Thinking about borrowing from your Thrift Savings Plan? A TSP loan may seem like one of the most inexpensive ways to access cash—there’s no credit check, the interest goes back into your own account, and repayment is automatic. But many federal employees overlook the biggest expense: the retirement growth they could miss while their money is out of the market. This guide explains how TSP loans work, compare the pros and cons, walk through the application process, and reveal the true long-term cost with a realistic example that every FERS employee should consider before borrowing. more…
Recent Articles
Understanding Your TSP Investment Options: A Guide to the G, F, C, S, I, L Funds, and Mutual Fund Window
Many federal employees contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan without fully understanding the differences between the G, F, C, S, I, and Lifecycle (L) Funds — or when to use each one. Our latest guide breaks down every TSP investment option, explains the Mutual Fund Window, and shows how investment elections, fund reallocations, and fund transfers really work. Whether you’re new to federal service or nearing retirement, this article can help you make more informed decisions about your retirement savings. more…
9 Social Security Calculators & Tools Every Federal Employee Should Know About
The Social Security Administration offers more than just a basic retirement estimator. From estimating your monthly benefit to comparing claiming ages, calculating the earnings test, and screening for additional benefits, there are several free tools that can help you make better retirement decisions. This guide walks federal employees through each Social Security calculator, explains what it’s used for, and shows you which ones are most valuable as you plan for retirement. more…
Why a FERS Retirement Pension May Be Lower Than You Think
The basic annuity calculation is based on a small percentage of your high-3 average salary for each year you worked in federal service, and there may be reductions from healthcare premiums and taxes. Here’s what you should know… more…
OPM Defends Plan to Access FEHB Medical Records, Says Privacy Will Be Protected
The Office of Personnel Management is pushing back against criticism of its proposal to obtain more detailed health claims data from Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) and Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) insurance carriers. The agency believes the data is necessary and assuring federal employees that individual medical records will remain protected more…
When Is the Best Time for a FERS Retiree to Start Taking Social Security?
While there is no single best age for everyone, here are some guidelines to help you make the decision — including your need for income, whether you are trying to maximize lifetime or survivor benefits, and your health and life expectancy more…
Projected 2027 Medicare Premium Increases Released in Trustee’s Report
The recently published 2026 Medicare Trustees Report projects that the standard Medicare Part B premium will increase next year. Deductibles and Part D costs are also expected to increase. Higher-income retirees may pay more due to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) . Although official rates will not be announced until later this year, the projected costs are available, and some planning tips to prepare are provided. For federal retirees and employees approaching retirement, understanding these projections is important because Medicare premiums can significantly affect retirement income planning more…
Should Federal Retirees Keep FEHB, Add Medicare Part B, or Switch to Medicare Advantage?
Many federal retirees get caught in the complicated maze of figuring out whether to keep FEHB, add Medicare Part B, or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan. This video breaks down exactly how your expected healthcare usage should drive that decision. more…
Will Your Life Insurance Do What You Expect It To Do in Retirement
A lot of people have life insurance, but that doesn’t always mean they know what it’s meant to cover or whether it would actually do what they expect. For federal employees, those questions often start with the FEGLI and follow them into retirement. more…
Reemployment in Federal Service (FERS)
Ed Zurndorfer discusses how reemployment in federal service can affect a FERS annuitant’s current and future benefits — including health, dental and life insurance, future FERS annuity, and employment in the private sector more…