Under current federal retirement policy, your active-duty military service is generally creditable toward your FERS or CSRS civilian retirement if it was terminated under honorable conditions. However, to receive this credit, you must make a deposit covering a small percentage of your military basic pay, plus any applicable interest. The two major benefits of a military buy-back are: 1) your pension will be larger, and 2) you may be eligible to retire earlier than you thought. This quick guide will explain the step-by-process, and provides insight on when this may not be the right decision… more…
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How Inflation is Affecting Federal Employees’ & Retirees’ Financial Security
For federal employees and retirees, inflation is changing the math on everything from retirement income to basic savings strategy. Some of the choices that feel conservative — like leaning on the G Fund or sitting on cash — can fall behind over time. Certified Financial Planner Art Stein outlines a couple of common mistakes to avoid more…
Now is the Time to Do a Mid-Year Tax Checkup for 2026
With the middle of the calendar year less than one month away, now is a good time for employees and retirees to perform a mid-year tax checkup. Ed Zurndorfer provides a checklist to avoid costly surprises more…
Federal Retirement Planning: 3 Mid-Year Moves to Make
Retirement planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” process. Changes in your career, finances, federal benefits, market conditions, and retirement goals can all affect whether you’re still on track for the future you envision. Chris Kowalik provides several tips to help identify gaps or missed opportunities more…
New FEHB Rule: Federal Employees & Retirees Must Prove Eligibility of Family Member’s Health Plan Coverage
A final rule from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) published to the Federal Register on Tuesday that will require federal employees and retirees to provide documentation verifying the eligibility of any family member added to their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) or Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program coverage more…
Federal Retirees: How Medicare Part D Can Reduce Prescription Drug Costs
Federal retirees and annuitants on Medicare may be able to significantly cut prescription drug costs by adding a Part D plan through their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan coverage. See how it works, which plans offer it, and whether it’s right for you. more…
Latest Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Returns: Monthly and Annual
View the latest Thrift Savings Plan returns of the G, F, C, S, I and L funds more…
Why Federal Employees Should Sort Out Medicare Myths
The author explains why it is important to take time to consider the pros and cons of adding Medicare to FEHB. Common assumptions about Medicare Part B, IRMAA, whether you need Part D (prescription drugs) and FEHB coordination can obscure how coverage and costs actually play out over time. more…
Are Roth IRAs Subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?
Federal employees are aware that traditional IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs). Both the traditional IRA owner and whoever inherits a traditional IRA upon the death of the traditional IRA owner are subject to annual RMDs. On the other hand, the owner of a Roth IRA is never subject to Roth IRA RMDs, however, upon the Roth IRA owner’s death, an inherited Roth IRA may be subject to lifetime RMDs. Ed Zurndorfer discussses the rules with practical examples. more…
How a Court Order Can Wreck Your Federal Retirement
Here’s what you (and your current spouse) should know before you retire — and how to mitigate the impact moving forward. Chris Kowalik provides insight on how your ‘take-home’ pay may change while you are still living in retirement, how your current/future spouse’s benefits may be reduced or eliminated, and how having a court order affects how long it will take OPM to process your retirement application more…