The Office of Personnel Management has proposed eliminating the long-standing time-in-grade requirement that generally requires GS employees to spend at least one year at their current grade before becoming eligible for promotion. If finalized, the proposal could allow agencies to promote qualified employees sooner — potentially leading to faster career advancement, higher lifetime earnings, larger TSP contributions, and even a higher FERS pension for some employees. But the change also raises questions about about consistency and fairness in promotion decisions. Learn what the proposal would change, what it wouldn’t change, who could benefit, the potential drawbacks, and what it means for your federal career. This guide also includes 7 ways this change could affect your benefits in retirement. more…
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A TSP Loan May Cost More Than You Think
Thinking about borrowing from your Thrift Savings Plan? A TSP loan may seem like one of the most inexpensive ways to access cash—there’s no credit check, the interest goes back into your own account, and repayment is automatic. But many federal employees overlook the biggest expense: the retirement growth they could miss while their money is out of the market. This guide explains how TSP loans work, compare the pros and cons, walk through the application process, and reveal the true long-term cost with a realistic example that every FERS employee should consider before borrowing. more…
Understanding Your TSP Investment Options: A Guide to the G, F, C, S, I, L Funds, and Mutual Fund Window
Many federal employees contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan without fully understanding the differences between the G, F, C, S, I, and Lifecycle (L) Funds — or when to use each one. Our latest guide breaks down every TSP investment option, explains the Mutual Fund Window, and shows how investment elections, fund reallocations, and fund transfers really work. Whether you’re new to federal service or nearing retirement, this article can help you make more informed decisions about your retirement savings. more…
9 Free Social Security Calculators Every Federal Employee Should Know About
The Social Security Administration offers more than just a basic retirement estimator. From estimating your monthly benefit to comparing claiming ages, calculating the earnings test, and screening for additional benefits, there are several free tools that can help you make better retirement decisions. This guide walks federal employees through each Social Security calculator, explains what it’s used for, and shows you which ones are most valuable as you plan for retirement. more…
Should Federal Retirees Enroll in Medicare Part B? The Decision Is Getting More Expensive
With Medicare Part B premiums projected to continue rising over the next decade, the decision to enroll alongside your FEHB coverage deserves careful analysis. While many federal retirees benefit from combining Medicare with FEHB, the added monthly premium isn’t the right choice for everyone. Learn what the latest Medicare projections mean, why dropping FEHB is usually a mistake, and the key factors every federal retiree should consider before making this important retirement healthcare decision. more…
10 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Life Insurance
Ed Zurndorfer outlines errors individuals often make when purchasing and owning a life insurance policy
2025 Health Insurance Plan Options & Comparison Tools
Get the latest the official information online for the 2024 plan year of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Dental and vision (FEDVIP) details are also available...
Your Federal Health Benefits & Medicare: Helpful Resources from OPM
The Office of Personnel Management offers several resources for federal employees and retirees regarding Medicare and how it works with the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program...
Guide to Federal Retiree COLAs: What Are They and How Are They Calculated?
Understand what the cost-of-living adjustment is, how it is computed, and how it affects CSRS and FERS annuities, survivor annuities, and other federal employee death benefits...
10 Biggest Mistakes Federal Employees Make When Planning for Retirement (and How to Avoid Them)
Learn the 10 biggest federal retirement planning mistakes that many employees make before leaving civil service including CSRS, FERS, Thrift Savings Plan...
Federal Retirement Planning Checklists
Checklists for 5-10 years from retirement, one year away from retirement, and for your first year after retirement...