Stories of successful retirement
Hundreds of successful retirees once stood in your shoes. Follow in their footsteps.
Success Stories
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING
Your booklet is sitting on top of my keyboard at home and I have begun constructing my retirement spreadsheet. My wife and I will use it to plan/assessment our retirement options in the very near term. The class was valuable not only by presenting the nuts-and-bolts facts, but also by spurring us to think and plan.
WHAT IF YOU HAD A TUTOR TO COACH YOU THROUGH THE EXAM?
That’s what Deborah Hatch is. She will coach you through benefit decisions so that you will be able to take advantage of all opportunities that are available for you. Although she will answer questions for your unique situation she will NOT take the test for you. Only you know what’s best for your own circumstances and she can only present you options. I have greatly benefited from Debbie’s advice; the open season doesn’t seem as frightening as it once was.
I TOLD HIM, “I KNOW THE PERFECT PERSON” AND GAVE HIM YOUR NAME
I ran into the training coordinator yesterday and he started "venting" about how he could not find anyone to provide high quality retirement training. Previous instructors couldn’t explain the topic to any level of detail. I remember you answering all kinds of tough questions (without being demeaning or making people feel dumb for asking) and getting rave reviews from all participants. I’ve scheduled A LOT of training. You have been - by far - the easiest to work with and always received the greatest reviews. I gave him your name.
ALL OF THE EMPLOYEES WHO ATTENDED GAVE THE SAME FEEDBACK: FANTASTIC
I wanted to sincerely and genuinely thank you from all of us for instructing the Retirement Training Seminar at Youngstown. I have attended a few of these classes over the years. Yours is the best. Please continue to do what you do, spreading the gospel, preparing our Federal Employees for their future. So many of us will benefit from your wealth of knowledge. We all look forward to working with you in the future!
Previous
Next
The best part for me, was the presentation of real-life examples, computations, and the discussion of choices to be made at retirement. The instructor has an independent, un-biased perspective regarding the retirement benefits options.
Supervisory Agent, IRS
Thank you again for your outstanding presentation yesterday. That is the best retirement-related presentation that I’ve ever seen! You have mastered a plethora of information and provide actionable details that can really save future Government retirees thousands of dollars over their retirement lifetimes. And, while you are a guru, you still have the “heart of a teacher.” Thank you very much. I will be recommending your course to everyone I know, for sure.
Special Programs Manager
Debbie is knowledgeable about each aspect of her presentation and answered every one of my questions. I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to ask questions.
Biologist, USFWS
Debbie Hatch is dedicated and passionate about this subject. Her desire is to empower every employee by providing the information necessary to make intelligent and informed retirement decisions. Fortunately, I have come to know her on a personal level as well. She is an amazing, driven and inspiring powerhouse who’s positive energy is contagious. She brings that energy to her classes and personal consultations in an effort to motivate her students to make choices that will create their best possible life – before and after retirement.
Supply Chain Security Specialist
Success Stories
Previous
Next
Debbie Hatch is one of the most ethical and professional trainers I have had the pleasure of working with. She’s easy to work with and always provides factual, up-to-date information (not everyone does).
Executive Officer, HHS
Tomorrow will be my last day in the office as I am retiring. If it wasn’t for your awesome retirement seminars, I personally would have been lost in preparing my retirement paperwork. Because of your classes, I am retiring with confidence. Debbie thank you so much for the services you’ve provided to the Los Angeles District through your retirement sessions in Arizona, Las Vegas and Southern California. Everyone from my District that has attended one of your sessions, has praised you as the “best”.
District Training Coordinator, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Debbie is knowledgeable about each aspect of her presentation and answered every one of my questions. I sincerely appreciated the opportunity to ask questions.
Biologist, USFWS
Debbie is extremely conversant on all topics – not only CSRS and FERS but also how civil service and military programs interface with Social Security, Medicare, etc. None of my questions were left unanswered. Since so much of retirement planning is essentially “self-help” and much of it are things employees don’t work with regularly. This course is vital to ensure all the benefits and responsibilities are well understood.
Quality Assurance Specialist, NASA
Success Stories
Previous
Next
Remember when you were preparing for finals? You’d cram all of the information in every night, up until the day of the exam. You sit down, open the test, and realize that you have forgotten everything that you’ve studied. You look over the one sheet of notes that you’re allowed to bring, but now you have forgotten why you put most of the information on the page. You panic as you realize that your time is running out . . .
That can be your experience as you prepare for Open Season for Federal Employees. Lots of information, lots of reading, lots of dead ends and convoluted data. The window for open season is very short and before you know it time is up and you’re stuck with decisions that you’ve made until the next open season. What about retirement? What if you put in your paperwork for retirement only to realize that if you would have taken advantage of certain opportunities earlier in your career you would be much better off. What if you had a tutor, someone to coach you through the exam while you’re taking it? That’s what Deborah Hatch is. She will coach you until and through open season so that you will be able to take advantage of all opportunities that are available for you. Although she will answer questions for your unique situation she will NOT take the test for you. Only you know what’s best for your own circumstances and she can only present you options. I have greatly benefited from Debbie’s advice; the open season doesn’t seem as frightening as it once was. If you don’t want to miss out on tips for retirement and be well prepared for open season then you need to talk to Debbie! She answered a question that I had for months in a matter of minutes! Even after I read it from the OPM website and the references she provided to me, the way she put it made more sense!
