Chris Kowalik explores what happens when a federal employee is facing a reduction-in-force (RIF), but doesn’t qualify for an early out or a discontinued service retirement. Includes what an employee may be eligible to receive (such as a cash incentive or severance pay), and how an employee may qualify for a federal pension later more…
FedImpact: Candid Insights for Your Federal Retirement
Chris Kowalik is a nationally recognized federal employee retirement benefits expert, and a frequent speaker and trainer for federal employee organizations and financial service firms throughout the country.
As the developer of the Federal Retirement Impact Workshop, Chris has analyzed the challenging retirement scenarios for thousands of federal and postal employees – helping them to avoid costly mistakes, and highlighting opportunities for them to gain greater financial security in their retirement years.
Why Your Agency’s Retirement Estimate Isn’t Enough
Chris Kowalik discusses the three areas where federal employees need to pay special attention to when they’re requesting and reviewing the retirement estimate from their agency more…
Quitting Your New Year’s Resolutions (to Get What You Really Want)
Chris Kowalik unpacks why most New Year’s resolutions fail and how federal employees can reframe their mindset to get what they really want more…
The TSP Early Withdrawal Penalty
Chris Kowalik outlines the rules of the early withdrawal penalty (and how to avoid it) when taking money out of the TSP prior to age 59 1/2. more…
The Truth About ‘Water Cooler Experts’
Chris Kowalik reveals the real truth behind why so many federal employees take advice from the “self-appointed office experts” at the proverbial water cooler more…
Retirement: Are You ‘In it to Win it?’
Chris Kowalik outlines five key elements of your approach to retirement — and how to win your game strategy more…
Your Mindset on the TSP in a Down Market
Chris Kowalik discusses how to assess your risk tolerance as it relates to your Thrift Savings Plan account, how long it takes to recoup your money after a down market, and what to do now if your account has already taken a loss more…
Playing Offense & Defense in Federal Retirement
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, discusses how to increase the money you have to live the retirement you want — and protect that money from others who want to take it from you more…
Your Retirement Scorecard
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, outlines 20 key points to consider when determining your retirement readiness — plus get access to a free online quiz: Your Retirement Scorecard… more…
TSP’s Comedy of Errors in 4, 3, 2, 1…
Chris Kowalik discusses the legitimate frustrations federal employees have had about the Thrift Savings Plan’s recent transition to its new platform – and how they can protect themselves despite the TSP’s errors more…