Life insurance death proceeds are usually income tax-free, but the rules around the Federal Employees Life Insurance (FEGLI) coverage over $50,000, premium deductibility, and settlement option interest are easy to get wrong. Ed Zurndofer outlines how the IRS defines “life insurance” for tax purposes, when premiums can be deducted, and how employer-paid FEGLI coverage above $50,000 becomes a taxable fringe benefit — including a step-by-step example using the IRS cost table. more…
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2027 FERS / CSRS COLA: Estimate Narrows Ahead of October Announcement
The 2027 cost-of-living adjustment is one inflation report away from becoming official. With two of the three months that count toward the calculation already in hand, see where the major forecasters stand, what September’s CPI-W report still has to answer, and when the Social Security Administration is expected to announce the final number — plus what it means for FERS retirees under the reduced “diet COLA” formula. more…
2027 Federal Pay Freeze Fight Continues: Lawmakers Rally at Podium
Lawmakers who oppose the 2027 civilian pay freeze followed up their letter with a Capitol Hill press conference this week. Here’s their strategy for the months ahead, and what history shows about Congress overriding a presidential pay freeze — it’s happened twice before, in 2008 and 2019. more…
Keeping FEHB in Retirement: The 5-Year Rule and Waiver Explained
Miss the 5-year rule for keeping the Federal Employees Health Benefits program in retirement and the coverage gap could cost $12,000 a year. Here’s the rule, the waiver, and how to protect your eligibility. more…
Where to Park Your Cash After the Fed’s September Rate Hike
The Federal Reserve’s September rate hike widened the gap between what a typical bank pays on savings and what’s actually available. This guide compares savings accounts, CDs, Treasury bills, and money market funds, explains why locking up cash in a five-year CD deserves more scrutiny right now, and lays out a tiered approach for keeping cash flexible as rates continue to move. 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...