Medicare can seem straightforward until income comes into play. The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is the extra amount some higher-income Medicare enrollees pay for Medicare Part B and Part…
Many federal employees assume their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage will automatically continue into retirement. That assumption can lead Feds in the wrong direction.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now uses the Student Aid Index (SAI), replacing the long-standing Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The goal remains the same — measure a…
Federal employees rarely react to early budget signals. This year feels different. The White House budget blueprint did not include a civilian raise. House appropriators also left out a federal…
If you’re in your early 60s, there have been recent changes to catch-up contribution provisions that may allow for increased savings opportunities.
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are mandatory, taxable withdrawals from pre-tax retirement accounts, like a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) or traditional IRA. They’re not optional, and they can push your income…
Delaying Social Security past full retirement age (FRA) increases your benefit through delayed retirement credits — generally about 8% per year up to age 70. That can translate into significantly…
When you separate from federal service, your retirement benefits are income diversified thanks to the Federal Employees Retirement System and its three “stool legs” of the Basic Benefit, Thrift Savings…
Long-term care does not just mean a nursing home. It often starts with help at home, moves to assisted living, and in some cases, includes skilled nursing care. For many…
Your salary and benefits are likely excellent as a mid-career fed. However, the chances are pretty good that you don’t have buckets of cash available to pay for your child’s…