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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.

Politics and Retirement Income: The CPI-E and Its Impact On the COLA

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithFeb 6, 2024 8:23 AM | Updated: Mar 6, 2024 2:38 PM 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

Legislation has been introduced to use the CPI-E for calculating an annual COLA or use a higher figure if the CPI-W is more. How much of a difference would this make in retirement income?

Inflation Up Higher Than Expected in December

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithJan 11, 2024 10:27 AM | Updated: Apr 10, 2024 8:56 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment

Inflation in December was higher than expected but the rate has dropped considerably. 2025 COLA payments will continue going back to a more normal range.

Core Inflation is Up But Index for Next COLA is Down

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithDec 12, 2023 9:38 AM Categories Retirement, Pay & Benefits Leave a comment
Stacks of coins growing in size from left to right with a closeup of a man's hand placing shopping cart replicas on top of each stack depicting rising inflation costs

The latest inflation report reflecting economic activity in November has been released. Core inflation is still rising and the index used for the COLA is down.

2% Differential in 2024 Pay Raise and COLA

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithNov 29, 2023 7:15 AM Categories Pay & Benefits Leave a comment
Man's hands on both sides of a seesaw as he works to balance the scale evenly between a ping piggy bank on one side and three stacks of coins growing in size vertically on the other

How do the 2024 federal pay raise and 2024 COLA compare?

What’s the Difference in the Annual COLA and Pay Raise?

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithNov 27, 2023 8:08 AM Categories Retirement, Pay & Benefits Leave a comment

The annual COLA and pay raise are complex and often cause confusion. This is what they are and how they are different.

Inflation Receding But Impact Remains

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithNov 14, 2023 9:20 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment

As we start the new year for the next COLA calculation, the latest data show a continuing decline in the rate of inflation.

Trying Again to Boost COLAs for Some Federal Retirees

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithNov 3, 2023 8:48 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Word 'pension' displayed on a calculator's screen sitting on a desk next to coins, paperclips, a key, pen and notepad

Legislation that would increase the COLA for federal retirees in some instances has once again been introduced.

When Will Federal Retirees See the 2024 COLA in Their Annuity Payments?

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithOct 24, 2023 7:40 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment

Rising inflation has produced a modest COLA for next year. When can federal retirees expect to see the increase in their annuity payments?

FERS vs. CSRS: How is the 2024 COLA Calculated?

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithOct 13, 2023 6:35 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Illustration of a person's hand holding a magnifying glass over a spread of money studying finances

The 2024 COLA was announced on October 12, 2023. Not all federal retirees will receive the same COLA. Here is how the COLA calculation works.

2024 COLA Finalized: How Much is It and Who Will Receive the Full COLA?

FedSmith.com author Ralph R. SmithBy Ralph R. SmithOct 12, 2023 9:05 AM | Updated: Nov 14, 2023 8:41 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Impact of inflation on everyday items as of September 2023: Food away from home, electricity, shelter, new cars and transportation services

The 2024 COLA has been released! Here is what federal retirees can expect for next year.

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Daily TSP Performance

April 20, 2026

Fund Last % YTD
G Fund $19.8394 +0.04% +1.28%
F Fund $21.0674 -0.05% +0.89%
C Fund $114.1387 -0.23% +4.22%
S Fund $109.7297 +0.75% +9.28%
I Fund $61.8167 -0.60% +11.40%
L Income $30.1227 -0.04% +3.01%
L 2030 $60.8067 -0.12% +4.66%
L 2035 $18.6228 -0.15% +5.34%
L 2040 $71.6395 -0.16% +5.68%
L 2045 $19.8785 -0.18% +5.98%
L 2050 $44.1628 -0.19% +6.28%
L 2055 $23.0027 -0.23% +7.34%
L 2060 $23.0000 -0.23% +7.34%
L 2065 $22.9973 -0.23% +7.34%
L 2070 $13.6301 -0.23% +7.34%
L 2075 $11.9060 -0.23% +7.34%
Get detailed TSP data at TSPDataCenter.com

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