For many federal employees, the retirement question isn’t “Can I retire?” so much as “Should I retire now, or is it smarter to wait?” Your federal retirement income is usually built on three pillars: your CSRS or FERS annuity/pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan. A federal retirement counselor outlines how you can optimize the best timing choice from these three pillars more…
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Federal Employees & Retirees: Are You Getting Shortchanged on COLA?
Federal employees may hear “COLA increase” and assume their retirement income keeps full pace with inflation, but under FERS, the cost-of-living adjustment can work differently than many expect. Before you retire, it is important to understand how the FERS COLA, CSRS COLA, Social Security COLA, and your overall federal retirement income may interact over time more…
How Supplemental Benefits from Your FEHB Plan Can Put Money Back in Your Pocket
Many Federal Employees Health Benefit plan enrollees overlook valuable supplemental benefits included in their plans, such as wellness incentives worth hundreds of dollars to gym discounts and shopping rewards. Watch this short video to learn what your FEHB plan may be offering and how to start taking advantage of it today. more…
Your Biggest Expenses in Retirement
Overall, your expenses may drop in retirement — but not as significantly as you anticipate. Chris Kowalik explains why some of your biggest expenses may surprise you, and why it’s critical to get these costs under control before you retire and account for them in your retirement plan more…
The TSP and Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)
There’s a lot to consider when deciding to withdraw money from your Thrift Savings Plan account. The IRS requires that you receive a portion of your TSP account (your “required minimum distribution” or “RMD”) beginning when you reach a specific age and are separated from service. Ed Zurndorfer simplifies the detailed (and often confusing) RMD rules including how the RMD is calculated, RMD deadlines, and how RMDs affect TSP participant beneficiaries. Several practical examples are provided, along with necessary forms and the free TSP guide, “Tax Rules about TSP Payments” 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...