. Not Getting Arrested in exchange for Paying My Taxes isn't the same dopamine rush as getting the Super Soaker I really wanted when I was nine. Now that tax day
- [Shred Fest 2018](https://medalliongroup.com/shredfest-2018/) - This year we shredded 3,200 pounds of paper at Shred Fest 2018!Hosted on site at Medallion’s office on May 5th, 2018, we turned a mundane task into a party with live music, delicious refreshments, and THREE raffles! We served hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts, yogurt, hot coffee, cold artisan water, and other scrumptious breakfast foods while
- [Event: Organize and Downsize 2019](https://medalliongroup.com/event-organize-and-downsize-2019/) - Do you have too much stuff? You’re not alone. Americans are great at accumulating stuff, but not great at knowing when or how to let it go. Going through all your accumulated things can be daunting, but we’re here to help you reclaim your life on every level. Popular TV shows like Tidying Up with
- [TSP Modernization Act Webinar](https://medalliongroup.com/tsp-modernization-act-webinar/) - Please see the transcript of the webinar below: Ryan: All right, hello and welcome. My name is Ryan Dunn, I'm going to be one of your hosts this afternoon along with one of my partners, John Stohlman. We're going to be walking you through some of the changes to the TSP via the TSP Modernization
- [Should You Buy That New Car?](https://medalliongroup.com/should-you-buy-that-new-car/) - If you’re like me, the prospect of being without a car is a scary one. Cars are what we use to get around, whether it’s a trip to a friend’s house, a restaurant, the grocery store, work, or anything else. And they cost a lot of money, money that could be put into a 401K
- [Five Lessons I Learned As An Executor](https://medalliongroup.com/five-lessons-i-learned-as-an-executor/) - Recently, I had the unfortunate experience of being an executor for my grandmother’s estate. When I agreed to do it, I never could have imagined what was in store. There was no amount of financial planning experience, seminars, blog posts, books, etc., that could have prepared me for the task that I was faced with.
- [My Thoughts on the Coronavirus Crisis [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/my-thoughts-on-the-coronavirus-crisis/) - Hi folks, this is Dan Searles. I guess we're all wondering if we're in the middle of a zombie apocalypse here. I don't think we are. The economy has gone through real problems like this before, really atomic hits if you will, with Kennedy being assassinated, the Vietnam War, the tech bubble bursting, the 21%
- [Your TSP and the Coronavirus [Webinar]](https://medalliongroup.com/your-tsp-and-the-coronavirus-webinar-2/) - Watch the video or read The transcript of the webinar below:Ryan Dunn:All right. We are at the top of the hour, so we'll go ahead and get started. Hello and welcome. My name is Ryan Dunn. I'm a Charter Federal Employee Benefits Consultant and financial advisor. And I specialize in working with federal employees and
- [Your Investments and the Coronavirus](https://medalliongroup.com/your-investments-and-the-coronavirus/) - Watch the video or read the transcript of the webinar below:Ryan Dunn:All right. Hello and welcome. My name is Ryan Dunn and I'm joined by my partner and father-in-law, Dan Searles. We just wanted to make a quick video and talk to you a little bit about your investments and the Coronavirus. Dan, do you
- [Surviving Difficult Times with Fran Tarkenton [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/surviving-difficult-times-with-fran-tarkenton-video/) - I was fortunate to have the opportunity this week to interview Fran Tarkenton, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and successful entrepreneur and TV star. We were discussing "Surviving Difficult Times" which couldn't be more timely. I encourage you to take a little time and soak in his wisdom.Watch the video or read The transcript of
- [Establishing Reliable Retirement Income Portfolios [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/establishing-reliable-retirement-income-portfolios-video/) - Let’s explore how to establish Sustainable, Stable Retirement Income Portfolios Growth We all want growth in our portfolios and, ideally, that growth at least exceeds inflation. If you don't have growth in your investments, you're going to get poorer as you get older, which is not a good outcome. Usually, you garner growth with either
