2009 COLA Jumping 5.8% for Some Federal Retirees
At 5.8%, the 2009 COLA will be the highest increase for federal retireesin about 25 years.
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.
Why Invest in Risky TSP Stock Funds? To Make More Money
It is human nature to panic when you see your stock investments losing money. The result is always the same: small investors dump their stock funds as the market goes down and they usually dump the most money when the market is at its lowest point. To preserve your retirement funds, take a deep breath, step back and look at the bigger picture. It may keep you from making a big mistake.
“I would have lost more, but that was all the money I had.”
TSP investors face market panic as stocks fall; history shows markets rebound, urging patience and long-term focus over emotional reactions.
Leaving Government Before Retirement? What Happens To Your Benefits?
Some readers say they are contemplating leaving federal service before they retire. It could be for a better job, boredom, the boss from Hell or a myriad of other reasons. What happens to your benefits when you leave?
Retiring at the End of the Year?
Are you retiring at the end of the year? If so, here are several tips that may make the process less stressful.
Choosing Your Retirement Locale: Is It Time to Go Back to College?
Where will you choose to live after retirement and why will you live there? Perhaps you would like to relive some of your college experiences. Here are a few considerations and suggestions.
Feeling the Impact of Inflation: 6.2% COLA (So Far) for 2009
Inflation is alive and well in the United States. So far, the projected COLA increase for 2009 is 6.2% with another two months to go into the calculation.
Calculating Your FERS Annuity, Changing the TSP and Tobacco: Politics and the Federal Workforce
The House recently passed a bill change the TSP investment philosophy and the annuity calculations for those under FERS. Is it now in effect? What do these changes for the federal workforce have to do with the tobacco industry?
Confessions of a Federal Retiree
Like many people, this federal retiree left government service with high hopes and plans for the future. Some worked out well but the reality of health and financial issues brought home to this author how life can change after retirement. He offers advice on how to live and which decisions may be the most important ones after leaving government service.
House Passes Legislation To Increase Federal Annuity Payments for Some
FERS employees and CSRS employees get the same sick leave benefit–until the computation of a retirement annuity. A bill passed by the House on July 30 would change the current system.
