Dodging the RMD Tax Trap: A Federal Employee’s Guide to Smarter Withdrawals
RMDs require retirees to withdraw from pre-tax accounts, risking higher taxes. These are some tips for federal employees to avoid future tax burdens.
Retirement
Stay informed with the latest federal employee retirement news, including updates on FERS and CSRS, retirement eligibility rules, OPM retirement processing, and TSP performance as it relates to long‑term retirement planning. This category covers annual COLA updates, TSP news, survivor benefits, military service credit, retirement application guidance, and major OPM policy changes or federal legislation that could affect federal retirement benefits. Find clear, timely information to help current and former federal employees navigate retirement planning, benefit calculations, and post‑retirement considerations.
Leaving Your Estate to Charity? Rethink your Roth Conversion Strategy
If you plan to leave retirement assets to charity, Roth conversions may cost you more in taxes. Learn smarter strategies for charitable federal employees.
New Letter Highlights Frustration With OPM’s Handling of Federal Retirement Applications
Four Congressmen are pressing OPM for answers about reported processing delays stemming from the recent surge in the retirement claims backlog.
Thrift Savings Plan Rollover: What Happens When You Move Money from TSP into a Traditional or Roth IRA?
Learn the essentials of TSP-to-IRA rollovers, including benefits, tax implications, and key steps for federal employees managing retirement savings.
The 3 Income Mistakes Federal Retirees Make in the First 5 Years
Most retirement plans don’t fail 20 years in—they weaken in the first five. Learn the three most common income mistakes federal retirees make early on.
Iran Conflict Jolts Inflation Higher—And Clouds the Outlook for the 2027 COLA
March inflation jumped due to the Iran war, raising early 2027 COLA projections and adding uncertainty. The final outcome now depends on energy prices this summer.
USPS Halts FERS Contributions Amid Financial Crisis: What Employees Need to Know
USPS will temporarily halt employer FERS pension payments starting April 10 to conserve cash. What does this mean for employees and retirees?
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.
OPM Retirement Backlog Falls 15% in March — First Drop in Six Months
OPM’s retirement backlog was slashed by 15% in March 2026, driven both by processing more retirement claims than received and an increased share of digital claims.
This “Drive-By” Planning Will Cost Retired Federal Employees Thousands
Retirement success hinges on smart tax planning and withdrawal strategies; small mistakes and “rules of thumb” can cost federal retirees significantly over time.
