FERS Retirement Training
Simple Lessons • Always Available • How-To Calculations & Case Studies
FERS BlueprintTM Training Proudly Provided For:
"Fantastic! It was far more helpful than any other reference, training, co-worker, website has been. It gave the exact formula, great examples, and crystal clear instruction for everything I needed."
Cindy R.
Virtual Course Student
Learn with ease
Easy-to-understand explanations that take the stress out of learning
Do what it takes
Follow a straightforward plan stay on track over the years
Save with confidence
Develop your personal TSP savings, investment and withdrawal plan
The FERS BlueprintTMAdvantage
If you’ve ever walked out of a retirement training still wondering….
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How much you’ll get each month?
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When you can retire?
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Are you saving the right amount in TSP?
- Which option will you be able to afford?
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Why should you elect this or that?
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What else should you be doing right?
….then you’re in good company. Most people struggle to figure all of this out because the typical lecture style training simply doesn’t work. It’s a miserable way for employees to attempt to learn the ins and outs of the FERS requirements, calculations and options.
We believe that you shouldn’t have to wonder if you’ll have something to show for it after a lifetime of Federal service.
So, What Does Work?
There’s a myth that if an employee is taught about the benefits then they’ll automatically know what to do next. But it’s not true—there’s a lot more to retirement planning. After all, if it were that simple, then everyone could read OPM’s website and be done.
Here's what works. Employees need a defined system to follow so that they can take that jumbled set of rules, requirements and decisions, then figure out exactly what to do (and when do to it) for a retirement they can count on.
What is The FERS BlueprintTM Advantage?
The FERS BlueprintTM Advantage is our step-by-step educational model designed so that employees can overcome the complexity of retirement and the confusion caused by typical training.
This educational model is geared for all employees, but it is especially helpful for mid- to late career employees who don’t want to find out after it’s too late something they should have known or done.
The 3 phases in The FERS BlueprintTM Advantage:
- KNOWLEDGE. Using The Prepare2Retire MethodTM with simple, concrete lessons alongside visual demonstrations and case studies, our students develop a clear understanding of the ins and outs of requirements, calculations and options of each FERS benefit.
- PLANNING. Our signature worksheet called the FERS BlueprintTM One Page Retirement Planner helps students learn the simple way to calculate how much they’ll have in retirement (including benefits outside of FERS) so that they can establish their own personalized TSP savings goal.
- PREPARATION. Knowing what to do and completing the right steps is crucial. In this final phase, students use the FERS BlueprintTM Retirement Assessment, a self-scoring tool, to help them decide what they need to do now and in the years to come—including evaluating their current TSP savings, tax and investment strategy.
How do we know this approach works?
The FERS BlueprintTM Advantage is a time-tested approach based on our founder Kelly Monroe’s extensive experience with FERS benefits. Ms. Monroe has conducted over 2,300 one-on-one retirement benefits consultations. She has 11 years of experience successfully teaching retirement benefits to 8,000 Federal employees and counting. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing her students’ faces light up when they finally understand retirement—having confidence in themselves and their own future.
We know that once an employee has accurate knowledge, a plan to follow and a set of action to do one after the next, the path to retirement gets much easier. They can finally feel like their retirement is ‘working for them’—instead of the other way around!
Have questions? Give us a call: ☎ 888-958-0167
"A step-by-step process to evaluate all aspects of our retirement system - looking at both our work retirement system and the systems outside of our workplace. These numbers matter to our future bottom line! "
Irene P.
Virtual Training Student
How The FERS BlueprintTM Training Works
A dynamic and interactive virtual training with step-by-step educational process so that employees can develop the knowledge they’ll need to retire
1. Training Methodology
Straightforward explanations, case studies, and hands-on practice worksheets make remembering the ‘ins and outs’ of each benefit easy—or as is often said, “Oh, I GET IT NOW!”