- [RMDs for 2020 are waived by the CARES Act [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/rmds-for-2020-are-waived-by-the-cares-act-video/) - The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is a relief bill passed by Congress in late March 2020 to provide economic relief to Americans during the current pandemic emergency. This bill has suspended the Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts for 2020.Who does this affect?Anyone with an RMD (Required Minimum Distribution)
- [Starting A Business After Federal Employee Retirement](https://medalliongroup.com/starting-a-business-after-retirement/) - Federal employee retirement can mean different things for different people. For some, it means traveling. For others, it means spending time with family.Starting a new business is an option that’s becoming more and more popular, and many retirees are launching successful startups as a second career.The Good, the Bad, and the UglyStarting a business after
- [Living Below Your Means: 10 Things to Give Up That You May Never Miss](https://medalliongroup.com/living-below-your-means-10-things-to-give-up-that-you-may-never-miss/) - Sometimes you may find yourself in a tighter financial situation than expected. Maybe you've found yourself in the middle of a world wide pandemic. Maybe that paycheck didn’t reach as far as you had hoped. Maybe there were more expenses than you thought. Maybe taxes just went up, or inflation is kicking you in the
- [Retirement SMART Goals](https://medalliongroup.com/smart-goals/) - You have probably heard of the term “SMART goals" before. The term has become a bit of a cliché these days and it’s almost impossible to listen to a motivational speaker or read a self-help guide without hearing the phrase. When something has become this overused it can become almost a natural reaction to ignore
- [FERS Civil Service Retirement: Why You Should be Planning](https://medalliongroup.com/fers-civil-service-retirement-why-you-should-be-planning/) - New Ideas Bring New ComplicationsIt’s human nature that when someone gets a good idea they want everyone to get on board. This also holds true for good ideas in the government.The Federal Government needed to replace the CSRS retirement system, so they came up with the FERS civil service retirement system instead.Of course, a retirement
- [Economic Impact Payment Reminder [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/economic-impact-payment-reminder-video/) - Hi, this is Josh Brunner from Medallion Financial.I was on the IRS website today and I came across an article.If anyone's still waiting for their stimulus check to come in and haven't received it, I would strongly encourage you to go to the website, IRS.gov, and click on "Get my Payment."Make sure they have your
- [Good News about Life Insurance [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/good-news-about-life-insurance-video/) - Today, Dan and his granddaughter, Avi, are here to share some good news about life insurance.In January of this year, the Trump administration passed a new rule where all life insurance companies have to use the 2017 mortality tables.What does it mean?It means that for all new policies, life insurance prices may very well go
- [Financial Planners Don't Have a Crystal Ball [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/financial-planners-dont-have-a-crystal-ball-video/) - Today I want to clear up a misnomer that I hear all the time.I get asked..."What does a financial planner do?""Can he get me out of the market and keep the stock market crash from happening to me?"The answer is No. We don't have a crystal ball to see the future. But what we can
- [Elections and Your Investments: My Candidate Lost…Do I Sell?](https://medalliongroup.com/elections-and-your-investments-my-candidate-lost-do-i-sell/) - All of us have had the experience of waking up the day after an election that we were really passionate about with a disappointment in the election outcome that makes us almost want to stay in bed. We don’t agree with the policies of the person who won and are worried about the impact those
- [If this Election Rocks the Market, Where is My Hope for Income?](https://medalliongroup.com/if-this-election-rocks-the-market-where-is-my-hope-for-income/) - When it comes to our finances, we all want to have certainty and assurance of our income, at least as much as possible. During an election year when emotions are running high, you may be tempted to pull your money from the market in an effort to protect it. However, this may not be the
- [7 Key Components of a Comprehensive Retirement Plan](https://medalliongroup.com/7-key-components-of-a-comprehensive-retirement-plan/) - In a 2019 survey, nearly half of all American adults reported having nothing saved for retirement. Another 19 percent had between $1 and $10,000 set aside, and 20 percent had between $10,000 and $100,000.This means that more than eight in every 10 adults have under $100,000 in dedicated retirement savings, at a time when the
