# Episode 123: Mailbag Part Two: Questions from Federal Employees

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/federal-employee-financial-planning-podcast-4835471/episode-123-mailbag-part-two-questions-from-federal-employees.md
Podcast: [Federal Employee Financial Planning Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/federal-employee-financial-planning-podcast-4835471)
Published: 2026-08-03T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://federalemployeefinancialplanningpodcast.libsyn.com/episode-123mailbag-part-two-questions-from-federal-employees
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/federalemployeefinancialplanningpodcast/reviewed_Mailbag_Episode_2_070926.mp3?dest-id=2949974
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Duration seconds: 2704

## Resource

Could a single dollar cost you hundreds more in Medicare premiums? In this mailbag episode, we answer some of the most common retirement planning questions from listeners, beginning with how to avoid IRMAA surcharges and why Medicare planning really starts at age 63. You'll learn how strategies like Roth conversions, bracket-topping, and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) work and why every strategy should be tailored to your individual financial plan. Access the full show notes at Mason & Associates, LLC Resources Mentioned: Mason & Associates: LinkedIn John Mason: LinkedIn Tommy Blackburn: LinkedIn

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## Transcript

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