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…
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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…
What the 2027 Pay Freeze and FERS COLA Do to Your Pension When Retiring
A FERS pension can lose purchasing power long after retirement, and a federal pay freeze can reduce the pension before it even begins. Employees retiring before age 62 generally receive no cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) until they reach that age, and the FERS supplement receives no COLAs at all. Even after COLAs begin, FERS adjustments can fall short of inflation, allowing the gap to grow over time. Meanwhile, a frozen pay year can lower the high-3 salary used to calculate the starting pension. What does that mean in dollars? In one hypothetical ten-year illustration with 3.6% annual inflation, the COLA rules leave a FERS pension nearly $50,000 behind one that is fully adjusted for inflation. A worked example follows a federal employee retiring at the minimum retirement age and shows how both the pay freeze and the COLA rules affect retirement income. more…
2027 CSRS / FERS COLA Announced for Federal Retirees
The Social Security Administration has announced a larger cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027, up from this year’s increase. CSRS retirees and Social Security beneficiaries get the full amount, but FERS retirees age 62 and older get a lower COLA under the FERS reduction formula. Use the included free COLA calculator on this page to enter your annuity and see your own increase in dollars, plus how much of it is left after the projected 2027 Medicare Part B premium and your 2027 FEHB premium change. more…
FEHB Eligibility in Retirement: What Counts Toward the 5 Year Rule?
Keeping Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage in retirement depends on five continuous years of enrollment before you retire. In this guide, Ed Zurndorfer explains what counts toward those five years, including coverage through a spouse, TRICARE, and breaks in service. He also outlines what does not count, such as Medicare, Temporary Continuation of Coverage, and non-appropriated fund service. Employees 5 to 10 years from retirement who are not enrolled will find out why the upcoming FEHB open season also matters 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...