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…
Choosing Your Best Date to Retire
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…
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…