Many federal employees retire at the end of December or early January before the start of a new leave year in order to maximize their lump-sum payment for unused annual leave hours. Ed Zurndorfer presents a comparison of two retirement dates for an employee retiring at the end of leave year more…
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The TSP Early Withdrawal Penalty
Chris Kowalik outlines the rules of the early withdrawal penalty (and how to avoid it) when taking money out of the TSP prior to age 59 1/2. more…
Lawmakers Urge White House for 4.5% Pay Raise in 2025
House and Senate Democrats are asking the White House for a larger 2025 pay pay raise than it planned to authorize than for civilian federal employees more…
Higher TSP Catch-Up Contribution Limits in 2025 for Some Participants
Effective January 1, 2025, the catch-up contribution limit for TSP participants turning ages 60, 61, 62, or 63 will increase more…
Federal Employees with Young Children and Dependent Parents Can Benefit from the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Federal employees who need child or dependent care for a qualifying relative can benefit through participation in the dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA). Ed Zurndorfer outlines the DCFSA and how it works more…
Taxes in Federal Retirement
Chris Kowalik gives understanding to the tax implications of retiring — and what steps to take today to be ready when it happens more…
Differences Between FSA, HSA and HRA
Differences between a Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, and Health Reimbursement Account in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program more…
Federal Employee Pay Raises vs. Retiree COLAs
Chris Kowalik discusses the differences between pay raises and federal retiree COLAs — including who gets them, how they are determined, and when they are applied more…
How Health Savings Account Contributions & Distributions Work
HSAs are a tax advantaged way for federal employees and retirees to pay their qualified medical expenses. Ed Zurndorfer outlines how HSA contributions and distributions work, including practical examples more…
Your Biggest Expenses in Retirement
Chris Kowalik explains why the spending most folks rack up during their working years does not suddenly change in retirement. Some of your biggest expenses may surprise you more…