Chris Kowalik explains the the difference between active employee pay raises and retiree cost-of-living adjustments — and why, when and how they are applied — as well as current projections for 2026’s anticipated pay raises and how newly announced COLAs will be implemented in retirement more…
Recent Articles
Trump Accounts: Questions and Hurdles Before Launch July 4, 2026
Trump Accounts were passed into law in 2025 are individual retirement investment-style accounts established for children under the age of 18 (and include one-time $1,000 federal government contribution to their account for those eligible). They are due to launch on July 4, 2026, however many are waiting for some key details including rules for contributions, federal/state income tax consequences, and hurdles to activate and contribute to these accounts. more…
Reviewing Designation of Beneficiaries and Third-Party Payees
Certain life events can affect a federal retiree’s benefits. Ed Zurndorfer discusses why retiring employees are advised to review their designation of beneficiary forms. Also presented is information on third-party payees such as a court may appoint a guardian. more…
Federal Employees Would Get 12 Paid Weeks of Family / Medical Leave Under Proposed Bill
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…
How Living Longer Will Impact Your Federal Retirement
Given today’s ongoing high inflation, many Americans worry they may not have put away enough money for retirement, Chris Kowalik discusses how living longer will impact your healthcare (FEHB) premiums, healthcare expenses, and long-term care costs. And why longevity planning must be part of your big picture 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…
Divorce After Federal Retirement: What Happens to Your Benefits?
There are life events occurring during a federal retiree’s retirement that can affect their retirement benefits. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the effect of divorce after retirement, and how it affects a survivor annuity, health benefits enrollment, and beneficiaries for for Thrift Savings Plan, and life insurance concerns. Includes both CSRS and FERS scenarios, practical examples, and the necessary forms 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…
Marriage During Federal Retirement
There are life events occurring during a federal retiree’s retirement that can affect their retirement benefits. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the effect of marriage when a federal retiree gets married after retiring from federal service including providing a survivor annuity, changes to health benefits enrollment, beneficiary changes for Thrift Savings Plan, and life insurance concerns. Includes both CSRS and FERS scenarios, practical examples, and the necessary forms more…