Federal Retirement Planning Blog

Aug 28, 2025

Federal employees are awaiting clarity on the federal pay raise 2026, and as of now, the outlook is uncertain. President Trump is expected to issue his annual alternative pay plan letter before the end of August.

Aug 26, 2025

A major update is on the way for federal employees and military service members who save through the Thrift Savings Plan.

Aug 25, 2025

The question on many federal employees’ minds is clear: Will there be a federal pay raise in 2026? Unfortunately, the answer points toward a pay freeze

Aug 25, 2025

Military veterans have long been searching for the best places to plant stronger roots and create a sense of familiarity for themselves and their families.

Aug 22, 2025

The State Department layoffs 2026 trace back to reduction-in-force (RIF) notices first issued in July 2025. Those notices targeted nearly 1,350 employees. Court action delayed them repeatedly before the department finalized hundreds of separations in 2026.

Aug 19, 2025

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction limiting how the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) can access databases managed by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Aug 19, 2025

For federal employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), one of the most important benefits is the Federal Retirement Supplement, also called the Special Retirement Supplement (SRS).

Aug 18, 2025

Federal employees who work on a designated holiday receive holiday premium pay, which is typically equal to their regular rate of pay, in addition to their regular pay for the holiday.

Aug 14, 2025

When it comes to the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program, most people are familiar with Basic coverage but fewer give much thought to Option A

Aug 13, 2025

A long-awaited list tied to the 2025 “USDA RIF plans leak” names 17 agencies and 40 estimated RIFs but officials now say the figure was only an estimate.

Aug 13, 2025

Federal employee retirement contributions vary depending on the retirement system and hiring date. Under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), the contribution rates are:

Aug 12, 2025

If you’re a federal employee covered under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), knowing your CSRS retirement estimate is essential for planning your future.

Aug 11, 2025

The IRS has rescinded layoffs at its civil rights office, but broader workforce cuts and hiring challenges continue to shape the agency’s future in 2025.

Aug 8, 2025

You can have a maximum of two loans outstanding from your TSP account at any time. However, there's a restriction on the type of loans you can have:

Aug 6, 2025

By March 31, 2026 there were 208,753 TSP accounts with a balance of one million dollars or higher out of 7,327,321 total TSP accounts, or approximately 2.85% of TSP accounts had attained the one million-dollar threshold.

Aug 5, 2025

Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCs) play a critical role in keeping aircraft safely separated and ensuring the efficient flow of air traffic in the skies.

Aug 5, 2025

Federal employees can breathe a sigh of relief. Despite months of concern, the Senate-passed version of H.R. 1 does not include any federal benefit cuts that would impact current employees or retirees.

Jul 31, 2025

If you are looking for open spaces and a great quality of life after retirement in Wyoming, we have got you covered.

Jul 31, 2025

Ownership is one of the most significant distinctions between a custodial account and a 529 plan.

Jul 30, 2025

The current FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) contribution rate depends on the employee's hire date. For those hired before 2013, the contribution is 0.8%.

Jul 29, 2025

If you're a federal employee planning to retire before age 62, the FERS Special Retirement Supplement (often called the SRS or simply the "FERS Supplement") is one of the most valuable benefits you'll receive.

Jul 25, 2025

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy officially announced his intention to step down in March 2025, ending a tenure that began during the Trump administration in 2020.

Jul 24, 2025

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized the 2026 Medicare premiums and IRMAA brackets and for many federal retirees, the numbers mean meaningfully higher monthly costs in the year ahead. The standard Part B premium is rising to $202.90 per month, but higher-income retirees will pay considerably more under the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge tiers.

Jul 23, 2025

Federal employees in the U.S. earn annual leave according to their length of service. Employees with less than 3 years of service accrue 4 hours per pay period (totaling 104 hours or 13 days annually).

Jul 22, 2025

Inflation is easing, but higher Medicare premiums may cancel out benefit gains for millions of Americans.