Ed Zurndorfer discusses a major tax rule changes that will likely affect the charitable giving strategies for many federal employees and retirees — for those that itemize their deductions and those who don’t. Tips and practical examples are included more…
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How to Check the Status of Your Federal Income Tax Refund
This IRS online tool is a convenient way to check the status of your federal income tax refund. Here’s what you need to know more…
More Opportunities to Use Section 529 College Savings Funds from New Law
With the recent turnover and reduction in the federal government workforce, many federal employees may be considering changing jobs or professions — and likely need additional training and licensing. Using tax-free withdrawals from a Section 529 plan is one way of minimizing the cost of this additional training and licensing. Ed Zurndorfer outlines how opportunities have been expanded with the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in 2025. more…
Applying for Federal Retirement
Chris Kowalik gives tips on preparing retirement paperwork to keep your earned benefits, avoid delays, and know what to expect more…
2027 Federal Pay Freeze More Likely
The likelihood of a 2027 pay freeze for civilian federal employees continued after the House Appropriations Committee approved a government spending bill on Wednesday that makes no mention of a pay increase in January more…
OPM Wants Access to Federal Employees’ & Retirees’ Medical Records; Lawmakers Say No
Democratic senators Monday warned the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to withdraw its plan to collect personally identifiable health data from millions of federal employees and retirees — including medical visits, prescriptions, and treatment histories. more…
2027 COLA Estimate and Proposed Cap on Social Security Benefits to $50,000 per Person
Analysts give a projection of the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment for retirees, and comment on a new proposal to cap benefits to $50,000 per person in order to address the program’s projected financial shortfall more…
What Federal Employees Should Know About Healthcare Costs During Retirement
A healthy individual retiring in 2026 will spend an estimated $315,000 – $415,000 on healthcare-related expenditures during their retirement years — not including long-term care. Ed Zurndorfer explains the must-know three drivers of rising medical care expenditures that are contributing to the federal retiree’s challenge of paying for health care related expenses in retirement: inflation, increased Medicare premiums, and long-term care more…
Tips on Updating Beneficiaries to Your Federal Benefits
Outdated beneficiary designations can override your intentions and leave your family with surprises you never meant. Chris Kowalik discusses how federal employees can make sure their benefits go to the right people and avoid costly mistakes. more…
How to Calculate a Retiring Federal Employee’s Starting FERS Gross Annuity
Ed Zurndorfer explains who the Office of Personnel Management makes the calculation of a retiring FERS employee’s starting FERS gross annuity at retirement. more…