Chris Kowalik outlines what’s changing, what’s not, and what it means for your take-home pay in the new year more…
The TSP Early Withdrawal Penalty
Chris Kowalik outlines 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. more…
Taxes in Federal Retirement
Chris Kowalik gives understanding to the tax implications of retiring — and what steps to take today to be ready when it happens more…
Federal Employee Pay Raises vs. Retiree COLAs
Chris Kowalik discusses the differences between pay raises and federal retiree COLAs — including who gets them, how they are determined, and when they are applied more…
Your Biggest Expenses in Retirement
Chris Kowalik explains why the spending most folks rack up during their working years does not suddenly change in retirement. Some of your biggest expenses may surprise you more…
The Real Impact of TSP Required Minimum Distributions
Chris Kowalik uncovers the real impact RMDs have on your Thrift Savings Plan account value, taxes, other benefits, and your heirs more…
Deciding When to Take Social Security Benefits
Chris Kowalik breaks down the core components of the Social Security program to understand when, how, and why to start drawing benefits more…
Last Paycheck vs. First Retirement Check
Chris Kowalik gives a detailed explanation of how you can expect your pay to change once you retire from federal service (“employed vs. retired”) more…
What If You Die While Employed?
Chris Kowalik walks you through what happens when the unexpected happens, including who can be protected to receive your pension, which benefits are paid out lump-sum, and what to do now to prepare your family
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The High-3 Average Salary
Chris Kowalik provides a step-by-step guide to the real way your high-3 is calculated for federal retirement