- [Planning to Retire Within Five Years? Retirement Planning Questions You Should Consider Now](https://medalliongroup.com/planning-to-retire-within-five-years-retirement-planning-questions-you-should-consider-now/) - If you're planning to retire within five years, you might be getting restless thinking about whether or not you’re financially ready. While five years isn't long to finalize retirement planning, you can probably look forward to decades of retirement and, just as you would consult a doctor about your health or a realtor about property
- [Affordable Christmas Gift Ideas: Festive Holidays Without Breaking the Bank – Part 1](https://medalliongroup.com/affordable-christmas-gift-ideas-festive-holidays-without-breaking-the-bank-part-1/) - Holiday Shopping Season Comes Earlier and EarlierI think by now we’re all resigned to the fact that the Christmas shopping season starts right after Labor Day. A visit to your local Costco or Sam’s warehouse on the way back from an end-of-summer vacation makes that fairly clear, especially when they put those huge snowman animatrons
- [Affordable Christmas Gift Ideas: Festive Holidays Without Breaking the Bank – Part 2](https://medalliongroup.com/affordable-christmas-gift-ideas-festive-holidays-without-breaking-the-bank-part-2/) - Review In our first post in this series, Affordable Christmas Gift Ideas: Festive Holidays Without Breaking the Bank – Part 1, we gave you a few ideas and rules to follow to have a fantastic (and affordable) holiday season with your family. Besides shopping for your family, you probably have a dozen or more friends
- [Choosing a Financial Advisor: What to Know Before You Invest](https://medalliongroup.com/choosing-a-financial-advisor-what-to-know-before-you-invest/) - Choosing a financial advisor may be one of the most important financial decisions that you will ever make. The person you decide to work with will be in a position to influence critical investment and planning decisions, and the quality of his or her advice could heavily influence your long-term financial success.Whether you are preparing
- [Santa is Retired](https://medalliongroup.com/santa-is-retired/) - Santa Has Left the BuildingIf you haven’t already heard, Santa gave up his breaking-and-entering delivery schedule long ago. Initially, Sears, Macy’s, and Nordstroms took over. Today, Amazon, Target, and Etsy have taken the reins.Instead of having to send long, heartrending petitions to Santa pleading for a toy train, fire truck, or little doll with wooden
- [Happy Holidays & Happy New Year [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/happy-holidays-and-happy-new-year-video/) - Hello everybody, it's been a while since Avi and I have met with you, but she wanted to make a Christmas video, and I thought that was a great idea.Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year.2020's been really, really strange, but you know what? There have still been blessings within it.One
- [Top 5 Qualities to Look for in a Financial Planner](https://medalliongroup.com/top-5-qualities-to-look-for-in-a-financial-planner/) - As the adage goes, "no one will care more about your money than you do"—which means that selecting the right financial planner can require a great deal of trust. Financial advisors can help guide your investments and provide you with invaluable advice to help place your money where it has a good chance of working
- [How to Avoid when Something Bad Goes Wrong [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/how-to-avoid-when-something-bad-goes-wrong-video/) - So, what do you do when something bad goes wrong?You may get away with bad investing. As a matter of fact, I ran into somebody the other day who had all their money invested in Apple. Fortunately, that's been a very good stock. So, that's bad investing -- having a concentration like that --
- [Biden’s Proposals for Higher Taxes](https://medalliongroup.com/bidens-proposals-for-higher-taxes/) - During the presidential campaign Joe Biden made his tax priorities clear: He wants to eliminate the tax cuts of the Trump-era leading to higher taxes on corporations and the “rich." With the Democrats gaining control of the Senate, the possibility of the implementation of his tax agenda has become more likely.Of course, how much of
- [Estate and Death Taxes Proposal, More People Affected](https://medalliongroup.com/estate-and-death-taxes-proposal-more-people-affected/) - The new administration has made their tax priorities clear. They would like to return taxes to the prior levels. One of the most significant changes could affect the tax at transfer of the assets to heirs at death. With the administration's party now controlling both the House and the Senate, the possibility of these tax
