Wraparound sunglasses are the perfect accessory when observing beachfront property and its associated natural wonders. And get rid of that 1-800 number. Those things are expensive. Make those people call you collect.
Enjoy Rio and Barcelona.
Re: Adios amigo
HR consultant/trainer N/A Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:12 AM
Great advice, all the way around! Thanks much!
The author
Loved the article
Retired USDA National Finance Center Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:31 AM
The same problem exist with FERS retireees. I need to write an article about SSN, FERS, and TSP. What a trip this retirement ride has been.
I'm back to work as a contractor with the Federal Government and loving every minute of it. The only problem is that SSN deducted my benefit by what I was making. I've lost 3 years of SSN because of this ruling. Anyway, we need an article of the perils of retiring from FERS.
Bundling Trips
Karl Nervous Hospital Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:05 AM
I reckon I bundle my trips too. Nowadays I make one trip to the lawnmower shop, frosty freeze to order some french fried pataters (the bigguns), and then i take my books to Frank, and then go visit Doyle with my kaiser blade (some folks call it a sling blade).
But if i was goin to fly to Rio I reckon, I had enough money not to budget my local trips.
maintain our standard of living?
software engineer NAVAIR Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:09 AM
If you're economizing and cutting back on discretionary spending, you're not maintaing but rather lowering your standard of living. However, as you point out, you retirees and we who are still active in the federal workforce do have it much better than many in the country today.
Compliments
Attorney-Adviosr SSA/ODAR Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:19 AM
Please continue writing.
You handle your subjects with seriousness and humor.
Humor is critical for survival, given the state of the economy.
You demonstrate how to keep it all in perspective.
Great job!!
Steve Opperman's article
Low-ranking official USPS Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:29 AM
Your article gave me a good laugh which is abut the only thing left to enjoy these days!
Almost too close to call
Union Steward DOD Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:32 AM
Sir, you should never have worked and been a trophy wife like my mom. She took her widow's assets, got remarried, and went on 17 cruises all over God's earth with my stepdad. Of course, she passed after exhausion and cancer, taking almost all the money to doctors. Me? I've been working since 18 and a Federal employee for 28 years. At least I'm still CSRS but my TSP is minute after bailing out my husband's bad credit card habits over 20 years. I don't really know if I will retire in 2 years. I don't have any "expertise" in consulting to sell either. But I do not regret getting into Federal service at all. It's taken me to Germany, Korea, Japan, Bahrain, and Cuba to work as a civilian and I have a solid retirement and benefits to keep me warm when I'm old.
Re: Almost too close to call
Thorn in the Side DOD Thu Mar 19, 2009 10:27 AM
You need to DO something about that boy! If you are unwilling or unable to get a divorce or legal separation, then disentangle your finances from his. Publish a notice in a newspaper "of general circulation" stating that as of a certain date you will not be responsible for any debts except your own; open a bank account in your name only; if your credit is linked to his, separate it; do anything you have to to get the monkey off your back!
Good article, but about the trip
Analyst Navy Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:36 AM
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
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
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
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
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
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
Steve - LOVE your sense of humor - keep writing!!
Beautiful article
Rrtired DOT/FAA Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:44 AM
Mr. Oppermann,
I really enjoyed your article. You have a real talent with words.
You think your investments were bad, HECK! I caused this whole darn down-turn in the economy. Every time I have ever invested in the stock market it has always gone down. My brothers always told me to let them know when I was about to invest so that they could get out. Well, I put about one third of my TSP money into the "C" fund about a month before it reached it's high..... and you know the rest of the story.
PLEASE, enjoy your travel adventures. I met a wonderful woman while traveling in Outer Mongolia a month after I retired, and we have been traveling the world together ever since. Visiting Rio and walking on the beach at Ipanema is on our list of places to visit. I have a phrase I pass on to my friends: "Keep traveling - It's good food."
Think about that!
May God Bless!
FERS Retirement
Project Mgr HHS/CMS Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:54 AM
Thanks for all the great information. Please write more about FERS and retirement. I hope to retire in 18 to 24 months and I'm still confused about Part B medical. Also, would like to learn more about what to do with TSP money when I retire.
Thanks.
Articles like this keep me going!
Personnel Officer Commerce Thu Mar 19, 2009 9:22 AM
Keep on writing Steve! I always enjoy your articles. You are so witty.
Lovin' It
Retired Manager DOI Tue May 19, 2009 9:06 AM
I retired three years ago--where has the time gone? How have I kept out of trouble? I've done major volunteering so it's kept me out of the stores!
