If passed, bipartisan legislation would give civilian federal employees up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave per year more…
What Social Security’s Funding Gap Means for Federal Retirees
Most federal employees under FERS rely on Social Security as part of retirement. While Social Security is not going anywhere, the latest trustees report suggests the choices to preserve full benefits are getting tougher. The program is moving closer to the point where it will no longer be able to pay full scheduled benefits from its current revenue. The system could pay full benefits until 2034, then benefits will be reduced to about 83% of the promised amount. What can be done? more…
2027 Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limits Increase
Federal employees, retirees and annuitants have an opportunity to save money in a tax-advantaged manner to pay medical expenses by utilizing Health Savings Accounts. The IRS announced the increase to the amount individuals can contribute to HSAs (plus catch-up contributions for those eligible and age 55 and over) more…
Guide to Life Events Affecting Federal Retirees
There are many events in a federal retiree’s life that might affect their retirement and other benefits. Office of Personnel Management provides guidance for marriage/divorce, death of an employee/annuitant or spouse, reemployment, designation of beneficiaries, and moving to a new address more…
Military Buy-Back Guide: How to Maximize Your Federal Pension
Under current federal retirement policy, your active-duty military service is generally creditable toward your FERS or CSRS civilian retirement if it was terminated under honorable conditions. However, to receive this credit, you must make a deposit covering a small percentage of your military basic pay, plus any applicable interest. The two major benefits of a military buy-back are: 1) your pension will be larger, and 2) you may be eligible to retire earlier than you thought. This quick guide will explain the step-by-process, and provides insight on when this may not be the right decision… more…
How Inflation is Affecting Federal Employees’ & Retirees’ Financial Security
For federal employees and retirees, inflation is changing the math on everything from retirement income to basic savings strategy. Some of the choices that feel conservative — like leaning on the G Fund or sitting on cash — can fall behind over time. Certified Financial Planner Art Stein outlines a couple of common mistakes to avoid more…
New FEHB Rule: Federal Employees & Retirees Must Prove Eligibility of Family Member’s Health Plan Coverage
A final rule from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published to the Federal Register on Tuesday that will require federal employees and retirees to provide documentation verifying the eligibility of any family member added to their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) or Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program coverage more…
Federal Retirees: How Medicare Part D Can Reduce Prescription Drug Costs
Federal retirees and annuitants on Medicare may be able to significantly cut prescription drug costs by adding a Part D plan through their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan coverage. See how it works, which plans offer it, and whether it’s right for you. more…
Why Federal Employees Should Sort Out Medicare Myths
The author explains why it is important to take time to consider the pros and cons of adding Medicare to FEHB. Common assumptions about Medicare Part B, IRMAA, whether you need Part D (prescription drugs) and FEHB coordination can obscure how coverage and costs actually play out over time. more…
Insight on How Investors Should Respond to TSP Volatility
Markets have been noisy for months. But many Thrift Savings Plan funds are firmly in positive territory, highlighting the gap between headline volatility and how markets actually price information. Certified Financial Planner Art Stein helps explain the disconnect and how investors should respond. more…