The COLA Mirage: Why Inflation Is Quietly Shrinking Your Retirement

Inflation doesn’t always show up the way people expect, and for many federal employees and retirees, COLA can create a false sense of security. In this episode of the Plan Your Federal Retirement podcast, Micah Shilanski, Managing Partner, Wealth Advisor, and Luke Eberly, Wealth Advisor, break down the “COLA Mirage”: why cost-of-living adjustments often fail to keep up with real-world inflation, rising FEHB premiums, and increasing everyday expenses. They explain how COLA works differently for federal employees, FERS retirees, Social Security recipients, and special provision employees. They also cover why many retirees see their buying power shrink, even in years when they get an increase. In this episode, you’ll find out: What COLA really means and why it’s not the same for everyone Why FERS retirees receive a “diet COLA” How retiring before age 62 can permanently impact your pension’s buying power How increases in FEHB premiums can reduce your net retirement income How the timing of Social Security can help protect against inflation Why tax planning is important when inflation is high What federal employees can do, even when they cannot control inflation You’ll also hear practical planning tips to help you prepare for inflation before it quietly makes an impact on your retirement cash flow. Whether you’re still working or already retired, this episode will help you understand how inflation really affects federal retirement and what steps to consider next. Check the full episode here: https://zurl.co/am21c If you want to help make sure you take the right step while handling your federal benefits, schedule a consultation call with one of our advisors today - https://zurl.co/PWkw Have a retirement question on your mind? Give us a call at 907-931-1775 and leave us your question - we're here to help create solutions that fit your goals! ➡️Get your Retirement Service Computation Date guide here: https://zurl.co/Kb2qv 📅 Need professional help with your retirement planning? Schedule a call today: https://zurl.co/AiAC 🌐 Visit our website: https://zurl.co/ykNww Happy Planning!