Retirement
The Myth of the Missing Social Security Trust Fund
The author says that one of the most enduring myths of the Social Security debate suggests that the money collected for the system was spent on other government…
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.
Federal Workforce News
Little Change to OPM’s Retirement Backlog in November
According to its latest retirement processing status report, the Office of Personnel Management made no headway on reducing the outstanding backlog of retirement applications.
Retirement
Multiple Bills in Congress Pushing for a 3.9% COLA in 2016
Lawmakers in both the House and the Senate are pushing to give federal retirees a 3.9% cost of living adjustment next year.
Retirement
What is the Best Way to Measure Inflation?
The Social Security Administration states that the goal of a cost-of-living adjustment is to ensure that the purchasing power of seniors is not eroded by inflation, but with…
Retirement
Tax Favored ABLE Accounts For Special Needs Children
Congress recently introduced a new type of account for young, disabled individuals. This is a summary of how these accounts work.
Retirement
What Does a Qualified Financial Advisor Look Like, and Where Can I Get One of My Own?
What are the attributes of a qualified financial advisor, and where can I find one?
Retirement
The FEHB Five Year Requirement and Your Spouse
In this follow up to his article on the FEHB and the five year requirement, FedSmith.com author John Grobe provides clarification based on questions he received from readers…
Retirement
CMS Publishes Final Medicare Part B Premium Rates For 2016
After months of speculation and debate, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published the official rates for Medicare Part B premiums beginning in January 2016.
Retirement
2016 Medicare Part B Premiums and Deductibles Announced
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have announced the 2016 premiums and deductibles for the Medicare outpatient hospital services (Part B) programs.
Retirement
OPM Processes Over 10k Retirement Applications in October
The Office of Personnel Management processed over 10,000 retirement applications in October, however, there are still over 12,000 backlogged applications.