My advice for all Feds: while working, do your best to live below your means; save at least part of your raises (WGI's, promotions and January increases); stay out of debt so that it's a habit by the time you are retired. Drive old cars; pay down your mortgage. Before you retire, try living at least a year on what you will "take home." Your HR office can help you predict how much this will be. Most of all, develop some free or low cost interests!
I have traveled plenty, sometimes for a month at a time, but no cruises. Steve, maybe it's your lifestyle?? At any rate, you provide some good food for thought!!
CS Retiree Feeble Attempts
Bill Williams Postal Servicre Retiree Tue May 19, 2009 9:22 AM
Wow, is this article on target or what. I could see myself very well described here. However, I haven't to migrated to the financial planner firm situation, I'm resisting that move.
And now, let us retirees brace for the Obama tax boat.
save early
sara dept of interior Tue May 19, 2009 9:50 AM
the power of compounding can work for you. I saved a higher percentage of pay when I first started working for the government as a GS-3. That money is worth a lot more than the money I saved when I was a GS-12 later in my career.
It may seem difficult on a low salary but worth it.
Re: save early
Retired EE Formerly SPAWAR Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:08 PM
Boy, did you hit a nail right on the head! I have been encouraging young people to save big in their initial years. See that future growth curve in your projected savings? It is the EARLY years that will get you up there in the steep part. Don't buy that MG now. You will be able to do even better later on.
Less Than a Year
Supervisor USFS Wed May 20, 2009 9:26 PM
Well, I'm planning to retire in about a year. I am going while I'm young enough to enjoy it and before I have a stroke or some other serious health issue which would limit my activities as my position is very stressful and there are already some stress related health issues.
My husband is younger than me and will not retire for three more years, but due to the seasonal nature of his work we can spend the winters travelling if we wish. I started as a GS-1 and will leave as a 13. CSRS will allow us to be comfortable in our retirement and I'm so thankful that I didn't convert when FERS was touted as the best thing since white bread.
I'd sure be interested in knowing how any of you dealt with the initial financial impact to your lifestyle and how you are doing with the change of pace.
Medicare Part B
Environmental Engineer EPA Thu Aug 6, 2009 9:45 AM
Steve,
Could you write an article on the benefits or lack thereof when avoiding Medicare Part B and just relying on Blue Cross Blue Shield or some other insurance plus Medicare Part A? I would really appreciate this because I know you would write a very informative article.
BUDGET WOES FOR RETIREES
Personnel Officer Retired Dept of Interior, National Park Service Thu Aug 6, 2009 1:13 PM
Things could be worse, and we are certainly better off than many retirees. Since I only had 20 years service with the feds, my pension is definitely lower than yours. Since I KNOW I am investment stupid, I did not invest, except in my paid for home. As a widow, and having worked outside the Federal sector before my Civil service career, I am the victim of the vicious GPO and WEP parts of Social Security, at a loss of about $800 a month income. I joined the NARFE PAC group to help protect what is left. If you are not a member, look into it.
Our most valuable benefit is the FEHBA, which combined with Medicare, covers 100% of most of our declining health issues. My recent $85K spinal surgery was fully covered, so I could recuperate without money worries. So let's be thankful, keep traveling with Rick Steves, and QWITCHERBITCHIN! Margaret
Lido Beach
IT Specialist DVA Thu Aug 6, 2009 1:20 PM
Steve, if you think the natural wonders of Ipanema beach are amazing, journey around the point to Lido Beach. You will be amazed at the fully un-obstructed views of the beach dwelling wildlife......
Your travel guide and vacation planner (former Freddie)
Stop Focus on CSRS
LR Manager 33 years Retired Thu Aug 6, 2009 2:15 PM
Steve--
We worked hard for those CSRS pensions when others were paid much much more. Stop the focus on fed retirees because the Obama maniacs will ask us to reduce even more...many of us need our COLAs and because of Obama spending.....SSA and Pensioners will receive nothing and no I don't buy the Index argument because health costs, energy costs and food costs are all going up and why because businesses need to hit consumers to keep up with Obama welfare packages.You may not need the money but many of us do so stop the focus and la la land articles.
Re: Stop Focus on CSRS
Retired EE Formerly SPAWAR Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:18 PM
The COLA doesn't really match our cost of living. It is based on the CPI. There is another index, CPI-E. "E" for the elderly. It reflects, among other things, the cost of health care. If I am not mistaken, that went up 126% faster than the CPI between 1982 and 2002. So even we retirees have fallen behind our cost of living. And they wanted to reduce our COLA???
Follow-up story
Russ SSA Fri Sep 4, 2009 9:32 AM
Steve I have'nt seen your wrap-up story on your latest cruise. I enjoy your articles - write-on! My retirement date is 01/01/2010! Relocating our Dreams to be continued in the Valley of the Sun!
