Author - The Assistant

Blog_Avoiding_Mistakes_that_Can_Hurt_Your_Retirement

How to Avoid These Four Mistakes that Can Hurt Your Federal Retirement

Do you want to retire comfortably and securely as a federal employee or annuitant? Do you want to make the most of your retirement benefits and savings? Do you want to avoid any regrets or surprises in your retirement? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to be aware of some common mistakes that can ruin your federal retirement. These mistakes can affect your income, your taxes, your health care, and your happiness in […]

Read more...
Blog_FEGLI_Living_Benefits

The Essentials of FEGLI Living Benefits: A Thorough Guide

Do you know what FEGLI living benefits are and how they can help you in case of a terminal illness? Do you know how to keep or change your FEGLI basic coverage after retirement? Do you know how your choices can affect your finances and your heirs? If you are a federal employee or annuitant, these are some of the questions that you need to answer when planning for your future. FEGLI, or Federal Employees Group Life Insurance, is […]

Read more...
Blog_using_TSP_in_Retirement

Tackling Tax Traps and Withdrawal Woes in Your TSP Retirement Strategy

Retirement is a journey that comes with its own set of challenges and surprises. For federal employees relying on their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) as a financial cornerstone, understanding the tax traps and withdrawal complexities is crucial for a smooth transition into the golden years. In this article, we’ll tackle the intricacies of TSP management during retirement and provide insights to help you navigate potential pitfalls.
TSP Tax Traps
1. No State Tax Withheld
The absence of state tax withholding from TSP […]

Read more...
Blog_The_Roth_TSP_Advantage

The Roth TSP Advantage for Young Federal Employees

In the constantly changing field of retirement planning, federal employees encounter important decisions that can profoundly influence their financial future. One such decision revolves around choosing between traditional and Roth retirement plans, particularly within the framework of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). For younger federal employees, the math undeniably favors the Roth TSP, ushering in a new era of strategic financial planning.
Evolution of Retirement Plans
The genesis of qualified retirement plans, including the traditional TSP, dates back to the 1980s, […]

Read more...
Blog_social_Security_for_FEDs

Social Security Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide for Federal Employees

Retirement planning is a complex journey, and for federal employees, deciding when to initiate social security benefits can be a pivotal choice. With various advantages and obstacles associated with different claiming ages, understanding the nuances is essential. In this article, we’ll explore the factors influencing the decision of when to claim social security retirement benefits, offering insights for federal employees to make informed choices aligned with their unique circumstances.
Factors to Consider
When contemplating the optimal time to begin receiving social […]

Read more...
Blog_Disability_Benefits_Retirement

Difference Between FERS Disability Retirement and Social Security

In the intricate landscape of federal employment, unforeseen challenges can alter the trajectory of our careers. For federal employees facing disability after at least 18 months of service, the safety net of FERS disability retirement comes into play. Although the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) has its own disability benefit, any remaining CSRS employees are already eligible for a non-disability retirement.
The distinction between social security disability benefits and federal disability retirement often leads to confusion. Social security provides a […]

Read more...
Blog_Special_Reirement_Supplement

FERS Supplement: Your Bridge to Retirement

Retirement is a significant milestone, and for federal employees, it often comes with a unique set of considerations. One such consideration is the Special Retirement Supplement (SRS), a bridge that helps federal retirees before they hit the minimum age to claim Social Security benefits. Let’s break down the nuts and bolts of the SRS in a straightforward manner.
Understanding the Special Retirement Supplement
The SRS serves as a financial bridge for federal employees who retire before the age of 62, the […]

Read more...
Blog_Social_Security_GPO

The Social Security Government Pension Offset: A Comprehensive Guide for CSRS Annuitants

In 1977, the Social Security Administration (SSA) implemented a significant amendment known as the Government Pension Offset (GPO) rule. This rule aimed to address concerns raised by Congress about individuals who received government pensions from non-Social Security-covered jobs, such as the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), and were simultaneously benefiting from Social Security spousal or survivor benefits without contributing adequately to Social Security.
Understanding the GPO Rule’s Origin
The GPO rule originated from the need to address what was perceived as […]

Read more...