- [How Do I Fit Social Security Into My Retirement Planning?](https://medalliongroup.com/how-do-i-fit-social-security-into-my-retirement-planning/) - Like most Americans, you've probably paid into Social Security during your entire working life. In return, you can begin to receive monthly income from this federal program once you retire. You have some control over when and how you receive payments. These choices and other sources of retirement income can impact your benefits and the
- [The Importance of Estate Planning in 2021: Part 1-Living Issues](https://medalliongroup.com/the-importance-of-estate-planning-in-2021-part-1-living-issues/) - Striving for Peace in Uncertain TimesWe are living in uncertain times. Currently, we are approaching the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic’s introduction to the US. Many of us know a friend or family member who has become sick with the virus or possibly even died as a result of contraction. With these events in
- [The Importance of Estate Planning in 2021: Part 2-Wills and Trusts](https://medalliongroup.com/the-importance-of-estate-planning-in-2021-part-2-wills-and-trusts/) - Striving for Peace in Uncertain TimesWe are living in uncertain times: the pandemic, a new administration and congress, with many parts of the economy struggling. There is a tone of worry and stress as many are attempting to register for a vaccine. We are all striving for peace of mind.Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic with its
- [The 2021 Updates for Required Minimum Distributions](https://medalliongroup.com/the-2021-updates-for-required-minimum-distributions/) - RMD Requirements for 2021 are backIn March of 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (also known as the CARES Act) waived the RMD requirements for 2020 for most taxpayers. This waiver was given to allow savers to leave the funds in their IRAs to grow and potentially recover losses incurred because of
- [The Importance of Estate Planning in 2021: Part 3-Leaving a Legacy](https://medalliongroup.com/the-importance-of-estate-planning-in-2021-part-3-leaving-a-legacy/) - Striving for Peace in Uncertain TimesWe have attended many industry seminars and conferences and we always enjoy a good motivational speaker. One that really sticks with us is Dr. Jerry Linenger, a retired U.S. Navy flight surgeon and NASA astronaut, because it really confirms the need for each of us to take time to write
- [What to Shred and What Not To Shred](https://medalliongroup.com/what-to-shred-and-what-not-to-shred/) - Cleaning UpDo you ever wonder what you can send through the shredder?According to the Environmental Protection Agency, each year Americans dispose of more than 292 million tons of trash. Additionally, we recycle 94 million or so more.And, if your house is like mine, we give a minivan load of stuff to Goodwill at least twice
- [4 Reasons to Consider an Age 59 ½ In-Service Withdrawal](https://medalliongroup.com/4-reasons-to-consider-an-age-59-in-service-withdrawal/) - An under-used and misunderstood strategy that can help you preserve your assets while managing risks associated with investing.Let us review a few of the basics of the “age 59 ½ in-service withdrawal." Many company plans such as 401(k), 403(b) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for federal employees, allow participants to withdraw funds while you are
- [3 Retirement Questions Federal Employees Should be Asking Now](https://medalliongroup.com/3-retirement-questions-federal-employees-should-be-asking-now/) - Making the transition from the workforce to retirement is a big decision. After years of service, you are close to settling into a more comfortable and less stressful, and demanding lifestyle. As professional financial advisors specializing in the retirement of Federal employees, we understand the challenges that may lie ahead and present this article to
- [Frequently Asked Questions You May Have If You Just Retired](https://medalliongroup.com/frequently-asked-questions-you-may-have-if-you-just-retired/) - You have most likely engaged in at least some retirement planning during your working life. You probably asked a lot of questions about how much you should save and even more so, how you can maximize your retirement resources. Once you finally reached retirement, you did not suddenly run out of questions. In fact, the
