The Hidden Costs of Retirement: A New Series for Federal Employees
Federal retirement planning extends well beyond healthcare. This new series explores how housing, spending patterns, and timing shape your finances for decades.
Author: Francis Xavier (FX) Bergmeister
TSP vs. Fidelity and Vanguard: A $1 Million Retirement Case Study
Should you keep your TSP or roll it over to Fidelity or Vanguard? A $1 million case study reveals the real trade-offs for federal retirees.
Why Are So Few Federal Employees Using the TSP Mutual Fund Window?
Years after launching, the TSP mutual fund window has attracted fewer than 10,000 participants. Here’s why most federal employees are sticking with core funds.
The One-Decision Trap: What Federal Retirees Can Learn from Netflix
Netflix walked away from a $90 billion deal. Federal retirees face similar choices with TSP withdrawals, annuities, and Roth conversions. Flexibility matters.
Personal Finance Courses Are Everywhere, But Are Federal Employees Using Them?
Most community colleges offer personal finance courses—a practical, affordable resource federal employees can use to navigate FERS, TSP, and retirement decisions.
Is Medicare Optional for Federal Retirees?
Federal retirees enjoy a unique advantage that many Americans lack: the option for lifelong employer-provided health insurance. Therefore, is Medicare still necessary?
Why Federal Employees Should Be Cautious About Private Assets in Retirement Plans
Private assets in 401(k)s promise higher returns but bring hidden risks, and federal employees investing in the TSP need to pay attention.
The Social Security Decision Some FERS Retirees May Get Wrong
FERS retirees may benefit from taking Social Security at 62 to preserve TSP flexibility, reduce future RMDs, and ease survivor tax burdens.
The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant: A Free Tool Federal Employees Should Know About
The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant helps federal employees answer common tax questions quickly with guided interviews but it has some known limitations.
FERS and SBP Survivor Benefits: Know the Point of No Return
FERS and SBP survivor benefit elections can become permanent fast—know your deadlines before submitting retirement paperwork.
