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…
The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced a temporary suspension of its employer contributions to the defined benefit portion of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), effective April 10, 2026,…
If you’re behind on retirement savings, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s increasing how much you save, starting now. For many Feds, catch-up saving after 50 comes down to three levers:…
Many federal employees treat the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program as a “set it and forget it” benefit. Early in your career, that approach works because premiums stay…
Two pension checks arriving each month create a dependable income in retirement. That stability helps, but it also means taxes, survivor elections, and health coverage decisions carry more weight.
Federal benefits carry real value. A Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and Social Security together form a strong retirement foundation, but taxes determine how much…