For many federal employees, the retirement question isn’t “Can I retire?” so much as “Should I retire now, or is it smarter to wait?” Your federal retirement income is usually built on three pillars: your CSRS or FERS annuity/pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan. A federal retirement counselor outlines how you can optimize the best timing choice from these three pillars more…
Recent Articles
Federal Employees & Retirees: Are You Getting Shortchanged on COLA?
Federal employees may hear “COLA increase” and assume their retirement income keeps full pace with inflation, but under FERS, the cost-of-living adjustment can work differently than many expect. Before you retire, it is important to understand how the FERS COLA, CSRS COLA, Social Security COLA, and your overall federal retirement income may interact over time more…
How Supplemental Benefits from Your FEHB Plan Can Put Money Back in Your Pocket
Many Federal Employees Health Benefit plan enrollees overlook valuable supplemental benefits included in their plans, such as wellness incentives worth hundreds of dollars to gym discounts and shopping rewards. Watch this short video to learn what your FEHB plan may be offering and how to start taking advantage of it today. more…
The TSP and Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)
There’s a lot to consider when deciding to withdraw money from your Thrift Savings Plan account. The IRS requires that you receive a portion of your TSP account (your “required minimum distribution” or “RMD”) beginning when you reach a specific age and are separated from service. Ed Zurndorfer simplifies the detailed (and often confusing) RMD rules including how the RMD is calculated, RMD deadlines, and how RMDs affect TSP participant beneficiaries. Several practical examples are provided, along with necessary forms and the free TSP guide, “Tax Rules about TSP Payments” more…
Can Federal Employees Save Money on Prescription Drug Costs with TrumpRX?
43 TrumpRX medications were compared against Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage from one nationwide PPO plan — and the results are mixed. Some drugs are significantly cheaper, others far more expensive…. more…
FEHB & Medicare: The Decision You Can’t Afford to Get Wrong
Chris Kowalik outlines what Medicare Part B covers, when it starts, how Medicare works with FEHB, and the base costs (and why you may pay more) more…
FERS Disability Retirement Annuity Calculation and Other Benefits
Ed Zurndorfer outlines the three ways a FERS disability retirement annuity is calculated (3 stages based on age), and the other benefits received in this type of retirement (including spousal survivor annuity, military service deposits, health and life insurance, and Thrift Savings Plan withdrawals). A practical example is included. more…
Understanding the Impact of TSP In-Service Withdrawals
The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) just released this helpful video on the Thrift Savings Plan in-service withdrawal options. In-service TSP withdrawals are withdrawals you make from your TSP account while you’re still working for the federal government, and can have a serious impact on your TSP account. This video covers hardship withdrawals, age 59½ withdrawals, and other withdrawal considerations. more…
Understanding the Difference Between FERS Regular (Immediate) Retirement and FERS Disability Retirement
Disability retirement should be used only when attempts have been made to preserve an employee’s federal employment, and those attempts have failed. Ed Zurndorfer outlines the differences between a FERS immediate (and unreduced) retirement and a FERS disability retirement — including the minimum retirement age requirements, the FERS basic annuity, the FERS retirement annuity supplement and concerns regarding the Federal Employees Health Benefits and other benefits. more…
New TSP Training Webinars
The Thrift Savings Plan has announced its recent line-up of free training including the topics of TSP contributions, investment funds, loans, withdrawals, and death benefits more…