Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, gives the simple formula to determine if federal retirees might work themselves right out of the Special Retirement Supplement if they have a job after leaving federal service more…
Why High COLAs are Not a Good Thing
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, reveals why high cost of living adjustments (COLAs) are a cause for real concern for federal retirees more…
Rules for Keeping FEHB in Retirement
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, outlines the three rules federal employees must follow to be allowed to keep their health benefits (FEHB) in retirement more…
FEGLI Option C (When You Have No Eligible Family Members)
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, reviews FEGLI Option C coverage and what happens when you no longer have eligible family members who are covered. more…
4 Actions to Take Now to Avoid the FEGLI Trap
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, explains why the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance program was designed to be relatively affordable coverage while you are working — and never intended to be the long-term life insurance policy that you kept forever more…
7 Retirement Regrets to Avoid
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, explains how retirement regrets have real consequences, and why it’s important to do what you can now to get ahead of the game more…
The TSP Early Withdrawal Penalty
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, reveals the rules of the early withdrawal penalty (and how to avoid it) when taking money out of the TSP prior to age 59-1/2. Examples are provided.
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3 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Financial Professional
Less than 25% of federal employees have ever consulted a financial professional. Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, discusses why someone should engage a professional, what they should expect in the process, and what it’s going to cost more…
The Goals, the Gap and the Gains
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, discusses why goal setting can leave federal employees feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. She gives real world examples of how to break down goals into manageable steps
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Tips on Updating Beneficiaries to Your Federal Benefits
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, helps federal employees to understand how beneficiaries work, and what happens if no one is assigned to receive the benefit upon the death of an employee or retiree more…