- [Federal Employees: Trust But Verify Before You Retire](https://medalliongroup.com/federal-employees-trust-but-verify-before-you-retire/) - For many long-term Federal Employees, the dream of retirement becomes tangible after reaching 20 or 25 years of creditable service, usually around ages 50 or 55.By then, you may even start counting the days until your retirement date. And hopefully, before that date comes, you've spoken with a federal employee retirement professional.Know Your Retirement DateLooking
- [FEGLI: The Basics – Coverage Options](https://medalliongroup.com/fegli-the-basics-coverage-options/) - What is Life Insurance?Life Insurance is a contract. If you pay the insurance company a certain amount of money each month and if you pass away during the contract period, the insurance company will pay your beneficiary a fixed amount of money.What is FEGLI?Federal Employee Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) is a group term life insurance
- [FEGLI, Gesundheit, and Your Life Insurance Needs Assessment](https://medalliongroup.com/fegli-gesundheit-and-your-life-insurance-needs-assessment-test/) - It can be devastating to choose the wrong Federal Employee Group Life Insurance plan. Before you make any decisions about what FEGLI option is right for you, taking the time to ask yourself a few questions can help you choose the plan that meets your needs both now and in the future. Before signing on
- [What is a Fiduciary and Why Should I Care?](https://medalliongroup.com/what-is-a-fiduciary-and-why-should-i-care/) - Perhaps you have heard the buzz about how financial advisors need to be fiduciaries. It comes up in many advertisements on T.V. and radio. Maybe you were surprised to hear that not all people who call themselves financial planners are required to put your interests above their own. It can be so confusing and begs
- [The Art of Choosing a Financial Planner](https://medalliongroup.com/the-art-of-choosing-a-financial-planner/) - Choosing a financial planner can be an extremely frustrating and overwhelming task. That’s probably why a lot of people simply avoid it altogether. With that said, please be aware that being overwhelmed is not a good enough reason to avoid seeking a qualified advisor.For many, having an advisor on their side who is knowledgeable, cares
- [Start Saving Now](https://medalliongroup.com/start-saving-now/) - There’s an old saying, “The best time to plant an oak tree was 20 years ago." Unfortunately, 20 years has passed, so the next best time to plant an oak tree is today.Poor Planning and a Poor AttitudeWe recently had a visit from a 58-year-old gentleman who had been through a nasty divorce that left
- [7 Myths About Financial Planning](https://medalliongroup.com/7-myths-about-financial-planning/) - Many people recognize the importance of financial planning today. Yet many still hold misconceptions about who can benefit from financial planning and how it can best benefit them.Myth #1: Financial planning is just for the wealthy.Financial planning isn’t about “getting wealthy"—it’s about helping people at all levels of income achieve their short-term and long-term financial
- [The S&P 500, Federal Employee Retirement, and NASCAR](https://medalliongroup.com/the-sp-500-retirement-nascar/) - My dad loved to watch sports. Nothing made for a more perfect Saturday than a couple of college games on either side of the dial and a NASCAR race in between. It didn’t take a hometown team on the screen to make the outcome matter, just intense competition and cheering fans on the sidelines.Oddly enough,
- [Irreversible Mistakes with Your Federal Benefits](https://medalliongroup.com/irreversible-mistakes-with-your-federal-benefits/) - Our recent post, Trust but Verify, showed that relying on your agency’s HR staff to determine your retirement qualifications can have serious consequences.There are many common mistakes that Federal Employees make regarding their benefits that can have irreversible effects, including the selection of FEGLI Option B by younger Federal Employees.While we can’t address every option
- [What is Life Insurance?](https://medalliongroup.com/what-is-life-insurance/) - The short answer is income replacement protection. But let’s dig in a bit deeper to see exactly what it means.The Real Purpose of Life InsuranceLife Insurance is not a lottery ticket. It is simply meant to replace the income that is lost with the unexpected death of a loved one so those left behind can
- [7 Basic Tips for Financial Success](https://medalliongroup.com/basic-tips-for-financial-success/) - One of the best gifts you can give your children is an education on the basics of financial responsibility. When a friend emailed us the other day and asked us to write down some basic financial tips for her son, a graduating high school senior, we gladly complied a brief list.After all, how many of
