Your FERS pension may look like a number that’s simply calculated for you on your last day of work. But several decisions along the way — how you handle your high-3, whether you buy back military time, what you do with unused sick leave, and whether you wait until age 62 — can each change your monthly payment for the rest of your life. This guide walks through all five, with real dollar examples, a downloadable checklist and worksheet, plus an FAQ section. more…
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Latest TSP Fund Performance Returns — G, F, C, S, I, L Funds | August 2026
August was a clean sweep for the Thrift Savings Plan — every core fund and every Lifecycle Fund closed the month higher, a sharp turnaround from July’s mixed results. One fund led the way by a wide margin, and the year-to-date gap between the strongest and weakest core funds keeps growing. See the complete breakdown.. more…
The 2027 Pay Freeze Isn’t Final — Here’s What Could Still Change It
President Trump’s August 26 letter freezes most federal civilian pay for 2027, but Congress can still override it. The House Appropriations Committee has already rejected an effort to add a raise, the Senate hasn’t released its bill yet, and employee unions like AFGE and NTEU are pushing back — including a pointed comparison to the administration’s move to allow salaries of up to $400,000 for a small group of “critical position” employees. Here’s where the realistic path to a 2027 raise stands. more…
TSP Week in Review: August 24-28, 2026
Small caps led the week’s losses as the S Fund gave back 1.32%, while the C Fund bucked the trend with a 0.50% gain. See the full fund-by-fund breakdown. more…
The Real Cost of Your FERS Survivor Election: Full, Partial, or None?
What should you choose? Full survivor benefit, partial, or none? The election you make at retirement determines far more than a 5% or 10% pension reduction. It shapes whether your spouse keeps Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage, how their Social Security changes, and how much of your household’s income they actually keep. This guide walks through a worked example showing what each option means in real numbers. A downloadable FERS Survivor Benefit Planning Checklist is included to help you get started. 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...