A law passed in 2025 allows a new temporary senior tax deduction for the years 2025 through 2028, and also changes the standard deduction for most other individuals. Ed Zurndorfer explains the changes and how they present both tax-planning opportunities and a caution for potential “stealth taxes.” Practical examples are included. more…
Main Content

2027 Federal Pay Raise Proposed at 4.1 Percent
If passed, the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act would provide federal workers with a 3.1% across-the-board increase in basic pay next year plus an average 1% increase in locality pay. more…

Best (and Worst) States to Retire in 2026
A recent study compared the 50 states across 46 key indicators of retirement-friendliness including tax rates, cost of living, and access to quality medical care and fun activities. Here’s what they found… more…

How to File a Tax Return for An Individual Who Died
Filing a tax return for the year an individual dies presents some unique filing and reporting rules. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the rules and provides the list of forms (with links) that the tax filer may need more…

Understanding the Complicated Roth TSP to Roth IRA Rollover Rules
Upon retiring from federal service, a Roth TSP participant has the option of rolling over their Roth TSP account to a Roth IRA. But this rollover one of the most complicated transfers, and can have major federal and tax consequences. Ed Zurndorfer explains the three most critical pieces of the rollover that federal employees and retirees need to consider more…
Guides & Helpful Resources

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...

