OPM is asking whether the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program should offer more health plan options — or fewer. A new request for information, opens a 60-day comment period on how the number and type of FEHB and PSHB plan options affects premiums, consumer experience, and program costs. Here’s what’s actually being asked, and how to weigh in before the window closes. more…
Main Content
House Republicans Push OPM to Review Federal Law Enforcement Retirement Classification
A group of House Republicans has asked OPM to reconsider how it classifies certain federal police forces for retirement purposes, arguing that officers at agencies like VA Police and the Pentagon Force Protection Agency perform law-enforcement-level duties without qualifying for enhanced retirement coverage. The push draws on a recent GAO report documenting the same disparity across 17 agencies, including higher attrition among officers without enhanced benefits. Nothing has changed yet for affected employees, but the story is worth tracking given the retirement formula differences at stake. more…
TSP Week in Review: Sept. 7 – 11, 2026
A four-day trading week brought a rough stretch for most TSP investors, as escalating tensions overseas and a hotter-than-expected inflation report weighed on stocks. Every core fund but one closed the week lower, with one fund taking a noticeably steeper hit than the rest. See which funds held up, which one struggled most, and what next week’s Federal Reserve meeting could mean for TSP balances going forward. more…
How to Maximize Your 2026 TSP Contributions and Not Lose Agency Matching Contributions
Hitting the Thrift Savings Plan contribution and catch-up contribution limits too early in the year can still cost FERS employees their agency matching contributions. Ed Zurndorfer shows you how to calculate the right per-pay-date amount, whether you’re under age 50, ages 50-59, or in the age 60-63 “super catch-up” window. more…
2026 Thrift Savings Plan Maximum Contribution Limits
The Internal Revenue Service announced the cost-of-living adjustments affecting 2026 TSP contribution limits — as well as dollar limitations for traditional and Roth IRAs and other retirement-related items… 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...