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…
Main Content
Federal Retiree COLA History: CSRS COLA and FERS COLA
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) history for CSRS and FERS from 1999 to 2026 more…
Foreign Tax Credit: How it Works and Who Can Claim It
The foreign tax credit is an IRS tax break that offsets tax paid to other countries. Ed Zurndorfer explains how some federal employees may qualify for it, and the IRS reporting requirements more…
OPM Retirement Application Backlog Surges to 65,237
The monthly average processing time for February was 72 days. While processing digital retirement applications is faster, many paper claims are still coming in from federal agencies as the government transitions to the digital system. more…
Changes to the Child Tax Credit Resulting from OBBBA
The one Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which President Trump signed into law in July 2025, permanently extended the enhanced Child Tax Credit beyond 2025. Ed Zurndorfer explains who is a qualifying child for the CTC, and how it’s calculated. A practical example is included. 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...