16 Things Seniors Born Between 1941-1969 Could Take Advantage Of
As open season encourages you to re-evaluate your Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage, it’s also the perfect time to understand how your costs will change once you retire. Chris Kowalik explains why the shift from pre-tax to after-tax premiums (“premium conversion”) creates a real difference in what you pay more…
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How to Maximize Your 2026 TSP Contributions and Not Lose Agency Matching Contributions
Ed Zurndorfer discusses how regular contributions and catch-up contributions made to the TSP affect agency matching contributions for federal employees covered under FERS — and how those employees can avoid losing matching TSP contributions from their agency. Practical examples and worksheets are included more…
A Health Reimbursement Account Is Another Tax-Advantaged Another Way to Pay Medical Expenses
While some federal employees and retirees do not meet some of the requirements to contribute to a Health Savings Account, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) provides a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Ed Zurndorfer discusses what an HRA is, how federal employees can utilize it — plus it’s advantages and limitations. A helpful comparison chart of an HRA an FSA and an HSA is included more…
Health Savings Account: A Tax-Advantaged Way for Paying Current and Future Medical Bills
Federal employees and retirees have an opportunity to save money in a tax-advantaged manner in order to pay current and future medical expenses by utilizing health savings accounts (HSAs). But it is imperative that understand the HSA rules. Ed Zurndorfer discusses HSA rules including eligibility rules and the types of medical expenses that can be paid tax-free from an HSA more…
Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Limits Increase for 2026
Federal employees, retirees and annuitants have an opportunity to save money in a tax-advantaged manner to pay medical expenses by utilizing Health Savings Accounts. The IRS announced the increase to the amount individuals can contribute to HSAs more…
2026 FEHB Premium Hikes: Your Guide to Open Season
What can be done to offset the rising costs of premiums in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and Medicare? Chris Kowalik outlines some options to help you mitigate the increased expenses more…
TSP Roth In-Plan Conversions Coming in Late January 2026
The Thrift Savings Plan has announced the launch date of traditional to Roth in-plan conversions. Here’s what you need to know regarding eligibility, frequency, the pros and cons — and tax consequences more…
Significant Changes to Some FEHB Health Insurance Plans in 2026, OPM Says
Federal employees and retirees should be aware of these changes during the Federal Benefits Open Season which ends Dec. 8. OPM provided answers to frequently asked questions about the plan changes and terminations, and what to do if your plan has been terminated more…
FEHB Cost Saving Ideas and Tips for Federal Retirees & Annuitants
Ed Zurndorfer provides some cost-reducing suggestions for federal annuitants including Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program health plan premium savings — and savings for those who are (or who are not) enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B. Plus, suggestions of why federal retirees or annuitants should not elect out of the FEHB program. more…
The Strategy of the Survivor Benefit Plan
Chris Kowalik explains the the difference between active employee pay raises and retiree cost-of-living adjustments — and why, when and how they are applied — as well as current projections for 2026’s anticipated pay raises and how newly announced COLAs will be implemented in retirement more…