Chris Kowalik provides a step-by-step guide to the real way your high-3 is calculated for federal retirement
Latest Articles
Important Extra Benefits with Some Life Insurance Policies
Life insurance riders allow an applicant to customize the policy. Some riders increase the premiums, others are added at no charge. Ed Zurndorfer provides a guide to these benefits and costs more…
Important Choices and Considerations for Purchasing an Individual Life Insurance Policy
Ed Zurndorfer examines some of the federal employee choices and considerations for purchasing an individual life insurance, including term vs. permanent (cash value) policies, and factors that affect the cost of premiums more…
2025 Federal Pay Raise: White House Releases Alternative Pay Plan Letter
The plan proposes an the across-the-board 2025 federal employee pay raise of 1.7 percent and locality pay increases will average 0.3 percent, resulting in an overall average increase of 2.0 percent for civilian federal employees more…
Choosing the Best Life Insurance Coverage for Federal Employees
By understanding how life insurance works — and how to shop for it — a federal employee can find the best coverage to their needs. In the first column of a 5-part series, Ed Zurndorfer explains life insurance and which individuals should seek this coverage more…
Making a Retroactive Claim for Social Security Retirement Benefits
The Social Security Administration allows an individual who has passed their full retirement age (FRA) to file for a retroactive retirement benefit. Ed Zurndorfer explains how to do it with practical examples. more…
Suspending Social Security Monthly Benefits
Ed Zurndorfer explains the strategy and process for increasing Social Security benefits by suspending it until reaching full retirement age, and refiling for benefits more…
Your 10-Point Retirement Checklist
Chris Kowalik outlines must-do action items, timelines and step-by-step instructions to be prepared for your retirement more…
Withdrawal of Social Security Claim Within First Year
In the first of three columns discussing “redo” options that are available for Social Security beneficiaries, Ed Zurndorfer outlines the withdrawal of application process and strategies to claim Social Security benefits more…
TSP Lifecycle Funds
Chris Kowalik explains why, when, and how to use this Thrift Savings Plan investment strategy more…