Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, brings some clarity on an often-confusing special type of federal retirement — deferred retirement — and some potential significant drawbacks to it more…
Survivor Benefits: Children and Insurable Interest
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, breaks down how the survivor benefit plan works for federal employees who wish to protect income for someone other than a spouse in retirement more…
Understanding Spousal Survivor Benefits
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, discusses some important considerations on one of the biggest decisions federal employees nearing retirement have to make: the spousal survivor benefits plan more…
Federal Couples: Making Decisions for Retirement
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, provides insight on how federal employees married to one another likely have different choices on some key benefits decisions than employees married to a non-federal spouse. This episode includes a transcript more…
How FEHB and Medicare Work Together in Retirement
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, provides insight and tips on how the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program and Medicare work together in retirement. A transcript of this episode is provided. more…
How the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program Works in Retirement
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, dispels some misconceptions of how the FEHB program works in retirement. more…
The Ins and Outs of the FERS Special Retirement Supplement
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, provides clarity on how some FERS employees who retire prior to age 62 may receive the Special Retirement Supplement. A transcript of this podcast recording is also provided more…
How Part-Time Service Affects Federal Retirement Eligibility and Annuity Calculations
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, breaks down how part-time service may affect a federal employee’s eligibility to retire and the calculation of their pension more…
Retiring Under the FERS MRA+10 Provision
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, shares how a FERS employee — who may be considering retiring under MRA+10 retirement rules — will be affected by swift penalties more…
The Financial Planning Pep Talk for Federal Employees
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, shares how federal employees can get started in the often overwhelming process of planning for retirement more…