The 2027 cost-of-living adjustment is official: 3.6% for Social Security and CSRS retirees, and 2.6% for eligible FERS retirees. This guide covers when the increase takes effect, how to see the new amount in a my Social Security or OPM online account, why Medicare and health insurance changes reduce the net increase, and the key dates to watch between now and the first higher payment in January. more…
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How a Late-Career Promotion Changes Your High-3 and Your FERS Pension
OPM has finalized a rule ending the 52-week time-in-grade wait for GS promotions, effective January 19, 2027. Whether promotions come sooner will vary by agency, but timing matters for your pension either way. This guide shows what a promotion 3, 2 or 1 year before retirement does to your high-3 and your FERS annuity. more…
Did You Get $90 From Social Security? Which Federal Retirees Qualify for the Medicare Rebate
A $90 payment from Social Security landed in some bank accounts this month, and many federal retirees want to know why they got it, or why they did not. It is a one-time rebate tied to Medicare Part B premiums. Eligibility depends on Medicare coverage, not federal service: retirees with Original Medicare Part B qualify unless they pay the income-related surcharge or receive Medicaid help, while Medicare Advantage enrollees and people without Part B are excluded. Here is who gets the payment, how it differs from an FEHB plan’s Part B reimbursement, and when it arrives. more…
TSP Week in Review: Oct. 12-16, 2026
A hotter inflation report and a sharp selloff in technology shares pushed the TSP’s stock funds lower, while the bond funds held up. See how each core and Lifecycle funds finished the week, and what could move them next more…
2027 FEHB Plan Changes: Nine Plans Leaving and UnitedHealthcare’s HSA Plan Ending in 12 States
Nine FEHB plan options and one PSHB option are ending in 2027, UnitedHealthcare’s HSA-eligible plan is dropping 12 states, and Presbyterian and Mail Handlers are changing too. Enrollees who do nothing move into an OPM default that costs less but is built differently, and Open Season closes December 14. See the full list, what the default costs, and what to check before the deadline passes. 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...