Phyllis Conary

Phyllis retired after 27 years of federal service in human resources.  She retired as the manager of the retirement and benefits section at McClellan Air Force Base in California.   Following the base’s placement on the closure list, Phyllis assumed responsibility for developing briefings and processes enabling over 1,000 employees per year to retire.  She taught retirement classes, conducted question and answer sessions and counseled employees regarding retirement issues such as insurance choices, survivor benefit options, creditable service and the impact of making deposits.  Her advice enabled employees to make informed decisions regarding continuing federal careers versus choosing an early or optional retirement.  She is an expert on all areas of federal benefits.

Mrs. Conary retired in 2000 and founded Federal Benefit Solutions. The mission of the company is to provide the most thorough and up-to-date pre-retirement training available at a very affordable price.  The company does not sell or promote any financial products.  Over the past 16 years, Phyllis has travelled extensively throughout the United States and Japan, presenting seminars for a variety of agencies including:  the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, U.S. Bankruptcy Courts and District Courts, U.S. Probation/Pretrial Services Office, Food and Drug Administration, Veterans’ Affairs, Western Area Power Administration and the Bureau of the Public Debt.  Seminar participants consistently rate her seminars as one of the best they have ever attended.  Phyllis co-authored the detailed training materials used and updates these as programs and laws change.   She also provides individual counseling services to federal employees regarding their benefits.  

For relaxation, Phyllis enjoys extensive walks, reading, and traveling.   

Carmelle Soto

Carmelle retired in 1999 with over 20 years of federal service during which she provided benefits and retirement training and guidance to employees at three closing military bases including the Sacramento Army Depot, Mather and McClellan Air Force Bases.  As manager of retirement sections of two facilities, Carmelle initiated several innovative plans for insuring every employee received timely access to vital retirement information.  Following federal retirement, Carmelle provided retirement assistance as a contract employee for the U.S. Forest Service and started a new career as an associate consultant for Federal Benefit Solutions. 

Many federal agencies no longer have on-site benefits specialists, creating a need for personal retirement assistance as important and irreversible decisions are being made.  Carmelle fills this need by providing retirement estimates and guidance in completing required documentation.  Her expertise is greatly appreciated by employees approaching retirement.  Carmelle is active as an officer for the Rebekahs, a non-profit fraternal organization associated with the Odd Fellows.  In her spare time, Carmelle enjoys travelling, dancing and spending time with family.