- [When Should You Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits?](https://medalliongroup.com/when-should-you-apply-for-social-security-retirement-benefits-part1/) - This is the first blog in our 3-part series: What FERS Retirees Should Know Before Starting Social Security Retirement Benefits & TSP WithdrawalsAre you ready to retire? If you are a FERS employee, you probably know that your retirement income is structured like a three-legged stool with these components:FERS Annuity / PensionSocial SecurityThrift Savings Plan
- [The Purpose of a Thrift Savings Plan & The Rule of 55](https://medalliongroup.com/the-purpose-of-a-thrift-savings-plan-and-the-rule-of-55-part2/) - This is the second blog in our 3-part series: What FERS Retirees Should Know Before Starting Social Security Retirement Benefits & TSP WithdrawalsRead Part 1: When Should You Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits?The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a defined contribution plan, which simply means that the employee is permitted to define how he
- [The Importance of Timing TSP Withdrawals vs. Early Social Security](https://medalliongroup.com/the-importance-of-timing-tsp-withdrawals-vs-early-social-security-part3/) - This is the third blog in our 3-part series: What FERS Retirees Should Know Before Starting Social Security Retirement Benefits & TSP WithdrawalsRead Part 1: When Should You Apply for Social Security Retirement Benefits?Read Part 2: The Purpose of a Thrift Savings Plan & The Rule of 55You’re nearing retirement and starting to think about
- [Invest in the Justice League](https://medalliongroup.com/invest-in-the-justice-league/) - Imagine that the Joker is on the loose in Gotham City. He’s doing his normal Joker thing: robbing banks and breaking things, and he has Joker-dressed goons running all over the city.Not only that, but let’s say that the Riddler is also wreaking havoc. There’s only one hero that can save the day, right? Batman!Na
- [Do I Have Enough Money to Retire? [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/do-i-have-enough-money-to-retire-video/) - Do I have enough to retire...will I ever be able to retire? As you get closer and closer to retirement, anxiety can begin to build up around the idea of whether you’ll have enough money to retire. In other words, "What's that magical number that you’ll need to be able to live comfortably?" As a
- [When is the Best Day for a FERS Employee to Retire? [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/when-is-the-best-day-for-a-fers-employee-to-retire-video/) - One of the big questions federal employees have is when is the best day to retire? There are several things that you want to take into consideration. Let's talk about FERS employees because that's where most of the federal employees are at this point. Below is a short list of what you’ll want to consider
- [Are Annuities Bad? [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/are-annuities-bad-video/) - When evaluating any sort of financial product, the first thing to understand is that financial products are just tools. When tools are used correctly, they can be effective. When tools are used incorrectly, they can be ineffective. When it comes to the conversation about annuities, they often are not talked about correctly.Let’s say, you’re building
- [How Do I Maintain My Standard of Living in Retirement? [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/how-do-i-maintain-my-standard-of-living-in-retirement-video/) - As you get closer to retirement, you may begin to ask, "How do I maintain my standard of living through retirement?" This is a complicated issue to answer as you start to unpack it because retirement isn't always linear. You don't always spend an even amount throughout retirement, but oftentimes when we plan for retirement,
- [Things to Consider About Your Retirement Withdrawal Strategy [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/things-to-consider-about-your-retirement-withdrawal-strategy-video/) - You've gotten to the point where you're getting ready to retire. You know that the income from your employment is going to stop, and you have a decision to make: how are you going to approach income so that you can do the things that you want to do in retirement?The first thing to realize
- [Why Do I Need a Financial Planner if I have a TSP? [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/why-do-i-need-a-financial-planner-if-i-have-a-tsp-video/) - If you're invested in the TSP and the TSP is your primary vehicle for retirement, then you may be wondering, "Do I need a financial planner? Isn't the TSP just managing my money for me?" There's a lot to unpack in that simple question. Let's start with a misconception about what a financial planner does.
