One of the most important—and most misunderstood—decisions you’ll make before retiring is whether to elect a survivor benefit for your spouse. While reducing your monthly pension may seem costly, the wrong decision could leave your surviving spouse without a lifetime income or even the ability to continue FEHB health insurance. Chris Kowalik explains how the Survivor Benefit Plan works, what it costs, who should consider it, and the key tradeoffs every federal employee should understand before making this often irrevocable election more…
Latest Articles
Not All Pensions Are Treated the Same: What Federal Employees Need to Know About State Taxes in Retirement
Federal employees spend years building a clear picture of their retirement income. Far less attention is given to how state taxes will affect what that income looks like in practice. While relocating to a different state is often a goal in retirement, knowing how each location will impact your money can make a huge difference. more…
Rolling Over a TSP Account to an IRA: Advantages and Disadvantages
Thinking about moving your Thrift Savings Plan to an IRA after retirement? A TSP rollover can provide more investment choices and greater flexibility—but it also means giving up some unique TSP advantages. Before making an irreversible decision, understand the tax rules, costs, withdrawal options, and the situations where keeping your money in the TSP may actually be the better choice. Ed Zurndorfer walks you through the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision with confidence. more…
OPM Finalizes Major Changes to Federal Employee Performance Appraisals: What Employees 5–10 Years from Retirement Should Know
While the new rule (effective August 6, 2026) does not change federal retirement benefits, it could influence career progression, promotions, and performance awards during the final years of a federal career. For employees who are five to ten years from retirement, those indirect effects may be worth paying attention to because salary earned during those years can influence future retirement income. This guide outlines the five major changes, what has not changed, describes any impact on an employee’s retirement, and provides insight on maximizing the value of the years that remain before retirement. more…
Millions May Still Be Eligible for COVID-Era IRS Refund — But Deadline Is Soon
Millions of taxpayers — including some federal employees and retirees — may still be able to recover COVID-era IRS penalties and interest. But the opportunity isn’t automatic, and a key filing deadline is rapidly approaching. Here’s who may qualify and what you need to know before time runs out on July 10 more…
What Departing Federal Employees Can Do With Their TSP Account
Ed Zurndorfer discusses what departed federal employees can do with their Thrift Savings Plan accounts, including making (or not making) contributions, paying of a TSP loan, and making withdrawals (with or without or without penalties) more…
Should Federal Retirees Enroll in Medicare Part B? The Decision Is Getting More Expensive
With Medicare Part B premiums projected to continue rising over the next decade, the decision to enroll alongside your FEHB coverage deserves careful analysis. While many federal retirees benefit from combining Medicare with FEHB, the added monthly premium isn’t the right choice for everyone. Learn what the latest Medicare projections mean, why dropping FEHB is usually a mistake, and the key factors every federal retiree should consider before making this important retirement healthcare decision. more…
OPM Proposes Eliminating Time-in-Grade Rule: What It Could Mean for Federal Employees
The Office of Personnel Management has proposed eliminating the long-standing time-in-grade requirement that generally requires GS employees to spend at least one year at their current grade before becoming eligible for promotion. If finalized, the proposal could allow agencies to promote qualified employees sooner — potentially leading to faster career advancement, higher lifetime earnings, larger TSP contributions, and even a higher FERS pension for some employees. But the change also raises questions about about consistency and fairness in promotion decisions. Learn what the proposal would change, what it wouldn’t change, who could benefit, the potential drawbacks, and what it means for your federal career. This guide also includes 7 ways this change could affect your benefits in retirement. more…
A TSP Loan May Cost More Than You Think
Thinking about borrowing from your Thrift Savings Plan? A TSP loan may seem like one of the most inexpensive ways to access cash—there’s no credit check, the interest goes back into your own account, and repayment is automatic. But many federal employees overlook the biggest expense: the retirement growth they could miss while their money is out of the market. This guide explains how TSP loans work, compare the pros and cons, walk through the application process, and reveal the true long-term cost with a realistic example that every FERS employee should consider before borrowing. more…
Understanding Your TSP Investment Options: A Guide to the G, F, C, S, I, L Funds, and Mutual Fund Window
Many federal employees contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan without fully understanding the differences between the G, F, C, S, I, and Lifecycle (L) Funds — or when to use each one. Our latest guide breaks down every TSP investment option, explains the Mutual Fund Window, and shows how investment elections, fund reallocations, and fund transfers really work. Whether you’re new to federal service or nearing retirement, this article can help you make more informed decisions about your retirement savings. more…