Foreign Trips
EE SPAWAR Pacific Fri Sep 4, 2009 10:09 AM
Steve, you might want to look into the Elderhostels. When I was younger, I went on foreign trips 5-7 weeks every year, even while I was in Civil Service. My accommodation were youth hostels. For a few dollars per night I had a bed and access to a kitchen. That latter benefit really saved a LOT of money. I would spend less money than most people spent for a one to two week tour. I would go to a local store, buy my provisions, and cook at the hostel. And I meet people from all over. I don't know much about the elderhostels, but people say great things about them.
BTW, I'm Steve, too.
Attempts to Cope
Bill Williams Postal Servicre Retiree Fri Sep 4, 2009 11:13 AM
As long as politicians continue to spend, reduce fixed retirement incomes by taxing, implementing increased fees at the federal, state, county, and local level, then the hand writing is on the wall. There is only so much belt tightening one can do. It's high time the politicians learned what's it's like to tough it out in the real world.
These stupid programs that cost, and cost, and cost, do politicians in Washington DC live in some kind of vacuum?
Depressing
Joann Navy Tue Sep 8, 2009 6:45 AM
I am sitting here in my federal job, intended to retire last May but have extended a year and maybe then some. You paint a dreary picture of life on the "Outside". I am under FERS, oh my God nothing is safe these days. Enjoy your travel while you have your health and the finances. I think that when I retire, if soon, I will need more play money than when I am old decrepit and have to stay close to the recliner.
Attempts at coping
Secretary NASA Fri Sep 11, 2009 7:38 AM
US citizens have the highest standard of living and the most resources for assistance than any other nation. BECAUSE of this, we expect the best of everything i.e., lawn services, cable, dining out, vacations... When the belt tightens we resent it as not being fair. We should feel privileged that poverty isn't the lot of average people. MOST of us spend far too much on unnecessary services and things. I'm old enough to remember my grandparents telling me about scrimping to get through THE Depression; I scoffed, but always saw how practical their advice was. You seem spoiled, sir, and may I say I think it's a good thing if we have our eyes opened to what we stand to lose by liberal tax laws for businesses, and rewarding criminals. Buck up, be grateful for what you STILL have and remember that there are those MUCH worse off than yourself. The disabled, veterans, NON-federal workers and non double-digit federal employees who will never be retiring at the 13 or above level.
Support
Retired Lead HR Specialisgt DOI Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:14 PM
Steve - I really enjoy reading your articles. You have great wit, and wisdom. I suggest that you should write a book on your experiences, both pre and post retirement. I think it would sell well.
Adios amigo
faa
Tue Mar 17, 2009 8:21 PM
Steve,
Wraparound sunglasses are the perfect accessory when observing beachfront property and its associated natural wonders. And get rid of that 1-800 number. Those things are expensive. Make those people call you collect.
Enjoy Rio and Barcelona.
Re: Adios amigo
N/A
Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:12 AM
The author
Loved the article
National Finance Center
Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:31 AM
The same problem exist with FERS retireees. I need to write an article about SSN, FERS, and TSP. What a trip this retirement ride has been.
I'm back to work as a contractor with the Federal Government and loving every minute of it. The only problem is that SSN deducted my benefit by what I was making. I've lost 3 years of SSN because of this ruling. Anyway, we need an article of the perils of retiring from FERS.
Bundling Trips
Nervous Hospital
Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:05 AM
I reckon I bundle my trips too. Nowadays I make one trip to the lawnmower shop, frosty freeze to order some french fried pataters (the bigguns), and then i take my books to Frank, and then go visit Doyle with my kaiser blade (some folks call it a sling blade).
But if i was goin to fly to Rio I reckon, I had enough money not to budget my local trips.
maintain our standard of living?
NAVAIR
Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:09 AM
If you're economizing and cutting back on discretionary spending, you're not maintaing but rather lowering your standard of living. However, as you point out, you retirees and we who are still active in the federal workforce do have it much better than many in the country today.
Compliments
SSA/ODAR
Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:19 AM
Please continue writing.
You handle your subjects with seriousness and humor.
Humor is critical for survival, given the state of the economy.
You demonstrate how to keep it all in perspective.
Great job!!
Steve Opperman's article
USPS
Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:29 AM
Your article gave me a good laugh which is abut the only thing left to enjoy these days!
