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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.

2026 COLA Projections Increasing With Latest Inflation Trends

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithJul 15, 2025 10:03 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Small shopping cart filled with stacks of coins against a green foliage background

The June inflation data are likely to result in a higher 2026 COLA projection than the 2025 increase of 2.5%.

Latest CPI and 2026 COLA Projection for Federal Retirees (and Those Soon to be Retired)

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithJun 11, 2025 9:41 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Close up of a person performing calculations on a calculator and writing notes on a notepad with a small grocery shopping cart on the desk in the foreground

The latest data for the 2026 COLA has been released. Here are the projections for 2026 COLAs for Social Security and the federal retirement annuity.

The Dangers of Inflation with VERA and DRP

FedSmith.com author Charles DzamaBy Charles DzamaJun 2, 2025 8:25 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Shopping cart on the left side of a balance beam that is lower than a piggy bank on the other side

Inflation erodes retirement savings over time. Without growth investments, pensions and savings may lose value, especially before age 62.

Inflation, 2026 COLA and the Latest Consumer Price Index

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithMay 13, 2025 10:25 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Shopping cart pictured next to stacks of coins with dollar signs above them

Inflation is at its lowest level since February 2021, just before it started rapidly increasing along with COLA rates for federal retirees.

Inflation Slows and Latest 2026 COLA Projection

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithMar 12, 2025 10:30 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Shopping cart on the left side of a balance beam that is lower than a piggy bank on the other side

Inflation was lower than projected in February. Federal employees are stressed. TSP prices are down. Here are latest big cuts in a federal agency and projected 2026 COLA.

Legislation Would Boost COLAs for Some Federal Retirees

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithJan 23, 2025 8:05 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment

Another attempt is being made to give retired federal employees under both FERS and CSRS the same COLAs.

2.5% COLA Currently Projected for 2025 Amid December’s 0.4% Inflation Increase

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithJan 15, 2025 10:05 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Tipped over shopping cart with coins scattered around it with the word 'inflation' written in block letters in the foreground

Inflation is not dead, and the projected 2026 COLA is 2.5%. Here is a comparison of COLA and GS pay raises over 10 years.

COLA Calculations, Inflation and Stock Market Records

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithNov 13, 2024 9:18 AM Categories Retirement, Pay & Benefits Leave a comment
Shopping cart on the left side of a balance beam that is lower than a piggy bank on the other side

America had an election and inflation was a factor for voters. The stock market is booming. Here are the latest inflation figures and how the COLA compares to pay raises over time.

What is the Difference Between the COLA and Pay Raise?

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithOct 16, 2024 8:15 AM Categories Pay & Benefits, Retirement Leave a comment
Red question mark between two $100 bills against a white background

The annual COLA and pay raise are complex and often a source of confusion. While both impact pay, they have important differences.

2025 COLA Finalized: How Much Is It and Who Will Receive It?

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithOct 10, 2024 9:46 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Close up of a person performing calculations on a calculator and writing notes on a notepad with a small grocery shopping cart on the desk in the foreground

The 2025 COLA has been released. Here is the pay increase federal retirees can expect starting in January 2025.

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Daily TSP Performance

April 24, 2026

Fund Last % YTD
G Fund $19.8489 +0.01% +1.33%
F Fund $21.0225 +0.14% +0.67%
C Fund $115.0442 +0.80% +5.05%
S Fund $108.7748 +0.15% +8.33%
I Fund $61.2102 +0.63% +10.30%
L Income $30.1251 +0.20% +3.02%
L 2030 $60.7955 +0.38% +4.64%
L 2035 $18.6172 +0.44% +5.31%
L 2040 $71.6136 +0.48% +5.65%
L 2045 $19.8702 +0.51% +5.94%
L 2050 $44.1426 +0.55% +6.24%
L 2055 $22.9924 +0.65% +7.29%
L 2060 $22.9897 +0.65% +7.29%
L 2065 $22.9869 +0.65% +7.29%
L 2070 $13.6240 +0.65% +7.29%
L 2075 $11.9006 +0.65% +7.29%
Get detailed TSP data at TSPDataCenter.com

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