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
FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System)
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
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
Your Survivor Benefit Plan vs. Life Insurance
Your federal Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is an excellent way to protect a portion of your income for your spouse when you die. But that is all it protects, just a portion. You may want to seek out other solutions to fill in the gaps to meet your retirement goals. Chris Kowalik gives understanding on how the SBP and life insurance work so you can develop a comprehensive strategy for utilizing both, providing you and your spouse with the ultimate income protection.
What Happens to Unused Sick Leave When a Federal Employee Retires?
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the treatment of unused sick leave hours at the time of an federal employee’s departure or retirement from federal service. A practical example is included
2026 Federal Retiree COLA Announcement Delayed Due To Government Shutdown
The government shutdown is delaying the announcement for the 2026 federal retiree cost-of-living adjustment which affects those retired under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Will You Be Prepared for Retirement? Take This Test Drive and Find Out
What will your retirement look like? And how will you feel about being retired and on a “fixed” income? Are you confident in your current retirement plan? Chris Kowalik takes you on a test drive to help you to adjust your plans based on real-world experience
Retiring Early Under the FERS MRA+10 Provision
What happens when a FERS employee wants to retire prior to meeting all of the full eligibility requirements? Chris Kowalik discusses the way to avoid one of the penalties associated with MRA+10 rules — plus how MRA+10 affects the FERS Special Retirement Supplement
Update on Social Security Fairness Act
Ed Zurndorfer provides a summary of the updates including when Social Security beneficiaries can expect an increase in monthly payments, how to manage Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D monthly premiums deducted doubly from SSA benefits and federal pensions (such as a CSRS annuity), information about retroactive back payments, and tips to avoid scams
Update to Proposed Federal Retirement Benefits Cuts
The changes affect several provisions in legislation approved by the House Budget Committee, including an increase in FERS employee pension contributions, elimination of the FERS annuity supplement, and changing the method of calculating federal retirement annuities for new retirees