Search:

Custom Search

Readers' Comments

Total Comments: 37
Page 2 of 5

« Previous | Next »

As the Economy Crumbles: One Federal Retiree's Feeble Attempts to Cope

Good article, but about the trip

Analyst
Navy
Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:36 AM

Post Reply

I love this article; it's humorous yet has very good and valid points, particularly from a federal retiree. But, about the trip. I just returned from a South American cruise where I was robbed of over 10K worth of camera and video equipment, IPODs, a watch, among other things. The reason for the trip was so to be in Rio during Carnaval which, for the record, was enjoyable (even though tickets were $650 each for general admission to the parades but I digress). A word to the wise, take NOTHING you aren't willing to lose. This is a talent/profession in South America. Many fellow cruise goers were robbed. Very few in the same form or fashion. In my case, people came up and got into an argument (or pretented to) with the porter and cab driver serving as a distraction so they could skip off with a piece of luggage. An expensive lesson since insurance isn't covering the loss. Cococabana and Ipanema pale in comparison to beaches we have right here in Florida. Watch for pickpockets in Spain!

Planning an LEO Retirement Under CSRS

Special Agent in Charge, Retired
U.S. Forest Service, Southern Region
Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:19 AM

Post Reply

In the position that I held before I retired, I provided a lot of HR Retirement advice to my troops who were all Federal LEO's. My basic "theme" for the employees was was don't retire until you face mandatory separation (as an LEO) or until your monthly net annuity, after taxes, was projected to be about the same as your bi-weekly net take home pay times 2. Following my own recommendations, I held off separating until 56 (rather than 50). In doing so, my net CSRS monthly annuity wound up being over $10,000 PM. Throw in COLA's like last year and you can wind up with a yearly gross more in retirement than with working. So, for me, and most Federal LEO's if they plan well, the CSRS retirement life is good. With FERS, there is more reliance on the performance of the TSP but it still can be done. We have not had to change ANY spending habits or planned trips since walkin out the door.

Feeble attempts of CSRS retiree

ATM
DOD
Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:32 AM

Post Reply

Why can't you publish an article about how many retiree's (Both CSRS and FERS) are flurishing in this economic environment. Opportunities abound for oneself and for the helping of others not so fortunate. I'm a 46 year old FERS retiree and I'm doing great and passing on the blessings to others too. Yeah....you read right, I saved alot and lived well on less than half my salary while working for DOD. It's all a matter of choosing wisely. Nuff-said. :)

Retirees Economize

LR Retiree
Retired DoD, FAA Us Customs
Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:45 AM

Post Reply

Let's not draw too much attention if you please to the CSRS Retiree. We do indeed have to economize and like others have lost much $$$. So do we have it better--I think NOT. Stay away from this issue please.

Losses in retirement accounts

Aviation Inspector
FAA
Wed Mar 18, 2009 12:27 PM

Post Reply

If the employee who lost money managing it for them selves had been recieving the Investopal Weekly News, they would have made 50% or better during this market correction with very little risk. many employees in the TSP program use Investopal Weekly News strategies to make hugh profits within the TSP program. Oh well!

Re: Losses in retirement accounts

Federal Employee
Federal
Thu Mar 19, 2009 1:33 PM
I invest in the TSP and I would like more information about the Investopal Weekly News that you referred to. Please provide me with the email site to take a look at it. Thanks.

I put in this same email yesterday and it was not published. Editor: there should be no problem with information sharing among the readers!!!

Problems - what problems?

Happy Retiree
Used to be IRS
Thu Mar 19, 2009 7:51 AM

Post Reply

I have everything I want in my retirement years. You can too. The secret? Don't want much. Great family, great coffee, great music. Life is very good.

Great article!

Peon
VA
Thu Mar 19, 2009 7:53 AM

Post Reply

Steve - LOVE your sense of humor - keep writing!!

Total Comments: 37
Page 2 of 5

« Previous | Next »

Add a Comment about this Article

** All fields are required.
Note: Your comments will not show up right away. FedSmith.com selects the most insightful comments from our readers for posting. If selected, your comments will show up in the comments section after they have been reviewed and approved. See our terms of use for more information.