Federal Employees in 2026: Navigating Pay, Benefits, TSP Rules, and Processing Backlogs
Pay Raises: Small Increase for Most Federal Employees Most federal workers on the General Schedule (GS) got a 1% across-the-board pay raise...
Even Experts Get Social Security Wrong; What Federal Employees Can Learn
Social Security rules are complex, and even financially savvy individuals discover that small misunderstandings may reduce lifetime income,...
Factors To Consider Before Filing For Social Security Benefits
One of the biggest decisions you need to make when you’re headed for retirement is when to file for your Social Security benefits. Should...
Social Security Uncertainty and What It Means for Retirement Planning
Social security is a main component of retirement planning, but a recent Cato Institute survey of about 2,000 Americans finds that while...
2026 Changes: What Federal Employees and Retirees Need to Know
Two important updates could affect retirement planning for federal employees: increasing payroll and earnings-limit thresholds, and...
The Social Security Act Turns 90
Social Security, officially the Social Security Act, was signed into law on August 14, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, marking...
Why DIY Retirement Planning May Not Work For Feds
Since your FERS annuity (pension), Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) provide three streams of retirement income, you may be...
Prepping for Retirement and Beyond
Ideally, preparing for retirement should begin the day you’re hired. By contributing enough to get the full 5% from your agency, you are...
Social Security Filing Strategies for Couples
When married couples plan to claim Social Security benefits, several strategies can maximize their benefits based on their financial...
Determining your “Magic Number”
A new study shows that Americans have lowered their “magic number,” the amount of money they believe they need to retire comfortably,...
