Whoops
A couple of readers pointed out that in the initial posting of a column last week, we made an incorrect statement about the content of an article in the Washington Post. They were right.
A couple of readers pointed out that in the initial posting of a column last week, we made an incorrect statement about the content of an article in the Washington Post. They were right.
For those who make a career of living and working within the federal establishment, the view of people and their accomplishments can become one-dimensional with clear delineations between what is good and what is bad. Special Counsel Scott Bloch is departing. Many in the government community are applauding and the media is happily joining in.
Declines in the value of the stock market are leading to proposed changes in retirement plans and complaints from a few investors that the TSP is taking money from their pockets by placing unreasonable restrictions on trading TSP funds. Here is a summary and a response from a TSP official that gives a more in-depth description of TSP expenses in the TSP funds that will interest to all TSP investors.
At 5.8%, the 2009 COLA will be the highest increase for federal retireesin about 25 years.
As the current stock market doldrums drag on and the value of TSP stock funds dwindle, some TSP investors have been busy moving billions of dollars into the safety of the G fund and out of the TSP stock funds.
It is human nature to panic when you see your stock investments losing money. The result is always the same: small investors dump their stock funds as the market goes down and they usually dump the most money when the market is at its lowest point. To preserve your retirement funds, take a deep breath, step back and look at the bigger picture. It may keep you from making a big mistake.
On October 9, 2007, the stock market hit new highs. On October 9, 2008, the markets hit a multi-year low. Current retirees, those planning on retiring soon and even those hoping to retire in the next five years and concerned. Here is how the TSP funds have fared in the past year–and some hope for the future.
A federal court concludes that a decision resulting in the 342 suspension of an employee in the Social Security Administration was arbitrary because it was based solely on a “time served” suspension without logical deliberation on the length of the suspension.
You may know that the “average” rate increase for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan is going up 8%. That may not be relevant to your plan. Here is more information on how much of a change there may be in your health benefits costs next year.
The bailout bill “ended up attached to a measure that extends benefits to people suffering from depression and is named after a lawmaker who died in a crash.” Most people do not know what is in the bill. Congress may prefer it that way.