New rules for mandatory Roth TSP catch-up contributions go to effect Jan. 1, 2026. And there are many challenges and confusion regarding which federal employees are (or are not) effected, and the financial impact. Ed Zurndorfer answers some important frequently asked questions including practical examples more…
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New Tax Benefits for Health Savings Account Participants
The changes expand HSA eligibility, which allows more people to save and to pay for healthcare costs through tax-free HSAs more…
Using OPM’s Retirement Services Online
The Office of Personnel Management provides special access for federal retirees to manage their annuity payment information, federal and state tax withholding, tax forms, and other benefits on demand. OPM released a new video on how to use the updated services more…
When Will Federal Retirees Receive the 2026 COLA Increase?
Due to recent years of surging inflation and public discussion of the affordability for the cost of living for seniors, there are increasing questions among many federal retirees as to the amount of the future cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that CSRS and FERS annuitants will receive, and when they will receive it more…
Senate Democrats Propose to Expand Social Security Benefits in 2026
If passed, the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act would increase benefits by $200 per month for six months more…
Does Your FEHB Premium Change in Retirement?
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…
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…