As you prepare to put your life and financial goals in order, it’s best you seek the advice of people who can help you set all your affairs in order, so you can retire with confidence. Chris Kowalik outlines the top three professionals you should seek assistance from more…
3 Retirement Resolutions for Federal Employees
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, discusses three retirement resolutions you should be making in the new year — specifically how making smaller, realistic goals (and sticking to them) can lead to big results over time more…
10 Ways to Get Your Financial Plan on Track in the New Year
How confident are you that you will have the money you need — when you need it? Chris Kowalik provides some tips to make the most of 2026 more…
The Top Regrets of Federal Employees in 2025
Chris Kowalik gives you a “do-over” list to regain control in 2026 that will get you clear about your retirement numbers and options, and uncover financial decisions you have been avoiding more…
Big Changes to the TSP in 2026
Chris Kowalik explains how newly implemented laws will affect your take-home pay and taxes more…
Does Your FEHB Premium Change in Retirement?
As open season encourages you to re-evaluate your Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage, it’s also the perfect time to understand how your costs will change once you retire. Chris Kowalik explains why the shift from pre-tax to after-tax premiums (“premium conversion”) creates a real difference in what you pay more…
2026 FEHB Premium Hikes: Your Guide to Open Season
What can be done to offset the rising costs of premiums in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and Medicare? Chris Kowalik outlines some options to help you mitigate the increased expenses more…
The Strategy of the Survivor Benefit Plan
Chris Kowalik explains the the difference between active employee pay raises and retiree cost-of-living adjustments — and why, when and how they are applied — as well as current projections for 2026’s anticipated pay raises and how newly announced COLAs will be implemented in retirement more…
Your Survivor Benefit Plan vs. Life Insurance
Your federal Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is an excellent way to protect a portion of your income for your spouse when you die. But that is all it protects, just a portion. You may want to seek out other solutions to fill in the gaps to meet your retirement goals. Chris Kowalik gives understanding on how the SBP and life insurance work so you can develop a comprehensive strategy for utilizing both, providing you and your spouse with the ultimate income protection. more…
Federal Retiree COLA vs. Federal Employee Pay Raises: What is the Difference?
Chris Kowalik explains the the difference between active employee pay raises and retiree cost-of-living adjustments — and why, when and how they are applied — as well as current projections for 2026’s anticipated pay raises and how newly announced COLAs will be implemented in retirement more…