Federal Contracting Specialist and Personal Client
I ordered the book and read it in one sitting. It’s so easy to understand. Such a quick read. I absolutely love it!
IT Specialist, USAF
Debbie effectively tailored this course to the interests of the group. The information is critical for new employees as well as those nearing retirement.
District Manager, SSA
Success Stories
Previous
Next
YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING!!! Thank you for your expertise and for being a wonderful, stellar virtual presenter. I have my 6 & 63 certification and Health and Life license in Ohio and I applaud your ability to make complex topics easier to understand!!!
Anyone can make things more complex and difficult but it takes a genius like yourself to make things easier to understand!!!
Contracting Officer
I recently took the FERS training. I love how you explained everything: so very clear. I also appreciate the references. Thank you so much.
Registered Nurse, DVA
You really do make me less ‘anxious’ about all this…thanks for ‘holding my hand’! Have a great week and know you are very much appreciated!
Financial Management Specialist
I took the class a couple years ago. I have referred to the book countless times. I am now retiring and I was able to make election easily because of what I learned from you.
Fire Chief, USAF
Ms. Hatch presents this critical information in such an easy-to-understand manner! I finally feel that I can actually retire.
Procurement Analyst, USTRANSCOM
Success Stories
Previous
Next
The personal consultation with Debbie was worth every penny. She is one of the most professional people I’ve ever worked with. It is rare to find someone so eager to help. She listens, which in this arena is so important. She knows the rules and how they apply to your specific situation. Don’t try to figure this out on your own. This is typically a once in a lifetime decision. Let the professionals help.
James S., Analyst
I am very pleased with the consultation I received from Pinnacle Personnel. I had three retirement reports done by my local HR and there were gaps/holes that did not make me feel comfortable. I needed a detailed map so I could prepare for my retirement journey. That’s what Debbie provided me. Simply put: retirement peace of mind. I do not have time nor expertise in this field and there’s too much to wager. I have done the footwork and taken time to locate a solid retirement advisor: Debbie Hatch at Pinnacle Personnel Services is the one for me. She knows the federal system. Her reports are very well put together. Excellent
communication and efficiency in helping others find out where they are really at in the retirement maze. Thank you so much for your help, Deb.
Robert E., Facilities Operations Specialist
I admire your ready knowledge of all this stuff that's so overwhelming to us mere mortals! It's like buying a house - not something we (usually) do often, filled with big words and bigger decisions, the consequences of which we won't know until well down the road. You nailed the emotions on this roller coaster ride: intimidating and scary. Also exhilarating and amazing. Thanks for helping me work this out. It's nice to see someone who likes what they do. So THIS is what real expertise looks like!
Janine L., Requirements & Resource Management
Debbie Hatch is absolutely phenomenal. She genuinely cares about providing timely, accurate and relevant information. Debbie knows her stuff, is quick to answer questions, and stays informed as changes occur. Debbie is able and willing to run “what if” scenarios, understands the stress that preparing for retirement can bring, and offers clear answers to complex issues. She cares about those she’s working with. Make the investment – undoubtedly it will give you peace of mind moving forward into the next stage of life.
Theresa Y., Physician
Success Stories
Previous
Next
I had decisions to make that would affect the rest
of my life and trouble getting answers. What to do? I
emailed Debbie! She gave prompt and accurate
information to every inquiry, enabling me to make the best
choices for me. I retired happy and confident and with
peace of mind. Debbie saved me thousands of dollars and gave me peace of mind which is priceless. Do it! Retirement decisions will affect the rest of your life. If you need help, Debbie provides clear, accurate, and prompt
help. She is outstanding!
USFS Pilot, retired
Do it! I absolutely recommend this. I am an advocate for
getting information even if your retirement date is in the
far future. I have spoken to several folks already about my
positive experience with debbie. Our phone conversation
was invaluable. I love that I had the lead time to review
my report and formulate questions prior to our call.
Linda G.
FMCS Regional Director
I couldn’t have done it as easily or as well without you. I can never thank you enough for all of the assistance you provided to me in my retirement planning. It happened during a difficult stage in my life. My thought process was a little clouded because of cancer treatments. I’ve had my last scheduled chemotherapy. My wife and I are using some of the retirement money on a cruise! We are scheduled for a week’s trip to Germany and have all sorts of additional mini trips planned during the rest of the year. I have a new grand-child on the way! We’re living life and loving every second of it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the support, information, and education to make this chapter a reality.
Maurice A.
Business Critical Systems Supervisor
It is worth every penny to use the service and I consider
Debbie one of the most professional and accommodating people I have worked
with. It is rare to work with
somebody like her who is eager to help. Also, she listens
which in this case is important. Also she sure knows her material to include everything related to retirement. Don't try to figure it out on your own. This is once in a lifetime decision. Let the professionals help.
James S.
Analyst
