Your retirement planning is a series of choices. Some are minor, while others can have major consequences on your future and financial security. Chris Kowalik discusses three important decisions that federal employees face in retirement: FEHB & Medicare, long-term care and life insurance
more…
Latest Articles
10 Ways for Federal Employees to Maximize Social Security Benefits
Congress made some changes in the law regarding Social Security filing opportunities that have resulted in modifications to claiming benefit strategies for many individuals. Ed Zurndorfer provides 10 strategies for federal employees to maximize the amount of their lifetime Social Security retirement benefits more…
Understanding the FERS Retirement Annuity Supplement
The purpose of the Annuity Supplement is to provide a portion of retirement income to FERS employees who retire before age 62. Ed Zurndorfer discusses who is eligible (or not), steps for estimated how much it will be, how long a retiree receives supplement payments, and how it works with Social Security. Practical examples are included more…
Why 62 Is the Magic Age for FERS Employees to Retire
Chris Kowalik, outlines three potentially significant incentives for FERS employees to wait until the age of 62 to retire — plus discusses some natural by-products of waiting longer to retire more…
OPM to Federal Retirees: Forms 1099-R Are Mailed, Receive by March 18
Many federal retirees and annuitants have been waiting for weeks to receive their 1099-R form to file their 2025 taxes. OPM said the paper form of those documents were being mailed the week of March 9. If retirees do not receive the form by March 18, they should email OPM more…
Federal Employees, Retirees Should Be Aware of Paying Estimated Taxes
Most federal employees and retirees receive some type of income that is not subject to mandatory federal and state withholding taxes. Ed Zurndorfer discusses why some should make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS and their state tax departments more…
Understanding the Capital Gain Tax Rules When Selling a Primary Personal Residence
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the important IRS rules of the sale of a principal residence, including the $250,000-$500,000 tax exclusion, how to calculate the gain or loss of a sale, and an explanation of the three tests that apply to the owner in order to exclude capital gain (profit) and the resulting taxes. Practical examples are included
Federal Retiree COLA History: CSRS COLA and FERS COLA
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) history for CSRS and FERS from 1999 to 2026 more…
Foreign Tax Credit: How it Works and Who Can Claim It
The foreign tax credit is an IRS tax break that offsets tax paid to other countries. Ed Zurndorfer explains how some federal employees may qualify for it, and the IRS reporting requirements more…
Changes to the Child Tax Credit Resulting from OBBBA
The one Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which President Trump signed into law in July 2025, permanently extended the enhanced Child Tax Credit beyond 2025. Ed Zurndorfer explains who is a qualifying child for the CTC, and how it’s calculated. A practical example is included. more…