President Trump has issued his 2027 alternative pay plan, freezing base and locality pay for most federal employees while law enforcement and military personnel see separate raises. Beyond the flat paycheck, a frozen year can quietly lower your High-3 average if it falls in your final three years of service. Will Congress override the freeze? Here’s what could happen next… more…
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Roth TSP In-Plan Conversions: What They Mean for Your Taxes
Roth in-plan conversions let Thrift Saving Plan participants move money from their traditional (before-tax) balance into their Roth (after-tax) balance at any time, provided they meet eligibility requirements. But converting isn’t tax-free — the amount converted counts as taxable income in the year of conversion, and since there’s no automatic withholding, participants may need to make estimated tax payments to avoid a penalty. Ed Zurndorfer outlines who’s eligible, how much can be converted, the “leave-behind” rule, and what federal and state tax liabilities to expect. more…
Trump Account Investment Rules: What the New IRS Proposal Means for Families
A Trump account is a new IRA-style savings account for kids, but the money can only go into specific low-cost funds. The IRS has now proposed detailed rules on what qualifies and what it means for your family’s account. more…
What a New Bipartisan Social Security Plan Could Mean for Federal Retirees
A bipartisan Senate plan would remove the cap on Social Security payroll taxes for high earners. Most federal employees won’t feel the tax change directly — but there’s an important deadline in this development that affects everyone planning to retire in the next decade. more…
7 Ways HR Can’t Help You With Your Retirement – And the 5 Ways They Should
Your agency’s HR office knows the rules, but they don’t know your finances, your family, or your goals. Chris Kowalik outlines 7 major retirement decisions HR can’t make for you — from when to retire to Social Security timing — plus the 5 things HR is actually responsible for. 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...