The author explains why it is important to take time to consider the pros and cons of adding Medicare to FEHB. Common assumptions about Medicare Part B, IRMAA, whether you need Part D (prescription drugs) and FEHB coordination can obscure how coverage and costs actually play out over time. more…
Main Content
Are Roth IRAs Subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?
Federal employees are aware that traditional IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs). Both the traditional IRA owner and whoever inherits a traditional IRA upon the death of the traditional IRA owner are subject to annual RMDs. On the other hand, the owner of a Roth IRA is never subject to Roth IRA RMDs, however, upon the Roth IRA owner’s death, an inherited Roth IRA may be subject to lifetime RMDs. Ed Zurndorfer discussses the rules with practical examples. more…
How a Court Order Can Wreck Your Federal Retirement
Here’s what you (and your current spouse) should know before you retire — and how to mitigate the impact moving forward. Chris Kowalik provides insight on how your ‘take-home’ pay may change while you are still living in retirement, how your current/future spouse’s benefits may be reduced or eliminated, and how having a court order affects how long it will take OPM to process your retirement application more…
Insight on How Investors Should Respond to TSP Volatility
Markets have been noisy for months. But many Thrift Savings Plan funds are firmly in positive territory, highlighting the gap between headline volatility and how markets actually price information. Certified Financial Planner Art Stein helps explain the disconnect and how investors should respond. more…
Why Waiting to Retire Could Be Worth Thousands of Dollars
For many federal employees, the retirement question isn’t “Can I retire?” so much as “Should I retire now, or is it smarter to wait?” Your federal retirement income is usually built on three pillars: your CSRS or FERS annuity/pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan. A federal retirement counselor outlines how you can optimize the best timing choice from these three pillars 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...