A new Congressional Research Service report is renewing debate over whether retirement cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) should be based on how retirees actually spend their money instead of the inflation experienced by working households. While the report finds that a retiree-focused inflation index would have generally produced slightly higher COLAs over the past four decades, no changes to federal law are currently under consideration. Here’s what federal employees and retirees need to know about the proposal, why it matters, and whether it could affect future COLAs. more…
Bipartisan Senate Proposal Would End Government Shutdowns by Keeping Congress in Session
A bipartisan Senate bill would shift the consequences of missed funding deadlines from federal employees to Congress by replacing government shutdowns with automatic temporary funding while lawmakers complete appropriations. If passed, the legislation could spare federal employees from future government shutdowns by preventing furloughs, ensuring uninterrupted pay, and keeping agencies operating while Congress finishes its budget work. more…
End-of-Life Planning Guide for Federal Employees and Retirees
Getting your affairs in order involves more than preparing a will. This guide explains the legal, medical, financial and federal benefit records your family may need—including TSP and FEGLI beneficiary information, OPM retirement records and advance directives. A free downloadable checklist and workbook is included to help federal employees and retirees organize everything in one place. more…
[Checklist] What Every Federal Employee Should Review in Their OPF Before Retirement
Your Official Personnel Folder (OPF) plays an important role in your federal retirement. Learn what documents to review, when to review them, how to identify potential issues before you retire, and download the free OPF Retirement Review Checklist to help make sure your personnel records are complete more…
OPM Retirement Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Federal Employees
Most federal employees know they have to submit a retirement application, but few understand what happens after they do. This step-by-step guide explains what happens after you submit your paperwork, how your agency and OPM process your application, what interim payments are, common causes of delays, and what you can do to help ensure a smoother transition into retirement. more…
OPM Proposes Rules to Protect Retirement Benefits for Injured Federal First Responders
The Office of Personnel Management has proposed regulations implementing the First Responder Fair RETIRE Act. If finalized, the rule would allow certain injured federal first responders to move into another federal position without losing enhanced retirement benefits. Here’s what the proposal would do, who qualifies, and why it matters more…
Does Your State Have a Sales Tax Holiday? A 2026 Guide for Federal Employees & Retirees
Wondering if your state offers a sales tax holiday? These limited-time tax-free shopping events can help you save money on qualifying purchases such as clothing, school supplies, computers, emergency preparedness items, and more. In this guide, learn how sales tax holidays work, which states participate, what items may qualify, and where to find the latest official information before you shop. Whether you’re a federal employee, retiree, or simply looking to stretch your budget, understanding your state’s tax holiday could lead to meaningful savings. more…
Will OPM Workforce Cuts Affect Future Federal Retirement Processing?
The Office of Personnel Management has reduced its workforce by approximately 35% while continuing to modernize its retirement processing system. Learn what these staffing changes could mean for federal employees planning to retire, current retirees, and the future of retirement application processing. more…
Why Many Federal Employees with a Roth TSP Should Consider Opening a Roth IRA
Many federal employees contribute to the Roth Thrift Savings Plan (Roth TSP), but fewer realize that opening a Roth IRA can provide additional long-term flexibility. Although both accounts offer the potential for tax-free qualified withdrawals, they operate under different IRS rules. This guide explains why maintaining both accounts may strengthen your retirement strategy, how the Roth IRA’s five-year rule differs from the Roth TSP’s, what SECURE 2.0 changed for Roth TSP required minimum distributions, and when a future rollover may make sense. Learn how these two retirement accounts can work together to help you build a more flexible retirement plan. more…
Why Some Federal Retirees Pay Higher Medicare Premiums (and What You Can Do About It)
Many federal retirees are surprised to learn that Medicare premiums aren’t the same for everyone. If your income exceeds certain limits, you may owe an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Learn how SSA calculates IRMAA, common retirement events that trigger it, and how to request a reconsideration if your income has fallen. more…