Social Security isn’t disappearing, but it does face long-term financial challenges. This guide explains what the projected depletion of the trust fund reserves really means, what the 2026 Trustees Report says, and how it could affect federal employees and retirees. more…
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FERS High-3 Average Salary: How It’s Calculated and Why It Matters
Your high-3 average salary is one of the most important factors used to calculate your FERS pension — but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Learn what counts as basic pay, how OPM determines your highest consecutive 36 months of earnings, common mistakes to avoid, and how your high-3 affects your retirement income. Includes practical examples and a free FERS High-3 Estimator Worksheet. more…
New Student Loan Rules: What Federal Employees Need to Know
Student loan repayment rules are changing, and federal employees could feel the impact whether they’re just starting their careers or planning for retirement. This guide explains what the new rules mean, how repayment options and borrowing limits are changing, and what steps you should consider now to protect both your budget and your long-term retirement plans more…
2027 CSRS / FERS / Social Security COLA Estimate
Could retirees receive a larger COLA in 2027? According to the latest inflation figures and analysts, the answer may be yes. See the newest Social Security, CSRS, and FERS COLA projections, compare how each retirement system is affected, and learn why the next three months of inflation reports will determine your final increase. more…
2027 CSRS / FERS COLA Watch for Federal Retirees
Follow the trend for the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment for those under the Civil Service Retirement System, the Federal Employees Retirement System and Social Security 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...