Federal Retirement Planning Blog

Jul 21, 2025

Divorce can reshape nearly every part of a financial plan. For federal employees, that often includes retirement benefits, future income, survivor protections, and even the timing of retirement itself.

Jul 18, 2025

Pay periods determine how often employees receive their paychecks, and they play a key role in budgeting, financial planning, and tax withholdings.

Jul 17, 2025

As Congress debates the 2026 federal budget and agencies brace for potential changes, federal employees are watching closely.

Jul 16, 2025

If you're retiring under FERS before age 62, your Special Retirement Supplement (SRS) won't begin immediately.

Jul 16, 2025

In recent years, the topic of federal employee benefits has been under intense scrutiny. As budget reforms continue to evolve, many federal workers are wondering: Are cuts to federal retirement benefits on the horizon?

Jul 14, 2025

The federal workforce is facing significant restructuring in 2025, with Reduction-in-Force (RIF) notices impacting thousands of positions across multiple agencies.

Jul 14, 2025

The FERS supplement is usually estimated by taking your projected Social Security benefit at age 62 and multiplying it by your years of FERS service divided by 40. For federal employees retiring before age 62, that formula gives a useful starting point for estimating how much temporary bridge income may be available before Social Security begins.

Jul 11, 2025

If you’ve come across the term “23500 26”, it refers to the 2025 IRS elective deferral limit for the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) $23,500 divided over 26 pay periods in the calendar year.

Jul 10, 2025

As of July 2025, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is on track to eliminate nearly 30,000 positions by the end of the fiscal year—without initiating a formal Reduction in Force (RIF).

Jul 10, 2025

New Legislation Targets Federal Retirement Benefits Could Your Pension Be Affected?

Jul 9, 2025

Starting in 2026, federal employees and military members will have access to a major new feature within the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): in-plan Roth conversions.

Jul 4, 2025

In 2026, federal employees will not receive a general pay raise, as outlined in the latest White House budget proposal. While the absence of a cost-of-living increase dominates headlines, it’s far from the whole story.

Jul 3, 2025

So what’s changing, how could it affect you, and what steps should you take now? This guide breaks down the updates, explains the risks, and helps you prepare for your retirement future with clarity and confidence.

Jul 2, 2025

Every October, the Social Security Administration announces the next year's Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and millions of federal retirees, Social Security recipients, and FERS/CSRS annuitants pay close attention.

Jul 1, 2025

For 2026, the federal government implemented a 1.0% base pay increase, with locality pay rates for Miami largely holding steady. As a designated high-cost locality area, Miami continues to benefit from a 24.67% locality adjustment, applied on top of base GS salaries. This ensures that federal compensation in the region remains aligned with local economic conditions, even in a lower-adjustment year.

Jun 27, 2025

USPS pay raise 2025 brought major updates for NALC members, including back pay, wage increases, and COLA adjustments. This guide covers the latest pay charts, eligibility details, and what USPS employees should know as these changes continue into 2026.

Jun 26, 2025

The Biden administration’s fiscal year president's budget request 2026 does not include a pay raise for federal employees, continuing the pay freeze already in place for 2025.

Jun 25, 2025

The General Schedule (GS) pay scale for 2026 in Florida is based on the official Federal Pay Tables released by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). As with all U.S. states, federal civilian salaries are determined by GS grade and step, and are further adjusted through locality pay depending on the employee’s official duty station.

Jun 25, 2025

As of 2025, many federal retirees are asking the same question: “Should I keep FEGLI after retirement?”

Jun 23, 2025

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the premier retirement savings program for federal employees and military personnel. With low fees, tax advantages, and diversified investment options, the TSP is a powerful tool for building long-term wealth.

Jun 20, 2025

Retiring early as a federal employee comes with unique benefits and one of the most critical is the Federal Employee Social Security Supplement. Often misunderstood, this supplemental income helps bridge the gap between retirement and Social Security eligibility. But proposed legislation could bring big changes.

Jun 19, 2025

FERS special, also known as the FERS Annuity Supplement or Special Retirement Supplement (SRS), is an additional retirement benefit for certain federal employees who retire before age 62, designed to supplement their income until they are eligible for Social Security benefits.

Jun 18, 2025

The VA Deferred Resignation Program is an option for federal employees—especially those working under the Department of Veterans Affairs—to resign from their job while keeping their federal retirement benefits safe for the future.

Jun 17, 2025

The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently launched a one-time Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) incentive, offering eligible employees a compelling opportunity to step away before the traditional age or service thresholds.

Jun 16, 2025

As a federal employee, your role carries unique responsibilities and risks. Even conscientious professionals can face investigations, disciplinary actions, Bivens lawsuits, or criminal probes for decisions made in the line of duty.