2. On-Demand Training
Employees and their spouses/partners can learn at their own pace without the frustration and stress of trying to “take it all in” at once. Virtual training available 24 hours/7 days on any device with an internet connection.
3. Individualized Attention
Instructor provides personalized answers to employees’ benefit questions in the private Members Only Forum. Answers are provided within 72 hours.
What's The Cost?
Can you explain in detail how each benefit works? Do you know how much you’ll get each month? Are you relying on your co-workers for retirement advice? Do you worry that time is slipping away? Is your TSP savings on track? Did your TSP lose a lot in the last recession? Are you concerned that a mistake by your HR might be difficult to spot, and impossible correct? A lack of clarity may already be costing you a great deal.
2019 FERS Retirement Training
FERS BlueprintTM 2019 Retirement Plan Builder Course + Private Members Only Question & Answer Forum
COURSE TITLE: The FERS BlueprintTM 2019 Retirement Plan Builder (Pre-Retirement Planning Training)
COURSE OBJECTIVE: Employees are able to discuss their retirement options with clarity, plan for their future and make educated benefits decisions.
COURSE MATERIALS:
- FERS BlueprintTM Toolkit Resource Guide and Action Plan
- FERS BlueprintTM Retirement Vision Snapshot
- FERS BlueprintTM Resource Checklist
- FERS BlueprintTM One Page Retirement Planner
- FERS BlueprintTM Current Expense Checklist
- FERS BlueprintTM Retirement Assessment
- Thrift Savings Fund Information (TSPLF14)
- Social Security Sample Statement Wanda Worker
- OPM FEHB/Medicare Fast Facts
- FERS Immediate Retirement Application (SF 3107)
INSTRUCTOR: Kelly L. Monroe, Founder of the FERS BlueprintTM Retirement Training System
INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD: Simple concrete lessons, case studies, and hands-on practice worksheets give employees a firm grasp of the full value of FERS retirement.
INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY:
On-Demand Training: 15 dynamic and interactive retirement training videos organized into 7 course modules.
Availability: Convenient online access 24/7 on any internet-connected device, such as your smart phone, tablet, or PC/Laptop, for a full 12 months.
Retirement Benefit Questions: Instructor provides personalized answers to employees’ benefit questions in the private Members Only Forum for a full 12 months.
Spouse/Partner: Employee’s spouse/partner is welcome to view the course at no additional cost.
Support Services: We provide support for technical issues related to our online training. Employees can email or call for assistance.
COURSE OUTLINE: Fifteen instructional videos organized into 7 learning modules.
MODULE 1: FERS PENSION [Regular and Special Provision Employees]
- FERS Immediate Retirement [Regular and Special Provision Employees]
- Retirement Eligibility
- Creditable Service
- FERS Service/Unused Sick Leave/Deposit/Redeposit Service/Military Service
- Pension Calculation
- Compare Two Retirement Date Scenarios
- FERS Supplement Calculation/Earnings Limits [Regular and Special Provision Employees]
- Survivor Benefit Election Options with Case Study
- FERS COLA
- RSCD Personnel Record Verification [Essential for an accurate FERS calculation by OPM]
MODULE 2: SOCIAL SECURITY
- How To Read Your Social Security Statement
- How Social Security Is Calculated
- Early Retirement, Full Retirement Age or Delayed Retirement
- Social Security Calculators and Planning Resources on SocialSecurity.gov
- Compare Different Retirement Planning Scenarios with Social Security Benefit
- Spousal Benefit Post 2015 Bipartisan Budget Act
- Survivor Benefits
- How Much Can You Earn And Still Receive A Social Security Benefit
- Social Security Payment Schedule
- Social Security COLA
Click here to Register Now!
MODULE 3: THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN
- TSP Contribution Limits
Calculate Current Contribution- TSP/TSP Roth Regular
- TSP/TSP Roth Catch Up Contributions
- Assess Possible Increase In TSP Contribution
- TSP FERS Match—Don’t Miss Out!