- [How Do I Get Accurate Info From my HR Department? [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/how-do-i-get-accurate-info-from-my-hr-department-video/) - As you're getting closer to retirement, you may be reaching out to your HR department trying to figure out how you can get good, accurate information from them. There’s some good news and maybe some bad news to this. The good news is that most HR departments are really good resources, and you should definitely
- [A Survivor Benefit Primer for FERS and CSRS](https://medalliongroup.com/a-survivor-benefit-primer-for-fers-and-csrs/) - OverviewThe retirement annuities under CSRS and FERS have a survivor benefit option that can provide your spouse with an annuity after your death.Your annuity can be up to 55% of your full retirement annuity if you are a CSRS employee or up to 50% for employees under FERS.Your spouse’s initial survivor annuity will include any
- [Planning For Early Retirement](https://medalliongroup.com/planning-for-early-retirement/) - Oh, retirement. The one thing that almost everyone strives for. The end of the working life, and the beginning of a new, easier one full of traveling, family, and… not working. But even though retirement is a common goal, it’s certainly not an easy one.Reaching that goal of retirement is harder now than it was
- [What Does a Financial Planner Do? Can They Bake a Cherry Pie?](https://medalliongroup.com/what-does-a-financial-planner-do-can-he-bake-a-cherry-pie/) - Our founder, partner, and financial advisor, Dan Searles CFP®, RFC®, CEP®, LUTCF explains what a financial planner does using examples from his family life. If you’ll allow me the grace of an analogy we’ll have some fun and I’ll answer our most commonly asked question, “What does a financial planner do?" It’s in My
- [Cashing in Old Life Insurance](https://medalliongroup.com/cashing-in-old-life-insurance/) - Many people have asked us about old financial papers and their current worth. The questions have included what to do with old bank certificates of deposit, old stock certificates, and ancient papers from life insurance companies. Typically, they are most interested in knowing if these papers mean found money. Free Money Hiding in the
- [A Blast From The Past: Federal Employee Retirement Benefits](https://medalliongroup.com/a-blast-from-the-past-federal-employee-retirement-benefits/) - Focusing on Federal Employee Retirement Benefits Have you ever experienced one of those moments in life where you find yourself sucker-punched by reality? I don’t mean a gentle love tap, either. I’m talking about a knockout punch from Mike Tyson. It happened to me the other day and it made me realize something that’s slipped
- [Geopolitical Shocks & Historical Trends in the Stock Market [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/geopolitical-shocks-historical-trends-in-the-stock-market-video/) - Does history repeat itself in the stock market? What's happened in the past doesn't necessarily reflect what's going to happen in the future, but it does give us a barometer and a reason not to panic. Let’s look at some historical trends of major geopolitical shocks and the US market returns after those shocks.
- [A Legacy for Your Great-Grandchildren: The 529 Plan Blog](https://medalliongroup.com/a-legacy-for-your-great-grandchildren-529-plan/) - Four generations gather around the family table for Easter this year. Your granddaughter is proudly showing off her new baby, which makes you a great-grandparent. To be honest, you didn’t think you’d live to see the day. You’ve gotten older, but you are still strong and vibrant, and no one needs to help you out
- [Should I Get Identity Theft Protection?](https://medalliongroup.com/should-i-get-identity-theft-protection/) - In the face of data breaches and updating privacy terms, everyone faces a similar question: should I get identity protection? Although you may have not been directly affected by security or privacy breaches, everyone should be aware of a constant cyber security threat. For example, in 2021 Facebook was the target for a massive
- [April Wellness Topics to Be Mindful Of](https://medalliongroup.com/beyond-financial-health-april-wellness-topics-to-be-mindful-of/) - Here at Medallion Financial Group, we recognize that there are many different dimensions of our personal health. Many people think about wellness in terms of physical health only, but one’s overall wellness also includes mental, emotional, spiritual, financial, and social health, just to name a few aspects. As you plan for retirement and leaving a
- [Things to Consider when Investing in the TSP Funds [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/things-to-consider-when-investing-in-the-tsp-funds-video/) - As a federal employee, you are provided retirement plan options. The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the federal version of the private sector's 401(k). The TSP is a recognized, defined savings/investment contribution plan. The Thrift Savings Plan's account balance comprises several components - federal employee contributions from pre-tax income, employer matching contributions, and any interest
