Many federal employees — and retirees — are asking if a pay freeze would affect within-grade step increases or CSRS and FERS cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). Here is some insight
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Recent Articles
As Opposition to Pay Freeze Grows, Lawmakers Could Still Approve 2019 Pay Raise
As the House and Senate near a conference agreement for next year’s spending bill, nearly 200 Republican and Democratic lawmakers have urged passage of a minimum 1.9% pay increase more…
Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) Planning Strategies for 2018
Tax law changes during 2018 that are affecting Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) planning strategies this year. Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, reviews five of these strategies. more…
President Issues Notice of 2019 Federal Pay Freeze Plan
In a letter to Congress on Thursday, President Trump said he is exercising his authority to implement a 2019 pay freeze for civilian federal employees more…
Social Security Benefits Lose 34% of Buying Power Since 2000, Study Shows
The study’s findings indicate the loss occurred even though beneficiaries received a 2% annual cost-of-living adjustment for 2018. The Senior Citizens League estimates the 2019 COLA 2019 will be about 3.3% more…
Federal Employees Should Explore Alternatives for Paying Future Long-Term Care Expenses (Part II)
Soaring premiums for stand-alone LTC policies in recent years have caused individuals to seek options. Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, discusses combined life insurance and long-term care insurance policies — and the pros and cons of this alternative more…
Federal Employees Should Explore Alternatives for Paying Future Long-Term Care Expenses (Part I)
Today’s and future retirees face extended life expectancies and rising costs for nursing home stays, assisted living facilities and home health care. Federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer discusses the alternatives for stand-alone LTC insurance policies — including a combination fixed annuity with payouts for long-term expenses more…
How Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) Can Reduce the Cost of Medical Care (Part II)
Federal benefit expert, Ed Zurndorfer, discusses how HSAs are a great way for federal employees and retirees to get tax deductions for medical expenses — including long term care expenses and Medicare Part B premiums more…
How Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) Can Reduce the Cost of Medical Care (Part I)
To reduce the cost of medical care using HSAs, it is imperative that federal employees and retirees fully understand the rules. Federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer discusses HSA eligibility and what types of medical expenses can be paid from an HSA more…
Senate Approves 2019 Federal Pay Raise
While the Senate approved a pay increase for civilian federal employees for next year, it will need to resolve its differences with the House more…