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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Why 62 Is the Magic Age for FERS Employees to Retire
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, outlines three potentially significant incentives for FERS employees to wait until the age of 62 to retire — plus some natural by-products of waiting longer to retire. more…
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…
3 Financial Pitfalls to Avoid in Retirement
A financially stable retirement depends on knowing what to do – and what not to do – with your benefits, money and assets. Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, provides some common pitfalls to watch out for (and what to do about them) more…
3 Crucial Federal Retirement Choices
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, outines some of the important choices that federal employees face in retirement more…
New TSP Withdrawal and Loan Options from CARES Act
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, discusses the new guidance just released by the TSP on withdrawals and the loan options for participants affected by COVID-19. Who qualifies? Are these changes advantageous to you? What are the potential problems you should think through before making a decision?
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Top 5 Things to Know About Your TSP During a Market Downturn
Many Thrift Savings Plan investors have seen their accounts dwindle in value in just a few days. Whether you’re close to retirement or have a ways to go, federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, provides some candid insights on this topic before making any knee-jerk reactions more…








