Federal Retirement Planning Blog

Jun 12, 2025

The wildland firefighter pay increase update in 2025 brings long-awaited, permanent pay reform to one of America’s most essential and underappreciated workforces.

Jun 11, 2025

The 2026 Wage Grade (WG) pay raise provides a 1.0% federal adjustment for prevailing rate employees. Because WG workers are paid hourly, even a modest increase raises overtime, night differential, Sunday, and holiday premium pay. Actual earnings will vary by wage area based on local wage surveys. Understanding how base pay and premium pay interact is key to estimating your total 2026 income.

Jun 10, 2025

Yes the 2025 House-passed reconciliation bill keeps two major FERS changes in place: eliminating the FERS annuity supplement for retirees after Jan 1, 2028, and forcing new hires to choose between civil-service protections or higher pension contributions.

Jun 10, 2025

The IRS has officially raised 401(k) contribution limits for 2025 and this year, the changes are especially important.

Jun 9, 2025

For former federal employees, the concept of reinstatement offers a beacon of hope a chance to return to public service without navigating the competitive hiring process a new.

Jun 6, 2025

As retirement planning becomes increasingly critical in a changing economic landscape, staying informed about upcoming 401(k) contribution limits for 2026 is more important than ever.

Jun 6, 2025

If you are a federal employee or retiree approaching age 65, this question probably sits high on your to-do list:

Jun 5, 2025

If you’re a probationary employee with the Department of Defense, you’re likely facing uncertainty right now. In March 2025, the DoD began mass layoffs affecting over 5,000 civilian workers as part of a larger workforce reduction.

Jun 4, 2025

Military families and retirees are keeping a close eye on the 2026 pay raise military​, which is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent years.

Jun 3, 2025

In early 2025, the Trump administration undertook a substantial reduction of the federal workforce, terminating nearly 25,000 probationary employees across various agencies.

Jun 2, 2025

A preview of new rules from the Trump administration shows major shifts in how federal employees may face removal, discipline, and reductions in force (RIF).

May 30, 2025

In 2025, the United States Postal Service (USPS) finds itself at a pivotal juncture, grappling with significant operational changes amid a rapidly evolving logistics landscape.

May 30, 2025

In a landmark ruling, a judge reinstates federal workers who were fired during recent agency cuts, sending a powerful message about workers’ rights and due process.

May 28, 2025

The Trump administration’s push to reshape the federal workforce through large-scale layoffs and the controversial Schedule F order continues to face serious legal roadblocks and nationwide scrutiny.

May 22, 2025

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has long been the backbone of federal revenue collection in the United States, responsible for enforcing tax laws and ensuring that individuals and corporations pay their fair share.

May 20, 2025

The Department of Defense (DoD) is entering a critical phase of workforce transformation in 2025.

May 19, 2025

Starting a career in federal service is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a unique set of expectations, especially during your initial phase of employment.

May 15, 2025

Retirement is one of the most important financial transitions for any professional, and for federal employees, it comes with unique benefits and calculations.

May 14, 2025

If you’re a federal worker concerned about job security, disciplinary action, or how termination could affect your federal retirement benefits, this guide is for you.

May 13, 2025

In a sweeping and controversial move, the Department of Defense (DoD) has begun a major civilian workforce reduction in 2025—part of a broader federal effort to reshape government operations.

May 12, 2025

When considering a federal government job, one of the most common questions people ask is: “What is the average salary for federal employees?

May 9, 2025

It’s a question echoing across headlines, workplaces, and policymaker meetings in 2025. The federal government, once seen as a stronghold of job stability, is undergoing one of its most dramatic shifts in decades.

May 8, 2025

The Deferred Resignation Program (DRP), also referred to as the "Fork in the Road," is now officially closed. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which oversees the program, has confirmed that any resignations submitted after 7:20 p.m.

May 8, 2025

If you're a federal employee—or simply someone trying to access important government documents—you may have already run into the bureaucratic maze that is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request process.

May 5, 2025

Retirement can feel like a distant dream, but with FERS retirement changes in 2025, the time to prepare is now.