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COLA

Stay informed on the latest COLA updates for federal retirees, including annual Cost‑of‑Living Adjustment announcements, calculation methods, and policy changes that affect retirement income under FERS and CSRS. Explore clear explanations of how COLA percentages are determined, historical trends in federal retiree COLAs, and the impact of inflation on long‑term financial security. Find timely analysis, legislative developments, and expert insights to help federal retirees understand how annual COLA changes influence their purchasing power and overall retirement planning.

Substantial Cuts to Federal Employee Benefits Proposed in FY 2019 Budget

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithFeb 12, 2018 2:11 PM | Updated: Feb 17, 2018 5:20 PM Categories Pay & Benefits, Retirement Leave a comment
Scissors cutting a stack of dollar bills depicting pay/benefits cuts

As anticipated, the FY 2019 budget proposal from the White House outlines proposed benefits changes for federal employees. Here is a summary.

A Chained CPI and Federal Employee Retirement COLAs

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithJan 14, 2018 6:12 PM | Updated: Jan 21, 2018 2:13 PM Categories Pay & Benefits, Retirement Leave a comment
Stacks of coins with the letters CPI isolated on white background

The chained CPI has been incorporated into the federal tax system. What does this mean, and will it have an impact on the COLA calculations for federal retirees?

Year in Review: 2017 and Its Impact on Federal Employees

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithDec 31, 2017 1:43 PM Categories Human Resources, Pay & Benefits Leave a comment
3D numbers 2017 with a magnifying glass focused on the '17'

What were the most popular topics for federal employees in 2017? As a whole, this group is downbeat and concerned about possible changes to pay and benefits.

Why Are Current Federal Employees Not Getting the Same Raise as Federal Retirees?

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithDec 13, 2017 5:39 PM | Updated: Dec 22, 2017 5:59 PM Categories Pay & Benefits, Q&A Leave a comment

Federal retirees will get a higher pay raise next year than what is proposed for current federal employees. I feel this is unfair; why is this the case?

Veterans are Getting a COLA for Veterans Day

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithNov 11, 2017 6:45 AM | Updated: Nov 17, 2017 5:23 PM Categories Pay & Benefits Leave a comment
Young military family sitting on the couch at their home

A bill recently signed into law provides a cost of living adjustment to veterans for some of their benefits.

Federal Retirees: Will You Receive a Full or Prorated COLA?

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithOct 18, 2017 2:19 PM | Updated: Oct 12, 2018 8:10 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Three glasses in a row with increasing amounts of coins in them with the one on the left side filled with few coins and the one on the righthand side completely full

The 2018 COLA increase will be reflected in payments for federal retirees in January 2018. Some will receive a full COLA; others will receive a prorated COLA.

Seniors’ Security Act Takes Retirees Into Unknown Territory

By Michael WaldOct 18, 2017 12:33 PM | Updated: Mar 7, 2019 5:15 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment

Another attempt is being made in Congress to change COLA increases to use the CPI-E in an effort to help retirees. Is this a good idea?

Hurricanes in August and September Dramatically Impacted 2018 COLA

By Michael WaldOct 15, 2017 12:55 PM | Updated: Oct 23, 2017 3:21 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Triangular yellow road warning sign reading 'Irma Hurricane'

Two major hurricanes were a big factor in a higher COLA for federal retirees in 2018. The author explains how this happened.

2% COLA for Federal Retirees in 2018

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithOct 13, 2017 10:10 AM | Updated: Oct 23, 2017 3:21 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment

The 2018 cost of living adjustment for federal retirees will be 2%.

6 Federal Retirement Myths

By Alexis HongamenSep 25, 2017 3:12 PM | Updated: Oct 4, 2017 8:57 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Road sign with two yellow arrows pointing in opposite directions, one labeled 'myths' and one labeled 'facts'

Have you believed one of these myths about federal retirement? The author provides a list of the most common ones he has heard from clients.

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Daily TSP Performance

April 22, 2026

Fund Last % YTD
G Fund $19.8441 +0.01% +1.31%
F Fund $21.0219 +0.10% +0.67%
C Fund $114.6014 +1.05% +4.65%
S Fund $109.2815 +0.39% +8.84%
I Fund $61.2747 +0.44% +10.42%
L Income $30.1117 +0.22% +2.97%
L 2030 $60.7551 +0.42% +4.57%
L 2035 $18.6033 +0.50% +5.23%
L 2040 $71.5568 +0.55% +5.56%
L 2045 $19.8537 +0.58% +5.85%
L 2050 $44.1040 +0.62% +6.14%
L 2055 $22.9687 +0.74% +7.18%
L 2060 $22.9660 +0.74% +7.18%
L 2065 $22.9632 +0.74% +7.18%
L 2070 $13.6099 +0.74% +7.18%
L 2075 $11.8883 +0.74% +7.18%
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