Sharon Alford
Houston, Texas
Ms. Alford is a Federal Retirement Counsultant for the year of 2024.
Sharon is a native Texan. She enlisted in the United States Navy immediately following high school and proudly served her country for five years as an Air Traffic Controller. While serving in the Navy, Sharon began her college education in Whidbey Island, Washington and continued her studies on nights and weekends while working and raising her children for the next 26 years. Her studies spanned over three different states and five different colleges but she finally received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in 2010.
Sharon Alford has been serving Federal Employees in the Houston area with their insurance needs since 2014. Once joining The Benefit Coordinators, she has expanded her areas of service to include the entire United States. As an Aflac independent agent, she has also been instrumental in bringing Aflac insurance policies as a Benefit Coordinator. With her life and health insurance license, she has been able to serve her clients with finding the “right fit” for them in their insurance needs. Her integrity, “customer-first” mentality, and superior customer service (at the sale and beyond) has gained her hundreds of loyal clients.
Sharon chose to enlarge her portfolio to include retirement financial needs after her father retired without any benefits outside of social security. Her father was under hospice care until he sadly passed in December 2019 and she served as his Power-of-Attorney, handling all his financial and medical affairs. She understands, firsthand, how NOT preparing for your retirement years can affect, not only you, but your loved ones, as well. Her experience over the years of caring for her father has deeply ingrained in her a passion for assisting, educating, and implementing retirement plans for her clients. Ms. Alford is a Federal Retirement Consultant℠ and is authorized by the Federation of Federal Employee Benefit Advocates to provide consultation to all federal employees.
Ms. Alford is licensed to serve the needs of federal employees throughout the United States and is available for formal classroom education and training for benefits, as well, as more private individual consultations.
Aflac agents are independent agents and are not employees of Aflac. Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York.
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Step-by-Step Checklist for Federal Retirement Preparation
Are you a federal employee who is planning to retire in the next year? Do you want to make sure that you have everything in order and ready for your big day? Do you want to avoid any mistakes or delays that could affect your retirement benefits and income?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this blog post is for you. In this post, we will share with you a checklist of essential steps that you should take in the year before you retire as a federal employee.
By following these steps, you can prepare for your federal retirement in one year with confidence and ease. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Choose Retirement Date
The first step in preparing for your federal retirement is to confirm your eligibility and choose your retirement date. You need to make sure that you meet the age and service requirements for your retirement system, whether it is the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). You also need to consider the best time to retire based on your personal and financial preferences, as well as the factors that may affect your benefits, such as the end of a pay period, the end of a month, or the end of a year.
You can use the online tools and resources provided by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), such as the FERS Information website, the Retirement Services Online website, and the Retirement Benefits Calculator, to check your eligibility and estimate your benefits for different retirement dates.
Step 2: Estimate Retirement Benefits and Income
The second step in preparing for your federal retirement is to estimate your retirement benefits and income. You need to have a clear picture of how much money you will receive from your pension, social security, and thrift savings plan (TSP), as well as from any other sources, such as savings, investments, or part-time work. You also need to have a realistic budget of how much money you will spend on your expenses, such as housing, health care, taxes, and leisure.
Step 3: Review and Update Beneficiary Designations
The third step in preparing for your federal retirement is to review and update your beneficiary designations and estate planning documents. You need to make sure that your benefits and your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and not by the state law or the court. You also need to avoid or resolve any conflicts or disputes that may arise among your heirs or creditors.
You can use the online tools and resources provided by OPM, the TSP, and other agencies, such as the FEHB website, the FEGLI website, and the FEDVIP website, to find and update your beneficiary designations for your pension, social security, TSP, health insurance, life insurance, and other benefits. You can also consult a lawyer to create and update your legal documents, such as your will, your trust, your power of attorney, and your living will.
Step 4: Optimize Tax Situation and Investment Strategy
The fourth step in preparing for your federal retirement is to optimize your tax situation and your investment strategy. You need to minimize your taxes and maximize your returns, by using tax-advantaged accounts, choosing the right withdrawal strategy, and investing in diversified and suitable funds. You also need to adjust your strategy according to the market conditions and your risk tolerance.
You can use the online tools and resources provided by the IRS, the TSP, and other sources, such as the IRS website, the TSP website, and the TreasuryDirect website, to learn more about your tax situation and your investment options. You can also work with a financial planner, such as The Benefit Coordinators, to help you create and implement a personalized and comprehensive financial plan.
Step 5: Apply for Retirement Benefits and Other Benefits
The fifth step in preparing for your federal retirement is to apply for your retirement benefits and other benefits. You need to submit your application and supporting documents to OPM, SSA, and other agencies, at least 60 days before your retirement date, or earlier if possible, to avoid any delays or problems. You also need to keep a copy of your application and documents for your records.
You can use the online tools and resources provided by OPM, SSA, and other agencies, such as the Retirement Services Online website, the Social Security website, and the FEHB website, to submit and track your application and documents online. You can also contact your human resources office or your retirement counselor for assistance and guidance.
Step 6: Prepare for Transition and Lifestyle Changes
The sixth and final step in preparing for your federal retirement is to prepare for the transition and the lifestyle changes. You need to cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement, such as finding a new purpose and identity, and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. You also need to plan for the practical and logistical aspects of retirement, such as relocating, traveling, volunteering, or pursuing a hobby.
You can use the online tools and resources provided by various sources, such as the AARP website, the USA.gov website, and the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) website, to learn more about the transition and the lifestyle changes that you may face in retirement. You can also join a retirement community or a support group, such as the NARFE, to connect with other federal retirees and share your experiences and insights.
Conclusion
Retirement is a major milestone and a rewarding achievement, but it can also be a challenging and complex process. By following the checklist of essential steps that we have shared in this blog post, you can prepare for your federal retirement in one year with confidence and ease.
If you want to know more about how to prepare for your federal retirement, or if you need any assistance or guidance, please contact us today. We are The Benefit Coordinators, a financial planner who specializes in serving federal employees and retirees. We would love to share with you our expertise and experience and help you prepare for your federal retirement. Don’t miss this opportunity to secure your future and enjoy your retirement. Call us now and let’s get started!