The Impact of Time on Social Security
The author says that the more time that goes by, the worse off financially the Social Security program becomes. He argues that politicians need to work on a fix before it’s too late.
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.
Phased Retirement: Who Will Benefit?
When it becomes fully operational, the phased retirement program will allow pre-approved employees to reduce their work schedule to part-time, while simultaneously paying them a partial annuity. Will this be a net gain for employees?
Number of TSP Millionaires up 195%
The Thrift Savings Plan has provided favorable returns to stock fund investors over the past several years. One indicator is the increasing number of TSP investors with at least $1 million in their TSP accounts.
Postal Service Retirees, Medicare, and Implications for Other Federal Retirees
The Postal Service wants to put all retirees under Medicare in order to save billions of dollars. When this is considered by Congress, look out for a similar change proposed for the remainder of the federal workforce.
Budget Agreement To Increase Pension Contributions for New Employees
Pension contributions paid by federal civilian workers hired after January 1, 2014 would increase by 1.3% under the new budget agreement according to reports. It would also allow OPM to create a self-plus-one option in the federal employee health program.
End of Year Financial Planning Checklist
The approaching year end offers a great time to reflect on on your last year and look ahead to the next. The author offers some tips from a financial perspective on how to plan for the coming year.
Retirement Backlog Stays Flat in November
The backlog of outstanding retirement claims at OPM saw almost no reduction in November.
Sticking Point for Federal Budget: Federal Retirement Contributions
A possible increase in federal employee retirement contributions has become a major sticking point in budget negotiations.
Retirement Myths: The “Magic 85” Formula
Can you become eligible to retire whenever your age and length of service add up to 85? The authors offer some details on this common retirement myth.
Will I Get Both My Social Security and Federal Annuity COLAs?
Several readers have asked if they will have a COLA applied to their retirement annuity and to Social Security. Readers have also asked about the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision. This information may be helpful in understanding these complex topics.
