Federal employees could get 12 weeks of paid leave to cover a serious illness, care for a sick family member, or handle military-family needs, under a bill Congress. more…
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Latest TSP Fund Performance Returns — G, F, C, S, I, L Funds | July 2026
Stock funds gave back ground last month after a strong second quarter — one core fund fell over 4%, its worst month since March. See the full fund-by-fund breakdown, plus long-term performance for every TSP fund. more…
The Medicare IRMAA Cliff: How a TSP Withdrawal Can Bite Back Two Years Later
IRMAA — the added monthly cost tacked onto your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums when your income crosses certain thresholds — rarely shows up because of one obvious mistake. It’s usually a Traditional TSP withdrawal, an RMD, a Roth in-plan conversion, or even a final-year annual leave payout stacking on top of your FERS annuity and Social Security. Cross the income threshold by even $1, and a married couple can owe nearly $2,300 in extra Medicare premiums two years later. This guide breaks down how the 2026 IRMAA brackets work, why the bill always arrives two years after the decision that caused it, and how retirement itself may qualify you for a lower premium under Form SSA-44. It also walks through five questions to ask yourself before any TSP withdrawal or Roth conversion — plus a free downloadable checklist and worksheet to help you run your own numbers — so you can see the Medicare impact coming instead of finding it in the mail. more…
The TSP G Fund Is Safe From Market Losses — But Not From Inflation
The TSP’s G Fund protects your savings from market losses — its balance won’t decline when stocks fall or bond prices drop. But that protection doesn’t guarantee your savings will keep pace with inflation. When prices rise faster than the G Fund’s return, your account can hold more dollars while buying less than it used to. This guide’s analysis compares official G Fund returns with federal inflation data and examines the trade-off between market safety and long-term growth. It also considers how your retirement timeline, withdrawal plans and ability to tolerate market declines can affect the role the G Fund plays in your TSP. more…
Why 62 Is the Magic Age for FERS Employees to Retire
Age 62 can be an important turning point for FERS employees. If you retire at 62 or later with at least 20 years of service, the multiplier used to calculate your pension increases — potentially providing a 10% larger basic benefit. You also become eligible for Social Security and can begin receiving FERS cost-of-living adjustments without waiting. Chris Kowalik explains why these advantages may make 62 worth considering when choosing your retirement date. 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...