Ed Zurndorfer discusses how some federal employees may temporarily lose some or all of their Social Security benefits due to the “earnings test.” Included is the effect of a retiring federal employee’s lump-sum payment for unused annual leave with practical examples more…
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Proposal to Allow Penalty-Free TSP Withdrawals in Certain Emergencies
If passed, the Thrift Savings Plan Emergency Withdrawal Act would assist former federal employees pay their bills after leaving the federal workforce by allowing them to make penalty-free withdrawals from their TSP account more…
How To Avoid These Eight Mistakes When Naming IRA Beneficiaries
Many federal employees and retirees own IRAs. Ed Zurndorfer explains why naming an IRA beneficiary is extremely important — how to avoid costly mistakes when doing it more…
TSP Announces January 2026 Processing Schedule
The Thrift Savings Plan announced its processing schedule for January 2026 including when IRS form 1099-R, life expectancy recalculation notices, and required minimum distribution (RMD) notices will be issued more…
NARFE Recommends Federal Pay Raise of 3.8%
In response to the 2026 pay raise announcement, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association is recommends a 2027 federal pay increase of 3.8% stating federal pay rates already lag private-sector pay rates by about 25% more…
The Top Regrets of Federal Employees in 2025
Chris Kowalik gives you a “do-over” list to regain control in 2026 that will get you clear about your retirement numbers and options, and uncover financial decisions you have been avoiding more…
What You Should Know About the Roth TSP in-Plan Conversion Option
The new Roth Thrift Savings Plan in-plan conversion option (starting Jan. 2026) is complex — and may benefit some but not all traditional TSP participants. Ed Zurndorfer provides five important questions before considering this option, plus helpful insight on the tax consequences, who is eligible to participate, and the complicated rules and required minimum distrubion (RMD) issues. Practical examples are included more…
White House Gives Federal Employees Two Extra Holidays (Dec. 24 and Dec. 26, 2025)
President Trump issued an executive order today giving most federal employees two additional paid holidays n 2025, specifically Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas. more…
Guide to 2026 GS Pay Scale for Federal Employees
NEW – 2026 Federal Pay Raise Finalized in Executive Order The White House issued an… more…
2026 Federal Pay Raise Finalized in Executive Order
The White House issued an executive order finalizing the 2026 federal employee pay raise of an overall average of 1% with no increase in locality pay. OPM’s official pay tables are also now available more…