Almost too close to call
DOD
Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:32 AM
Sir, you should never have worked and been a trophy wife like my mom. She took her widow's assets, got remarried, and went on 17 cruises all over God's earth with my stepdad. Of course, she passed after exhausion and cancer, taking almost all the money to doctors. Me? I've been working since 18 and a Federal employee for 28 years. At least I'm still CSRS but my TSP is minute after bailing out my husband's bad credit card habits over 20 years. I don't really know if I will retire in 2 years. I don't have any "expertise" in consulting to sell either. But I do not regret getting into Federal service at all. It's taken me to Germany, Korea, Japan, Bahrain, and Cuba to work as a civilian and I have a solid retirement and benefits to keep me warm when I'm old.
Re: Almost too close to call
DOD
Thu Mar 19, 2009 10:27 AM
Good article, but about the trip
Navy
Wed Mar 18, 2009 9:36 AM
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
U.S. Forest Service, Southern Region
Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:19 AM
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
DOD
Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:32 AM
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
Retired DoD, FAA Us Customs
Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:45 AM
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
FAA
Wed Mar 18, 2009 12:27 PM
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
Thu Mar 19, 2009 1:33 PM
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?
Used to be IRS
Thu Mar 19, 2009 7:51 AM
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!
VA
Thu Mar 19, 2009 7:53 AM
Steve - LOVE your sense of humor - keep writing!!
Beautiful article
DOT/FAA
Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:44 AM
Mr. Oppermann,
I really enjoyed your article. You have a real talent with words.
You think your investments were bad, HECK! I caused this whole darn down-turn in the economy. Every time I have ever invested in the stock market it has always gone down. My brothers always told me to let them know when I was about to invest so that they could get out. Well, I put about one third of my TSP money into the "C" fund about a month before it reached it's high..... and you know the rest of the story.
PLEASE, enjoy your travel adventures. I met a wonderful woman while traveling in Outer Mongolia a month after I retired, and we have been traveling the world together ever since. Visiting Rio and walking on the beach at Ipanema is on our list of places to visit. I have a phrase I pass on to my friends: "Keep traveling - It's good food."
Think about that!
May God Bless!
FERS Retirement
HHS/CMS
Thu Mar 19, 2009 8:54 AM
Thanks for all the great information. Please write more about FERS and retirement. I hope to retire in 18 to 24 months and I'm still confused about Part B medical. Also, would like to learn more about what to do with TSP money when I retire.
Thanks.
Articles like this keep me going!
Commerce
Thu Mar 19, 2009 9:22 AM
Keep on writing Steve! I always enjoy your articles. You are so witty.
Lovin' It
DOI
Tue May 19, 2009 9:06 AM
I retired three years ago--where has the time gone? How have I kept out of trouble? I've done major volunteering so it's kept me out of the stores!
My advice for all Feds: while working, do your best to live below your means; save at least part of your raises (WGI's, promotions and January increases); stay out of debt so that it's a habit by the time you are retired. Drive old cars; pay down your mortgage. Before you retire, try living at least a year on what you will "take home." Your HR office can help you predict how much this will be. Most of all, develop some free or low cost interests!
I have traveled plenty, sometimes for a month at a time, but no cruises. Steve, maybe it's your lifestyle?? At any rate, you provide some good food for thought!!
CS Retiree Feeble Attempts
Postal Servicre Retiree
Tue May 19, 2009 9:22 AM
Wow, is this article on target or what. I could see myself very well described here. However, I haven't to migrated to the financial planner firm situation, I'm resisting that move.
And now, let us retirees brace for the Obama tax boat.
save early
dept of interior
Tue May 19, 2009 9:50 AM
the power of compounding can work for you. I saved a higher percentage of pay when I first started working for the government as a GS-3. That money is worth a lot more than the money I saved when I was a GS-12 later in my career.
It may seem difficult on a low salary but worth it.
Re: save early
Formerly SPAWAR
Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:08 PM
Less Than a Year
USFS
Wed May 20, 2009 9:26 PM
Well, I'm planning to retire in about a year. I am going while I'm young enough to enjoy it and before I have a stroke or some other serious health issue which would limit my activities as my position is very stressful and there are already some stress related health issues.
My husband is younger than me and will not retire for three more years, but due to the seasonal nature of his work we can spend the winters travelling if we wish. I started as a GS-1 and will leave as a 13. CSRS will allow us to be comfortable in our retirement and I'm so thankful that I didn't convert when FERS was touted as the best thing since white bread.
I'd sure be interested in knowing how any of you dealt with the initial financial impact to your lifestyle and how you are doing with the change of pace.
Medicare Part B
EPA
Thu Aug 6, 2009 9:45 AM
Steve,
Could you write an article on the benefits or lack thereof when avoiding Medicare Part B and just relying on Blue Cross Blue Shield or some other insurance plus Medicare Part A? I would really appreciate this because I know you would write a very informative article.
