Seeking Access to the TSP’s Billions
P.T. Barnum is credited with the phrase “There’s a sucker born every minute.” Keep that in mind when you read ads about how how to invest (or roll-over) your TSP money.
The Old GSA is Back as Feds Get Mileage Rate Increase
IRS announced a mileage rate reimbursement increase for tax purposes on June 23rd. For federal employees, the increase will be effective on August 1st.
Reviewing a Labor Agreement: Ten Tips on What to Throw Out, Fix or Include (Part Two)
As Agencies prepare to bargain a new labor agreement, careful attention should be paid to the expired or expiring contract.
What I Have Learned About Supervision (Mostly the Hard Way)
Being a good supervisor is difficult and can be a thankless job. This is a continuation of the author’s article on attributes of a good supervisor based on personal experience as a federal employee and a supervisor and considerable research on the subject.
Quietly Changing the TSP’s Investment Philosophy
A pending bill would quietly change the TSP’s investment philosophy. The result would be opening the door to more investment options, confusing many investors, applying more political pressure on the TSP and profiting financial interests with Congressional patrons. The likely losers: TSP investors who are benefiting from a simple, inexpensive retirement plan that is currently a model for private sector retirement plans.
Firing an HR Specialist With 30 Years of Federal Service
A personnel specialist with 30 years of federal service argued that his long employment history and a recent mid-term evaluation should have been considered in a decision to remove him from federal service. But, says a federal court, the only performance that is relevant in this case is his performance during a 60-day evaluation period. His removal stands.
Reviewing a Labor Agreement: Ten Tips on What to Throw Out, Fix or Include if It’s Missing
As a management advisor, the author reviews expiring labor agreements to help an agency prepare for a renegotiation. This article is the first of two providing tips on what to look for in an expired or expiring agreement. You should also find it useful if you are bargaining an initial contract.
Best TSP Fund for the Long Haul?
What is the best investment strategy in the Thrift Savings Plan for your retirement future? A recent report from the Thrift Investment Board provides useful guidance you can use to shape your financial future.
Expanding the Definition of Disability Discrimination
A majority of a federal appeals court finds that lack of sexual desire is a major life function giving rise to disability discrimination. A strong dissent argues that the issue is one the government has no business inquiring into or knowing and should not be held accountable for discrimination under these circumstances.
What I Have Learned About Supervision – Mostly The Hard Way
What are the most valuable supervisory qualities for a federal supervisor? Here is one list of qualities–most of them learned through the school of hard knocks.