- Over contributions vs Under contributions
- Assess Current FERS Match
- TSP vs TSP Roth Comparison (Case Study)
- Building Your Investment Strategy
- TSP Investment Funds/Individual Funds + L Funds
- Balancing Risk and Reward
- Determine Investment Objective and Time Horizon
- Risk Management
- Allocate Investment
- Schedule Periodic Review
- TSP Withdrawal Options at Retirement
- Age Requirement/Exceptions [Regular and Special Provision Employees]
- TSP Modernization Act September 2019
- RMD/TSP Annuity/Monthly Payments/Transfer to IRA
MODULE 4: HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
- FEHB (Health Insurance)
- FEHB Eligibility/Coverage Change
- Retirement Election Eligibility Requirements for Spouse
- FEHB Share Of Cost In Retirement/Post Tax Premiums
- Open Season in Retirement
- Medicare
- Medicare Part A, B, C, D
- FEHB & Medicare Enrollment Options/Tricare For Life
- FEHB and Medicare Part B Reimbursement
- Part C – FEHB Suspension Option
- Dental and Vision Coverage
- FEDVIP Retirement Eligibility/Coverage Change
- Private Pay Arrangements At Retirement
- Flexible Spending Account
- FSA in Last Year of Employment—Plan Carefully
MODULE 5: FEGLI (LIFE INSURANCE)
- FEGLI Basic, Option A, B, C
- How To Determine How Much FEGLI Coverage You Have
- Increase or Decrease FEGLI
- FEGLI In Retirement
- Eligibility Requirements/Election Options
- Case Study: Compare Cost vs Benefit
MODULE 6: FEDERAL LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE
- What Is Long-Term Care?
- What’s Covered By Health Insurance? What’s Not?
- Case Study—Self Fund or LTC Insurance
- Formulating A Long-Term Care Plan
- How Self-Funding Impacts TSP Savings Goal
- Federal LTCi Program Coverage Options/Terms
- Applying for Federal LTCi Policy
MODULE 7: RETIREMENT PLANNING
- The FERS BlueprintTM Retirement Vision Snapshot Writing Exercise
- Retirement Planning Overview
- Integrating Outside Benefits
- Income Taxes in Retirement
- How to Use the FERS BlueprintTM One Page Retirement Planner
- Classify Income Benefits
- Classify Expenses in Retirement (FERS BlueprintTM Current Expense Checklist)
- Establish TSP Savings Goal Range
- The First Year In Retirement—Be Prepared Financially
- Estate Planning
- Updating the 4 FERS Beneficiary Designations (FERS BlueprintTM Retirement Resource Checklist)
- Naming Beneficiaries vs. Order of Precedence
- Completing FERS Immediate Retirement Application
- Making Sure HR Completed Application Accurately—Audit RSCD with Care
- FERS Pension Income Tax Withholding
- FERS BlueprintTM Retirement Assessment
- Self-Assess Current Preparation
- Identify Follow Up Actions
Click here to Register Now!
What's Inside The Course?
You'll get access to:
15 dynamic and interactive retirement training videos organized into 7 course modules
Exclusive downloadable workbook with checklists, worksheets, and 3-step planner
Instructor provides personalized answers to employees’ benefit questions in the private Members Only Question & Answer Forum
Convenient online access 24/7 on any internet-connected device, such as your smart phone, tablet, or PC/Laptop, for a full 12 months (Spouses/partners welcome at no additional cost)
7-Day - 100% Money Back Guarantee, no questions, no hassles
Two Payment Options for Registration
Have questions? Give us a call: ☎ 888-958-0167
Paying with Government Funds or Credit Card?
