People rarely think about their finances in the summer months. Tax season is over and Open Season is months away. But for federal employees and retirees, summer sits in the middle of a tax year that still has time left to course correct. There are decisions that hurt people in April, such as underpaid estimated taxes, a TSP withdrawal that pushed them into a higher bracket, or a Roth conversion that happened at the wrong amount. These decisions were usually made months earlier, like now, without anyone connecting the dots. more…
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Federal Retiree COLAs Could Be Higher Under Different Inflation Index, Report Says
A new Congressional Research Service report is renewing debate over whether retirement cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) should be based on how retirees actually spend their money instead of the inflation experienced by working households. While the report finds that a retiree-focused inflation index would have generally produced slightly higher COLAs over the past four decades, no changes to federal law are currently under consideration. Here’s what federal employees and retirees need to know about the proposal, why it matters, and whether it could affect future COLAs. more…
Bipartisan Senate Proposal Would End Government Shutdowns by Keeping Congress in Session
A bipartisan Senate bill would shift the consequences of missed funding deadlines from federal employees to Congress by replacing government shutdowns with automatic temporary funding while lawmakers complete appropriations. If passed, the legislation could spare federal employees from future government shutdowns by preventing furloughs, ensuring uninterrupted pay, and keeping agencies operating while Congress finishes its budget work. more…
End-of-Life Planning Guide for Federal Employees and Retirees
Getting your affairs in order involves more than preparing a will. This guide explains the legal, medical, financial and federal benefit records your family may need—including TSP and FEGLI beneficiary information, OPM retirement records and advance directives. A free downloadable checklist and workbook is included to help federal employees and retirees organize everything in one place. more…
Essential Documents for Medical Care and End-of-Life Decisions Should Include a Dementia Directive
A dementia directive allows individuals to document their wishes for medical care before cognitive decline makes those decisions difficult or impossible. Learn how this advance-planning document works, what it may cover, and why it can provide valuable guidance for family members and caregivers. more…
[Checklist] What Every Federal Employee Should Review in Their OPF Before Retirement
Your Official Personnel Folder (OPF) plays an important role in your federal retirement. Learn what documents to review, when to review them, how to identify potential issues before you retire, and download the free OPF Retirement Review Checklist to help make sure your personnel records are complete more…
OPM Retirement Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Federal Employees
Most federal employees know they have to submit a retirement application, but few understand what happens after they do. This step-by-step guide explains what happens after you submit your paperwork, how your agency and OPM process your application, what interim payments are, common causes of delays, and what you can do to help ensure a smoother transition into retirement. more…
OPM Proposes Rules to Protect Retirement Benefits for Injured Federal First Responders
The Office of Personnel Management has proposed regulations implementing the First Responder Fair RETIRE Act. If finalized, the rule would allow certain injured federal first responders to move into another federal position without losing enhanced retirement benefits. Here’s what the proposal would do, who qualifies, and why it matters more…
Does Your State Have a Sales Tax Holiday? A 2026 Guide for Federal Employees & Retirees
Wondering if your state offers a sales tax holiday? These limited-time tax-free shopping events can help you save money on qualifying purchases such as clothing, school supplies, computers, emergency preparedness items, and more. In this guide, learn how sales tax holidays work, which states participate, what items may qualify, and where to find the latest official information before you shop. Whether you’re a federal employee, retiree, or simply looking to stretch your budget, understanding your state’s tax holiday could lead to meaningful savings. more…
5 Questions Newly-Hired Federal Employees Should Ask About the TSP
Your first few years as a federal employee can have a lasting impact on your retirement. In this guide, Ed Zurndorfer explains the Thrift Savings Plan features every new employee should know, including automatic enrollment, matching contributions, Roth vs. Traditional TSP options, and common mistakes to avoid more…