Chris Kowalik reviews the various factors that go into choosing an ideal date to retire from federal service including your pension, the Thrift Savings Plan, and other benefits more…
Understanding the Three Tax Buckets: Tax Me Now, Later or Never
While you can’t avoid taxes, you can choose when you want to pay them when it comes to certain accounts and savings. Chris Kowalik explains how the growth in your investments is taxed, and which tax bucket is right for you: “tax me now,” “tax me later,” and “tax me never.” more…
3 Signs You’re Not Ready to Retire
Many people nearing retirement have an idea of how they want to live but aren’t sure they’ll ever be able to afford their vision. Chris Kowalik provides three important reasons why it may be time to make some adjustments to your retirement planning more…
4 Tips for Dealing with Financial Stress During Uncertain Times
Whether it’s rising inflation, a government shutdown, a market downturn, an economic recession, or an emergency, Money and finances can cause anxiety for many of us. Chris Kowalik provides four actionable tips to manage financial stress more…
Why Having Emergency Savings is Vital for Feds
If you have little-to-no savings that is accessible to you when you need it, a job loss, government shutdown furlough, or medical emergency could be catastrophic to your finances. Chris Kowalik gives pointers on how you can build an emergency fund
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Planning for Long Term Care
Chris Kowalik guides federal employees in exploring the options of needing extra care as they age – even in the absence of a government solution more…
Will You Be Prepared for Retirement? Take This Test Drive and Find Out
What will your retirement look like? And how will you feel about being retired and on a “fixed” income? Are you confident in your current retirement plan? Chris Kowalik takes you on a test drive to help you to adjust your plans based on real-world experience more…
Retiring Under the FERS MRA+10 Provision
What happens when a FERS employee wants to retire prior to meeting all of the full eligibility requirements? Chris Kowalik discusses the way to avoid one of the penalties associated with MRA+10 rules — plus how MRA+10 affects the FERS Special Retirement Supplement more…
10 Must-Do Action Items to Prepare to Retire from Federal Service
As you begin planning for retirement, you may be concerned that you’ll miss some critical steps. Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, provides the action items to ensure you’re on track more…
Preparing Your Exit from Federal Service
Chris Kowalik provides key understanding on voluntary and involuntary departures (including DRP 2.0), who is entitled to what (and when), how the pension and other benefits are affected. Includes example scenarios for federal employees more…