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 independent contractor of Aflac®, she has also been instrumental in bringing these benefits under The Benefit Coordinators “Supplemental Programs.” 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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Schedule a Meeting with Sharon

Federal Employee Benefit Review: Maximize Your Perks Today!

Do you feel confident about your federal employee benefits? If not, you’re not alone. Many federal and postal employees struggle to navigate the complexities of their benefits, leaving money and opportunities on the table. This federal employee benefit review will help you take control of your health insurance, retirement savings, and other essential perks. By understanding your options, you can unlock the full value of your benefits package and secure your financial future.

1. Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB): Choose the Best Plan for Your Needs

The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program is central to any federal employee benefit review. It offers a variety of plans to meet the diverse needs of federal and postal employees, from comprehensive coverage to budget-friendly options.

  • What to Know:
    FEHB covers federal employees, retirees, and their families, offering choices like fee-for-service plans and HMOs.
  • How to Choose the Right Plan:
    Use Open Season to compare plans based on premiums, deductibles, and coverage for your most-used services. Tools like OPM’s comparison chart can simplify the process.
  • Pro Tip:
    If you’re planning for retirement, ensure your FEHB plan aligns with your Medicare options for long-term cost savings.

2. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Build a Solid Retirement Nest Egg

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) plays a vital role in retirement planning for federal and postal employees. Any thorough federal employee benefit review should address how to make the most of this powerful tool.

  • What You Need to Know:
    The TSP is similar to a 401(k), offering government contributions and low administrative fees. For employees under FERS, the government matches contributions up to 5% of your salary.
  • Steps to Maximize Your TSP:
    • Contribute at least 5% to get the full government match.
    • Revisit your investment mix periodically to align with your retirement goals.
  • Expert Insight:
    Younger employees might benefit from the growth potential of the C Fund, while those nearing retirement should consider the safer G Fund.

3. Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI): Assess Your Coverage

Life insurance is another essential consideration in any federal employee benefit review. The Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program provides customizable coverage but may not always be the most affordable option.

  • Key FEGLI Features:
    FEGLI’s basic coverage equals your salary, rounded to the next $1,000, plus $2,000. Optional coverage extends to your family.
  • When to Reassess:
    As premiums increase with age, compare private insurance rates to see if you can secure better value.
  • Pro Tip:
    Basic FEGLI coverage is often worth keeping due to its competitive rates for federal employees.

4. Retirement Planning: Understand FERS and CSRS

No federal employee benefit review is complete without addressing retirement planning. Federal employees fall under one of two systems: FERS or CSRS.

  • For FERS Participants:
    Your retirement comes from three sources:

    • FERS pension
    • Social Security
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
  • For CSRS Participants:
    You won’t receive Social Security benefits, but the CSRS pension offers a higher payout.
  • Retirement Readiness Tips:
    • Request a benefits estimate from your HR department.
    • Attend agency-sponsored pre-retirement seminars to stay informed.

5. Don’t Overlook Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Other Perks

In addition to major programs, smaller benefits like leave policies and long-term care insurance also deserve attention in a federal employee benefit review.

  • Annual Leave:
    Federal employees can carry over up to 240 hours of annual leave each year. Plan your time off to avoid losing unused hours.
  • Sick Leave Credit:
    Under FERS, unused sick leave can increase your total service time, boosting your pension.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance:
    Consider the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) for protection against future healthcare expenses. Apply early to secure lower premiums.

6. Consult Experts for a Personalized Benefit Review

Navigating federal benefits can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. A professional federal employee benefit review can help you identify savings opportunities and ensure you’re making informed decisions.

  • Why It Matters:
    Small adjustments today can lead to significant savings and better financial security.
  • Take Action:
    Schedule a consultation with The Benefit Coordinators for personalized advice on your federal employee benefits.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Benefits Today

Your federal employee benefits are one of your most valuable assets, but only if you understand and use them effectively. This comprehensive federal employee benefit review is your first step toward maximizing your perks and securing your financial future.

Call to Action:
Ready to optimize your benefits? Visit The Benefit Coordinators and schedule a free consultation today!