We are registered in the System for Award Management (SAM)
DUNS Number: 032057260 Cage Code: 735L3
Federal Tax ID Number: 27-3282962
Download SF 182 Training Authorization Form
7 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
There's No Risk to You at All
Every online course comes with a 7 day - 100% money back guarantee. Try the course for yourself and start creating a retirement plan that can help you clarify your TSP savings goal so you can retire with enough money.
Follow the 3-step plan
A simple framework to make educated retirement decisions
Focus on the right options
You don't have to work in HR to know which benefits are best for you.
Finish Strong
Feel confident retirement is well coordinated and nothing is overlooked
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Kelly L. Monroe
"People need a framework or system to follow as they learn—because unfortunately most of us can’t just hear something and figure out what to do with it."
-Kelly Monroe
We know that FERS employees have excellent retirement benefits. But the complexity of those benefits can leave you confused, frustrated, and unsure of how to maximize your retirement. The FERS BlueprintTM Retirement Training System takes away that complexity and shows you a simple framework to help you understand your benefits and plan retirement with ease.
A Secure Retirement Begins with Financial Literacy
Kelly Monroe, instructor and founder of the FERS BlueprintTM, realized that when employees attended retirement training with the typical PowerPoint slides and bullet points, they often ended up confused. People need a simple framework or system to follow as they learn—because unfortunately most of us can’t just hear something and figure out what to do with it.
The FERS BlueprintTM Retirement Training System is the culmination of Kelly’s professional experience as a financial planner and a retirement benefits trainer. She has a unique view on Federal employees, FERS benefits and retirement planning. This comes from personally conducting over 2,300 individual FERS/CSRS pre-retirement consultations over the last 11 years. Kelly has also taught this framework to over 8,000 employees.
Many employees are worried about retirement planning—and they should be! There are some major blind spots that ALL employees should be more informed about. The FERS BlueprintTM Retirement Training System curriculum is designed to help you finish strong with tested retirement strategies to:
- Maximize benefits
- Develop a sound retirement plan
- Create a TSP savings, investing and withdrawal plan for lifetime income.
Plus, you can ask Kelly all your retirement benefit questions in the private Question & Answer Forum. Think of it as being able to “raise your hand” in a virtual classroom.
She has been using this customized instructional approach for years to simplify Federal benefits and help employees easily understand the material. Her diverse teaching methods empower each student’s natural learning style: visual, verbal and hands-on/practical.
The FERS BlueprintTM Retirement Training System training is quick, informative and uses visual explanations that take the stress out of learning. Start Learning Now!
Our Promise To You
7 Day - 100% Money Back Guarantee
If you are not completely satisfied with the course, you'll receive a prompt full refund. No hassles. No questions. Just send an email to [email protected] within 7 days of purchase.
No Annuity Selling
No sales pitches for annuities or financial products or other services. We will NOT offer, nor sell nor suggest any financial products. None. Not even a hint.
Easy-To-Understand Lessons
Simple, concrete lessons and resources to help you gain a clear understanding of each FERS benefit and how to plan retirement.
All Benefit Updates
Your course is promptly updated with ALL benefit updates available during your 12-month subscription--including TSP, Social Security and Medicare updates.
Answers to Your Questions
We know how frustrating it is to have a burning retirement question and need an answer. You'll get personalized answers directly from the instructor in our private member forum.
Help Desk For Tech Support
We provide support for technical issues related to our online training. Students can email or call for assistance.
What Our Students Say...
"Good examples and resources. Ability to ask questions and receive timely responses. Access to all questions from other participants. "
Mary M.
Virtual Training Student
"Awesome. It told me all about FERS retirement that I could not find elsewhere (so far). I went through some of the modules more than once because I wanted to take notes. "
Karen H.
Virtual Training Student
"You can do and redo it at your own speed. The tools and links are invaluable. The instructor was super and very approachable!!! "
Bailey S.
Virtual Training Student
"Tremendous resource to understand retirement benefits."
Patrick K.
