Federal employees spend years building a clear picture of their retirement income. Far less attention is given to how state taxes will affect what that income looks like in practice. While relocating to a different state is often a goal in retirement, knowing how each location will impact your money can make a huge difference. more…
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Rolling Over a TSP Account to an IRA: Advantages and Disadvantages
Thinking about moving your Thrift Savings Plan to an IRA after retirement? A TSP rollover can provide more investment choices and greater flexibility—but it also means giving up some unique TSP advantages. Before making an irreversible decision, understand the tax rules, costs, withdrawal options, and the situations where keeping your money in the TSP may actually be the better choice. Ed Zurndorfer walks you through the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision with confidence. more…
OPM Finalizes Major Changes to Federal Employee Performance Appraisals: What Employees 5–10 Years from Retirement Should Know
While the new rule (effective August 6, 2026) does not change federal retirement benefits, it could influence career progression, promotions, and performance awards during the final years of a federal career. For employees who are five to ten years from retirement, those indirect effects may be worth paying attention to because salary earned during those years can influence future retirement income. This guide outlines the five major changes, what has not changed, describes any impact on an employee’s retirement, and provides insight on maximizing the value of the years that remain before retirement. more…
What Departing Federal Employees Can Do With Their TSP Account
Ed Zurndorfer discusses what departed federal employees can do with their Thrift Savings Plan accounts, including making (or not making) contributions, paying of a TSP loan, and making withdrawals (with or without or without penalties) more…
Latest Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Returns: Monthly and Annual
View the latest Thrift Savings Plan returns of the G, F, C, S, I and L funds 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...