BUDGET WOES FOR RETIREES
Dept of Interior, National Park Service
Thu Aug 6, 2009 1:13 PM
Things could be worse, and we are certainly better off than many retirees. Since I only had 20 years service with the feds, my pension is definitely lower than yours. Since I KNOW I am investment stupid, I did not invest, except in my paid for home. As a widow, and having worked outside the Federal sector before my Civil service career, I am the victim of the vicious GPO and WEP parts of Social Security, at a loss of about $800 a month income. I joined the NARFE PAC group to help protect what is left. If you are not a member, look into it.
Our most valuable benefit is the FEHBA, which combined with Medicare, covers 100% of most of our declining health issues. My recent $85K spinal surgery was fully covered, so I could recuperate without money worries. So let's be thankful, keep traveling with Rick Steves, and QWITCHERBITCHIN! Margaret
Lido Beach
DVA
Thu Aug 6, 2009 1:20 PM
Steve, if you think the natural wonders of Ipanema beach are amazing, journey around the point to Lido Beach. You will be amazed at the fully un-obstructed views of the beach dwelling wildlife......
Your travel guide and vacation planner (former Freddie)
Stop Focus on CSRS
Retired
Thu Aug 6, 2009 2:15 PM
Steve--
We worked hard for those CSRS pensions when others were paid much much more. Stop the focus on fed retirees because the Obama maniacs will ask us to reduce even more...many of us need our COLAs and because of Obama spending.....SSA and Pensioners will receive nothing and no I don't buy the Index argument because health costs, energy costs and food costs are all going up and why because businesses need to hit consumers to keep up with Obama welfare packages.You may not need the money but many of us do so stop the focus and la la land articles.
Re: Stop Focus on CSRS
Formerly SPAWAR
Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:18 PM
Follow-up story
SSA
Fri Sep 4, 2009 9:32 AM
Steve I have'nt seen your wrap-up story on your latest cruise. I enjoy your articles - write-on! My retirement date is 01/01/2010! Relocating our Dreams to be continued in the Valley of the Sun!
Foreign Trips
SPAWAR Pacific
Fri Sep 4, 2009 10:09 AM
Steve, you might want to look into the Elderhostels. When I was younger, I went on foreign trips 5-7 weeks every year, even while I was in Civil Service. My accommodation were youth hostels. For a few dollars per night I had a bed and access to a kitchen. That latter benefit really saved a LOT of money. I would spend less money than most people spent for a one to two week tour. I would go to a local store, buy my provisions, and cook at the hostel. And I meet people from all over. I don't know much about the elderhostels, but people say great things about them.
BTW, I'm Steve, too.
Attempts to Cope
Postal Servicre Retiree
Fri Sep 4, 2009 11:13 AM
As long as politicians continue to spend, reduce fixed retirement incomes by taxing, implementing increased fees at the federal, state, county, and local level, then the hand writing is on the wall. There is only so much belt tightening one can do. It's high time the politicians learned what's it's like to tough it out in the real world.
These stupid programs that cost, and cost, and cost, do politicians in Washington DC live in some kind of vacuum?
Depressing
Navy
Tue Sep 8, 2009 6:45 AM
I am sitting here in my federal job, intended to retire last May but have extended a year and maybe then some. You paint a dreary picture of life on the "Outside". I am under FERS, oh my God nothing is safe these days. Enjoy your travel while you have your health and the finances. I think that when I retire, if soon, I will need more play money than when I am old decrepit and have to stay close to the recliner.
Attempts at coping
NASA
Fri Sep 11, 2009 7:38 AM
US citizens have the highest standard of living and the most resources for assistance than any other nation. BECAUSE of this, we expect the best of everything i.e., lawn services, cable, dining out, vacations... When the belt tightens we resent it as not being fair. We should feel privileged that poverty isn't the lot of average people. MOST of us spend far too much on unnecessary services and things. I'm old enough to remember my grandparents telling me about scrimping to get through THE Depression; I scoffed, but always saw how practical their advice was. You seem spoiled, sir, and may I say I think it's a good thing if we have our eyes opened to what we stand to lose by liberal tax laws for businesses, and rewarding criminals. Buck up, be grateful for what you STILL have and remember that there are those MUCH worse off than yourself. The disabled, veterans, NON-federal workers and non double-digit federal employees who will never be retiring at the 13 or above level.
Support
DOI
Thu Nov 19, 2009 12:14 PM
Steve - I really enjoy reading your articles. You have great wit, and wisdom. I suggest that you should write a book on your experiences, both pre and post retirement. I think it would sell well.
Richard Scott
rms.gov@gmail.com