Ask Fed Fran Announces 2026 Retirement Review Focus

Ask Fed Fran expands education on TSP, FERS, PSHB, Medicare Part B, and beneficiary reviews for federal and postal employees.

United States, October 25, 2026 -- Ask Fed Fran, led by Frances Lundmark, Federal Benefits & Retirement Advisor with MyFEDBenefits, has announced a 2026 education focus designed to help federal and postal employees better understand retirement-related benefits before important decisions are required. Based in Brea, California, Lundmark works with employees and retirees who need plain-language guidance on the Thrift Savings Plan, known as TSP, the Federal Employees Retirement System pension, Social Security timing, health coverage, life insurance, and related beneficiary reviews. The initiative reflects the issue that shaped her practice: many public servants spend decades earning valuable benefits without receiving one-on-one explanations of how those benefits work together.

A Practice Built Around Benefits Clarity

Lundmark, also known through Ask Fed Fran, built her advisory practice around a practical concern she continued to hear from federal and postal employees. Many understood that they had earned a pension, health coverage, TSP savings, and life insurance, but they were not always clear on deadlines, forms, survivor choices, or how one decision could affect another. Her work focuses on education first, with the goal of helping employees retire with a plan they understand rather than a folder of unexplained options.

Since 2021, Lundmark has worked with letter carriers, clerks, retirees, and other federal employees through individual reviews. She is a licensed insurance professional in 13 states, holds California License #1795755, and also serves as a California Notary Public. Her practice emphasizes that she is an independent, licensed insurance and benefits professional and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States federal government, the Office of Personnel Management, or the United States Postal Service.

“The Retirement Support You Never Had. Until Now.” Lundmark said, describing the service philosophy behind her review process. The statement reflects a client experience centered on preparation, documentation, and education rather than product-first conversations.

Why Age 59½ Receives Special Attention

A central part of the 2026 education focus is the pre-retirement review at age 59½, a point when many employees begin thinking more seriously about retirement readiness and benefit coordination. For many federal and postal employees, this stage can raise questions about TSP access, pension estimates, Social Security planning, health coverage continuity, and whether current beneficiary designations still reflect family or estate planning intentions.

Lundmark explains the TSP as the federal government’s defined contribution retirement savings plan, similar in structure to a workplace 401(k). The FERS pension, by contrast, is a defined benefit that provides monthly income based on eligibility rules, years of service, and salary history. Social Security adds another layer, with claiming age and work history affecting monthly benefits. A pre-retirement review allows these pieces to be discussed together, while avoiding promises or guarantees about income or investment returns.

The review also gives employees time to identify missing records or incomplete forms. That timing can matter because retirement applications, survivor elections, insurance decisions, and tax withholding choices are often easier to address before a separation date is close. Lundmark’s process is intended to make that preparation more understandable, especially for employees who have not previously received a detailed explanation of their earned benefits.

PSHB, Medicare Part B, and Life Insurance Questions

The education focus also addresses health and life insurance topics that often create confusion near retirement. For postal employees and retirees, the Postal Service Health Benefits program, known as PSHB, has introduced additional questions about plan selection, enrollment timing, and how coverage interacts with Medicare Part B. Medicare Part B is the portion of Medicare that generally covers outpatient medical services, physician visits, and certain preventive care. Employees approaching retirement may need to understand whether enrollment is required, optional, or financially appropriate for their situation.

Lundmark’s role is to explain the rules, timelines, and tradeoffs in plain language. The goal is not to push a single choice, but to help clients understand each available option, including the option to make no change when that is appropriate. The approach is especially relevant during open season, when federal and postal employees review health, dental, vision, and flexible spending account elections for the coming year.

Life insurance is another common review topic. Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance, known as FEGLI, may change in cost or coverage structure as employees age or move into retirement. Beneficiary designations can also become outdated after major life events. Lundmark’s annual beneficiary checkups are designed to help clients confirm that records match current wishes and that forms have not been overlooked.

Published testimonials on Ask Fed Fran and Lundmark’s MyFEDBenefits specialist profile describe the value of clear explanations and responsive follow-up. In one published testimonial, Merrick K. described her support with postal benefits as “clear and concise” and referred to her as “the gold standard of benefits advisors.”

Follow-Up Beyond the First Appointment

A key part of Lundmark’s service model is ongoing contact after the first meeting. She says federal and postal benefits are not a one-time conversation because open season changes, beneficiary updates, retirement timing, and family circumstances may require later review. Her practice includes yearly check-ins during open season and continued availability for questions as clients move from active service into retirement.

“If I miss you, I will call back. That's the rule,” Lundmark said. Her approach is designed to reduce the uncertainty that can build when employees receive forms, notices, or benefit options without a familiar advisor to help interpret them.

Lundmark partners with Nassau Financial Group and is a member of both the National Association of Letter Carriers Auxiliary and the American Postal Workers Union Auxiliary. She views those relationships as part of a broader commitment to serving postal and federal communities with accuracy and patience. Updates and educational information are also shared through her Instagram page and LinkedIn profile. Email directly at [email protected] .

The practice lists 714-880-0106 as its business phone for benefits-related inquiries. Lundmark’s 2026 education focus remains centered on the employees who want to understand what they have earned before making retirement decisions. “It is my pleasure and privilege to serve the people who keep this country running,” Lundmark said.

Frances Lundmark Honored For Outstanding Benefits Guidance

Frances Lundmark has earned the 2026 Best Federal Benefits Advisor in Southern California award from Best of Best Review. Her dedication to personalized service, clear retirement education, and ongoing client support distinguishes her in federal benefits advising. Through Ask Fed Fran, she empowers federal and postal employees to make informed decisions.

About Ask Fed Fran

Ask Fed Fran is the educational brand of Frances Lundmark, Federal Benefits & Retirement Advisor with MyFEDBenefits, based in Brea, California. Since 2021, Lundmark has helped federal and postal employees understand TSP, FERS pension benefits, Social Security, PSHB, Medicare Part B, FEGLI, beneficiary designations, and retirement preparation. She is a licensed insurance professional in 13 states, California License #1795755, and a California Notary Public. She is an independent advisor and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States federal government, OPM, or USPS.

Contact Info:
Name: Frances Lundmark
Email: Send Email
Organization: Ask Fed Fran MyFEDBenefits
Website: https://www.askfedfran.com

Release ID: 89207285

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