A popular free annual publication has been released by well-known CPA and federal retiree, Chris Barfield which explains the TSP investment options and how one might allocate their funds when they are in retirement. It also illustrates the “Thrift Savings barbell strategy” by using a fictional character who retired from federal service — tracking his TSP account in real-time using actual TSP returns. more…
Recent Articles
What HR Can’t Tell You About Your Retirement
Chris Kowalik explains the critical role that HR must play in your federal retirement, how little HR may know about you when answering your questions, the long-term effects of ill-informed decisions more…
USPS Suspends Retirement Contributions to FERS to Avoid Running Out of Cash
The United States Postal Service is temporarily suspending payments to the Federal Employees Retirement System on April 10 after warning Congress in March it will run of cash in less then 12 months. A FAQ on the action is available more…
Last Paycheck vs. First Retirement Check
Chris Kowalik explains how your income changes when you retire from federal service, which expenses go up and which go down in retirement, and how you can fill the income shortfall more…
10 Costly TSP & IRA Rollover Errors Federal Employees & Retirees Should Avoid
Many federal employees and retirees choose to rollover their TSP accounts and IRAs. But as Ed Zurndorfer explains, costly errors can be avoided by understanding the rules on which retirement accounts can and cannot be rolled over, important deadlines, and when a direct rollover should be performed rather than a rollover or a withdrawal
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White House Budget Calls for 2027 Federal Pay Freeze
The White House proposed on Friday up to a 7% military pay raise, but no 2027 pay raise for civilian employees more…
FAQs: Federal Retirement & Taxes
It’s been a confusing and frustrating tax season for many federal retirees, not including the delay for many in receiving their 1099-R form. Here’s a list of frequently asked questions provided by the Office of Personnel management that covers information about your 1099-R, how much of your annuity is taxable (or tax-free), refunds of retirement contributions, and why the tax on your federal retirement annuity may have changed. Links, phone numbers, forms and other helpful resources are included more…
Tax Deadlines for Federal Employees and Retirees
April 15 represents several import tax deadlines other than just filing. Ed Zurndorfer outlines them including IRA contributions and Roth IRA recharacterizations. more…
5 Things Federal Retirees Wish They Were Told Before Retiring
Chris Kowalik outlines five overarching themes that are real eye-openers for federal retirees looking back on what they wish they had understood before making the transition more…
VIDEO: Retiring Early Under the FERS MRA+10 Rules
MRA+10 is one of the most misunderstood, and potentially costly, retirement decisions you can make. While it allows you to leave earlier, it can permanently reduce your pension and create ripple effects across your other federal benefits. Before you make a decision you can’t undo, you need to understand the full picture. View this informative video from federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik more…