Virtual Training Student
"Comprehensive. It touches upon all aspects of retirement and provides good examples of equations and situations. It is civilian focused. It helps you think out and it considered all components of retirement benefits as well as how other savings, like IRAs come in to play in the overall comprehensive picture."
A. J.
Virtual Training Student
"Great and informative training. I actually encouraged several of my co-workers to sign up for the next session/subscription offered by our command."
Sandy G.
Virtual Training Student
"Self-paced, easy to use and very valuable."
Robert F.
Virtual Training Student
"Very easy to understand. Training provides clear interpretation of the complicated retirement rules."
David I.
Virtual Training Student
"The training helps clarify how the benefits options work and alerts one to possible pitfalls. The discussion on retiree FEGLI options was very helpful, and the discussion of LTC was compassionate. All were good. "
Jim C.
Virtual Training Student
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Will I receive anything in the mail?
A: No. This product is 100% digital. The good news is that you will not have to wait for this program to arrive in the mail. You will get INSTANT ACCESS. You can begin learning within minutes of registering for the course.
Q: What happens after I purchase the FERS Blueprint?
A: After you register, you’ll go straight to the course. This is where you’ll access the student area. You can find all of the video content and download the FERS Toolkit and other course materials. You will also receive an email confirmation of your purchase.
Q: Can I get access to the course all at once or only in pieces?
A: You will receive access to ALL lessons instantly when you place your order. This allows you to go at your own speed and engage with the material whenever it’s most convenient for you.
Q: When can I watch the lessons?
A: Anytime, as long as you have internet access. The course is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Q: Can I watch on my smart phone or tablet?
A: Yes. You can watch the course on a desktop/laptop, smart phone or tablet with internet access.
Q: How long will I have access to this program?
A: You have 100% access to the course for 1 year (12 months) from the date of purchase.
Q: If there are benefit changes during the year, will you update the course?
A: Yes. The course will promptly be updated with any benefits changes during your subscription period.
Q: What if this product doesn’t meet my needs?
A: No problem. We offer a 7 day - 100% money back guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the course, you'll receive a prompt full refund. No hassles. No questions. Just send an email to [email protected] within 7 days of purchase.
Q: Are my credit/debit card details secure?
A: Yes. All payments are processed through our payment processor and are 100% secure.
Q: Is your company a vendor for Federal agencies?
A: Yes. The Monroe Team, Inc. is a registered government vendor in the System for Award Management (SAM).
Q: If am I using a government credit card or government funds, what information will I need from your company?
A: The Monroe Team, Inc.
DUNS Number: 032057260
Cage Code: 735L3
Federal Tax ID Number: 27-3282962
Download SF 182 Training Authorization Form
Q: Can government funds be used to purchase subscriptions or publications such as this?
A: Yes. The Comptroller General has ruled that Federal agencies and/or departments may purchase subscriptions and publications with government funds.
Q: Can I purchase multiple subscriptions for a small group or agency?
A: Yes. We have reduced pricing for 3 subscriptions or more. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.
Q: Can my agency purchase this course for me?
A: Yes. Just follow the registration steps for the course you wish to enroll in.
Q: What if I have a question or need support?
A: We are here to help. Simply email us at [email protected], and we will be happy to assist you.
Have questions? Give us a call: ☎ 888-958-0167
FERS BlueprintTM is an educational division of The Monroe Team, Inc. DUNS Number: 032 057260. CAGE Code: 735L3. NAICS Code: 611710 Educational Support Services. Woman-owned, small business.
FERS BlueprintTM is not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by the Federal Government or any US Government agency. FERS BlueprintTM is educational only. No specific financial, retirement nor tax advice is being offered. The material presented is as current as possible, but is necessarily generalized. Facts and opinions are based on research and experience, but are not endorsed by the Federal Government. It is recommended to consult with your personnel office and/or the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Retirement Office, Thrift Savings Plan, Social Security, Medicare, Internal Revenue Service, your legal, tax and/or other advisor(s).