- [Annuities Give Retirees Freedom to Spend](https://medalliongroup.com/annuities-give-retirees-freedom-to-spend/) - The days of riding off into the sunset with a guaranteed pension paycheck and a gold watch are no longer a reality for most people. According to CNN, the percentage of private sector workers with a traditional pension plan is 4% today compared to 60% back in the early 1980s. And the few remaining companies
- [6 Retirement Costs to Keep in Mind](https://medalliongroup.com/6-retirement-costs-to-keep-in-mind/) - No matter how much you’ve thought about retirement already, it can be easy to overlook some of the details that will make your post-employment years run smoothly. You probably have the basics covered, but be sure your plans and projections factor in everything you need for a streamlined, enjoyable transition. Want to make sure you’re
- [FAQ-How should I be invested in retirement? [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/faq-how-should-i-be-invested-in-retirement-video/) - How Should I Invest My Money in Retirement? Once you retire, you may be asking the questions: “How do I invest my money in retirement?"or “Should I even invest my money in retirement?" Maybe you worry about investing. Who wouldn't? It's your hard-earned money
- [Should I Buy a Retirement Home Now or Wait?](https://medalliongroup.com/should-i-buy-a-retirement-home-now-or-wait/) - It's no secret that the housing market is in shambles — home prices continue to fall, and many homeowners are still living in homes "underwater," — meaning the cost of their homes is lower than the mortgage loans used to buy them. But what does all this mean for your retirement? What happens when you
- [FAQ- Understanding my Federal Employee Benefits [Video]](https://medalliongroup.com/understanding-federal-benefits/) - How Do I Understand My Federal Employee Benefits? Federal government employees are provided with an impressive benefits package. The standard benefits are considered by many experts to be a valuable component of its compensation package, often exceeding the benefit packages offered by public sector employers. Depending on the exact job, a federal employee typically receives
- [Do you want to leave an IRA to your Children or Grandchildren?](https://medalliongroup.com/passing-down-your-ira/) - Recently we have had several client inquiries asking, “Is leaving my IRA to my children or grandchildren a good idea?" The answer to the question is possibly. As so often is the case, it depends on the goals you are trying to accomplish, and of course, the taxes involved. The tax rules for Inherited IRAs
- [Navigating Technology Breaches and Data Protection](https://medalliongroup.com/navigating-technology-breaches-and-data-protection/) - In today’s digital age, with countless passwords and online accounts storing our sensitive information, the threat of data breaches and identity theft looms large. The recent breach at National Public Data, one of the largest of its kind, has heightened concerns about data security for many. What Happened? National Public Data, a company specializing in

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- [Our Team](https://medalliongroup.com/about/our-team/) - Who's On Your Team Dan Searles CFP®, CEP®, LUTCF Founder, Senior Partner, Financial Advisor Dan has been a financial advisor since 1981, earning his CFP designation in 1992 before founding Medallion Financial Group. As a published author, he has written extensively on financial topics, including his syndicated column, Your Money Matters, and his book, I Can Beat
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- [Personal Benefit Analysis for Federal Employees](https://medalliongroup.com/ppc-lp/personal-benefit-analysis-for-federal-employees/) - Retirement is a Challenge for Everyone But Only a Crisis for Some. What Will Yours Be? Get a free federal employee benefit analysis and see where you stand Retirement Calculations Will your federal retirement be enough? TSP Analysis Review your tsp investment and withdrawal options. Best Day to Retire Optimize your retirement income by
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- [Fed-Retirement Readiness Offer-LP>Free Consult offer](https://medalliongroup.com/federal-employee/retirement-readiness-2/) - Your FREE Retirement Readiness Guide for Federal Employees[Even If You've Avoided Dealing with Finances in the Past!] Success Starts with Preparation PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT IS NO EASY TASK. For Federal Employees it's even more complex. You need clarity on the best choices to make at the right time, so you can retire with confidence! This
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