Democrats are positioned to control the House and Senate in 2027. Here is what that could change for federal pay, benefits, retirement, Social Security and Medicare
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Where Federal Retirees Can Park ‘Safe Money’: G Fund, Bills, I Bonds and CDs
‘Safe money’ usually means dollars that should not swing with the stock market: cash for the next few years of spending, a cushion for a shutdown or a delayed annuity payment, or the portion of a portfolio that lets the rest take more risk. Many federal employees and retirees have a safe-money option in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): the G Fund. This guide compares the G fund with Treasury bills, I bonds and CDs on rate, price risk, access limits and taxes
2027 FEHB Enrollment Options: Who Counts as a Family Member, When You Can Switch and the Five-Year Rule
The Federal Employees Health Benefits program offers three enrollment types, and many federal employees and retirees are unsure what each one covers or when they can change it. Edward A. Zurndorfer explains who counts as an eligible family member, including children under 26 and adult children with qualifying disabilities. He also covers when a mid-year switch from self and family to self plus one is allowed, and why the five-year rule for keeping FEHB coverage in retirement doesn’t require self plus one enrollment.
Should You Opt Out of Your FEHB Plan’s Medicare Part D?
Federal Retirement Mailbag: Two readers recently asked about the same notice. Their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan told them pharmacy coverage was moving to the plan’s Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Should a federal retiree let the automatic enrollment happen or opt out, and can prescriptions be switched back to FEHB after enrolling? Opting out is generally possible, but the right choice depends on the medications, and postal retirees face a different outcome. Learn how the opt-out works, when it may make sense, and what to check before making a change.
Retirement Spending Gap Calculator for FERS and TSP
A free calculator for federal employees and retirees. Enter annual spending, the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuity, the FERS Supplement, Social Security and stable assets to see the yearly gap the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) must supply and how many years of that gap the stable assets could cover, before and after the Supplement ends at 62. Includes the TSP’s Lifecycle Fund glide paths and a worked example.
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...