Federal Retirement Planning Blog
453 guides on FERS, TSP, FEHB, Social Security and federal benefits — updated as rules change.
Jan 28, 2025
Tax Refund Schedule 2025 - When Should I Expect My Tax Refund in 2025?
The IRS generally starts accepting tax returns in late January. If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, you could receive your refund within 21 days.
Read MoreJan 27, 2025
How to Withdraw from TSP While in Service
The Thrift Savings Plan is a good retirement savings vehicle for federal employees and members of the uniformed services.
Read MoreJan 23, 2025
Blue Cross Blue Shield Basic vs Standard
Blue cross blue shield basic vs standard plans are both health insurance options, but they have key differences in terms of coverage, costs, and out-of-pocket expenses. Here's a breakdown:
Read MoreJan 22, 2025
2025 Merit Increase Projections: A Comprehensive Guide for Federal Employees
As 2025 approaches, federal employees and professionals across various industries are eager to understand how merit increases will shape their financial futures.
Read MoreJan 22, 2025
Federal Employees Health Benefits Open Season
Open Season for federal employees and retirees presents a valuable opportunity to review current health coverage, explore different options, and make informed decisions about future benefits.
Read MoreJan 17, 2025
How Old Do You Have To Be For 401k?
How old do you have to be for 401k? The general rule is that you must be at least 21 years old to participate in a 401(k) plan.
Read MoreJan 15, 2025
TSP Rule of 55: A Federal Employee’s Guide to Early Retirement
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Rule of 55 is a key provision that allows federal employees to access their TSP funds without incurring a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Read MoreJan 14, 2025
FEHB Plans 2025: A Guide to Choosing the Best Plan for Federal Employees
As FEHB Plans 2025 draw near, federal employees and retirees face essential decisions about their healthcare coverage.
Read MoreJan 9, 2025
Is FERS Pension Taxable? What Federal Employees Need to Know Before Retirement
Yes, a FERS pension is taxable at the federal level. However, a portion of each payment may be tax-free as a recovery of employee contributions, depending on IRS annuity rules. FERS pension income is generally taxable at the federal level.
Read MoreJan 8, 2025
How to Write a Retirement Letter? : A Step-by-Step Guide
Retirement is a significant milestone, and writing a retirement letter is an essential part of the process.
Read MoreJan 7, 2025
Thrift Savings Plan Problems
Just over two years ago, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) introduced a new online system aimed at modernizing and enhancing user access to federal retirement savings.
Read MoreJan 6, 2025
Is It Hard to Get Federal Disability Retirement?
Yes, getting federal disability retirement can be challenging due to the complex application process, stringent eligibility requirements, and the necessity of providing substantial medical evidence.
Read MoreJan 3, 2025
How To Access My ups Pension?
All UPS employees retiring after 31 December 2007 must submit their pension applications exclusively to the UPS/IBT Pension Plan.
Read MoreJan 2, 2025
VERA VSIP: Will There Be a VERA/VSIP in 2025?
The availability of VERA (Voluntary Early Retirement Authority) and VSIP (Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment) in 2025 will depend on the needs of individual government agencies.
Read MoreDec 31, 2024
What To Do In Retirement
Have you thought about what your retirement might look like? How will you spend your days? Where will your adventures take you? Who will you share this exciting new chapter with? What To Do In Retirement?.
Read MoreDec 27, 2024
GS pay scale 2026 dc - GS Salary Table
The **WASHINGTON-BALTIMORE-ARLINGTON, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA** GS locality is one of 53 GS locality areas used to calculate cost-of-living pay adjustments for federal government employees.
Read MoreDec 26, 2024
Should You Name a Charity as Beneficiary of Your 401(k)? Tax Rules, Pros, and Mistakes to Avoid
Yes, you can name a charity as 401(k) beneficiary, and for many people, a traditional 401(k) can be one of the most tax-efficient assets to leave to a nonprofit. A qualified 501(c)(3) charity pays no income tax on the money it inherits from a traditional 401(k).
Read MoreDec 23, 2024
ADP 401(k) Plan Benefits: What 2026 Savers Should Know Before Enrolling
The main ADP 401(k) plan benefits may include payroll-integrated contributions, automatic enrollment features, plan-selected investment options, compliance support for employers, and professional plan administration.
Read MoreDec 20, 2024
Do Nurses Get Pensions? A Complete Guide to Nursing Retirement Benefits
Nurses are essential to the healthcare system, providing care and support to patients every day.
Read MoreDec 18, 2024
PSHB Plans For 2025 Cost
Starting January 1, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service is introducing the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program, a new health insurance initiative tailored specifically for Postal Service employees, retirees, and their eligible family members.
Read MoreDec 16, 2024
FERS Sick Leave Conversion Chart - Download The Fers Sick Leave Conversion Chart pdf
Find the number on the fers sick leave chart that is closest to your sick leave balance.. If your exact balance isn't listed, round up to the nearest number on the fers sick leave conversion chart.
Read MoreDec 12, 2024
How Many Retirees Are Under CSRS?
How many retirees are under csrs? About half of retired federal workers and their surviving dependents receive benefits from the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS).
Read MoreDec 6, 2024
Things to Do in Retirement: Embracing New Beginnings
One of the most exciting phases in life is retirement. You spent years being dedicated to your career and can now enter into a new phase of life, full of possibilities with personal fulfillment.
Read MoreDec 5, 2024
HSA Contribution Limits 2025
The IRS announced a nice increase to the maximum hsa contribution limits 2025. The limit is $4,300 if you are single.
Read MoreDec 4, 2024
Standard Deduction 2025: What You Need to Know
The standard deduction for 2025 is a crucial factor in determining how much of your income is tax-free. Every year, the IRS adjusts the standard deduction to keep up with inflation, and for 2025, these changes could impact your tax planning.
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