Chris Kowalik explores what happens when a federal employee is facing a reduction-in-force (RIF), but doesn’t qualify for an early out or a discontinued service retirement. Includes what an employee may be eligible to receive (such as a cash incentive or severance pay), and how an employee may qualify for a federal pension later more…
Recent Articles
What Departing Federal Employees Can (and Cannot) Do With Their TSP Account
Ed Zurndorfer discusses TSP contributions, TSP loans, withdrawals and distributions (RMDs) more…
3 Myths About FEHB in Retirement
Chris Kowalik dispels several misconceptions about how the Federal Employee Health Benefits program works in retirement more…
OPM ‘Retirement Quick Guide’ to Help Federal Employees
The guide is designed to help employees know what to expect as their retirement application is processed and benefits are determined — plus assist in estimating when they can expect to receive their interim and first annuity payments more…
How to Recharacterize IRA Contributions
If you’ve reached income limitations in order to contribute to traditional and Roth IRAs, you can treat (or “recharacterize”) a regular contribution to the other type of IRA. Ed Zurndorfer outlines how federal employees can recharacterize IRA contributions under current tax law, including the deadlines (and making an extension to do so for contributions made in 2024). Practical examples are included. more…
Individuals Who Did Not File 2021 Federal Tax Return May Be Eligible for Recovery Rebate Credit
The IRS announced plans to issue automatic payments to eligible individuals who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC) on their 2021 federal income tax returns. For individuals who, for one reason or another, did not file a 2021 federal income tax return, they may be eligible for a refund if they file and claim the RRC more…
Latest TSP Share Prices
Get the latest Thrift Savings Plan share prices which determines the value of your TSP account at the end each business day more…
How to Avoid IRS Penalties and Interest Charges for Late Filing
Ed Zurndorfer discusses late filing and late payment penalties and what individuals can do to minimize or avoid these penalties more…
Reduction in Force (RIF) Fact Sheets
As government agencies reduce their budgets through a Reduction in Force (RIF), federal employees are often left confused.. Chris Kowalik provides fact sheets focused on the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA), Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay (VSIP), Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR), and Severance Pay. By removing the ambiguity and answering very common questions on each topic, you can better navigate your decisions and understand the consequences of each program more…
Reconsidering Your Mix of TSP Funds During a Volatile Market
A retired federal employee and long-time Thrift Savings Plan multimillionaire shares it might be a good time for Thrift Savings Plan participants to reconsider their mix of funds and why it’s a “perfect buying opportunity.” more…