How a Financial Advisor in Manassas Can Help Federal Employees Plan for Retirement

Manassas is home to many federal employees and government contractors—professionals whose retirement planning needs often go beyond the basics. Federal benefits like the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) offer valuable opportunities, but navigating them often requires more than general advice. You need guidance tailored to the complexities of federal systems, Virginia tax rules, and the local cost of living.

A fiduciary financial advisor in Manassas, VA, can help you coordinate these moving parts and build a plan designed to support your long-term financial wellness. Whether retirement is just ahead or a few years away, working with the right advisor can help you make more informed decisions.

Understanding the Federal Retirement System

Federal retirement benefits include three key components: a pension through FERS, Social Security, and the TSP. Together, they form a solid foundation—but making the most of them requires thoughtful coordination.

The TSP often represents the largest retirement account for federal employees. Choosing how much to contribute, selecting an appropriate investment mix, and developing a smart withdrawal strategy all play a role in long-term goals. You’ll also need to weigh the benefits of traditional (pre-tax) contributions versus Roth (after-tax) contributions—each with different tax implications now and in retirement.

Federal retirement planning in Virginia often requires local insight. A financial advisor can help you evaluate your options, reduce unnecessary tax burdens, and create a plan that supports your long-term financial wellness.

Virginia Tax Considerations for Federal Retirees

Virginia offers tax advantages for federal retirees, but not all income receives the same treatment. Social Security benefits are exempt, but withdrawals from the TSP, IRAs, and other retirement accounts are subject to state income tax.

That makes timing and strategy critical. Taking large withdrawals in a single year could bump you into a higher tax bracket. Spreading them out—or converting some assets to Roth accounts—may help reduce your overall tax burden.

A financial advisor in Manassas, VA, who understands both federal benefits and Virginia tax laws, can help you build a withdrawal strategy that keeps more of your money working for you.

Accounting for Cost of Living in Northern Virginia

Manassas—and Northern Virginia in general—comes with a higher cost of living than many other areas. Housing, property taxes, healthcare, and everyday expenses can add up quickly. If you plan to retire in the area, your financial strategy should reflect that reality.

A local financial advisor can help you estimate your future expenses and compare them to your expected income. They can also model scenarios like downsizing or relocating to see how those choices might impact your financial outlook.

Building a retirement budget based on local costs can give you greater clarity about your ability to maintain your lifestyle.

Timing Social Security and FERS Benefits

Deciding when to start Social Security and your FERS pension isn’t always simple. Claiming Social Security at age 62 reduces your monthly benefit, while waiting until full retirement age—or even 70—can significantly increase it.

Your FERS pension typically starts when you leave federal service, but how you coordinate it with other income sources matters. In some cases, drawing from your pension first and delaying Social Security can improve long-term income. In others, combining pension, TSP, and Social Security earlier may provide more stability.

A financial advisor can help you weigh your options and choose a strategy that aligns with your goals, tax situation, and life expectancy.

Building a Reliable Retirement Income Plan

A sustainable, tax-efficient income plan is essential for retirement. That often means deciding which accounts to tap—and in what order. Many retirees begin with taxable brokerage accounts, then draw from tax-deferred accounts like a TSP or traditional IRA, and reserve Roth IRAs for later.

This sequence can help reduce your tax burden over time. Strategic Roth conversions—especially when your income is lower—may also reduce future required minimum distributions and offer more flexibility down the road.

These strategies require careful coordination. A financial advisor in Manassas can help you design an income plan that balances taxes, longevity, and your personal goals.

Why Work with a Fiduciary Financial Advisor in Manassas, VA

A fiduciary advisor must act in your best interest by law and by ethics. They don’t earn commissions from selling financial products, so their guidance is based entirely on what supports your goals—not sales incentives.

For federal employees in Manassas, working with a local fiduciary advisor can add an extra layer of support. Federal benefits can be complex. From managing TSP allocations to timing Social Security and structuring withdrawals, there’s a lot to coordinate.

Savant Wealth Management’s fiduciary advisors in Manassas specialize in helping federal employees navigate these moving parts. We build customized strategies around your federal benefits, tax picture, lifestyle goals, and long-term vision. And because we live and work in your community, we understand the local pressures that may shape your financial future.

Schedule a Call with a Financial Advisor in Manassas, VA

Federal retirement offers valuable benefits—but also complex decisions. With the right strategy, you can make the most of your options, help reduce your tax burden, and create a plan that supports your long-term financial wellness. Whether you’re a few years from retirement or already reviewing your income strategy, now is a smart time to get professional advice.

Schedule a call with a Savant financial advisor in Manassas to help build a retirement plan tailored to your benefits, your lifestyle, and your goals.