Going for Broke? This Shutdown is Different, May Last Longer and Reshape the Federal Government
The 2025 government shutdown feels different. It may last longer and may reshape the federal government and the federal workforce.
Author: Ralph R. Smith
Delayed CPI Release Postpones 2026 COLA Calculation: Implications for Federal Retirees and the Workforce
Government shutdown delays CPI data — and the 2026 COLA with it. Federal retirees and Social Security recipients face uncertainty over next year’s benefit increase.
TSP Performance in September: Stock Funds Surge Despite Shutdown Fears and Possible Massive Change in Government
TSP funds posted strong September gains despite shutdown drama and possible massive change in government employment.
TSP Growth Continues as Stock Funds Still Heading Higher
TSP stock funds are continuing to go higher as revised economic figures show considerably higher economic growth than previously reported.
Government Shutdown Approaches as Senate Democrats Block GOP Spending Bill
Partisan gridlock over topics like healthcare and security funding puts the U.S. on track for a partial government shutdown starting Oct. 1, 2025.
Federal Pay Raises Decoded: Are Democrats or Republicans More Generous?
Politics and your paycheck. What were the largest federal pay raises since 1970? Average salaries went from $101,610 in Sept 2023 to $109,879 by March.
From Inflation to Benefits: What the CPI Reveals About the 2026 COLA
Federal retirees could see a 2.8% COLA boost in 2026—September’s CPI will decide the final increase in benefits.
Rule of Many: New Hiring Rule Ends 150 Year Practice: Tougher Promotions and Leaner Pensions May Follow
OPM ends 150-year “rule of three” hiring system, replacing it with the “rule of many”—a shift boosting agency flexibility but risking leaner pensions for feds.
FLRA Realignment Highlights Sharp Shift in Federal Labor Relations
FLRA closes Chicago office, scraps ADR unit, and updates jurisdictions under an executive order, marking a major shift in federal labor relations and union power.
2026 Federal Pay Raise: 1% for GS, 3.8% for Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs)
LEOs win big in 2026 pay plan: 3.8% raise vs. just 1% for other others under GS as locality pay frozen.
