Federal Pension Advice and Insights

Feb 26, 2026

GEHA vs BCBS is one of the most important financial decisions federal employees make during every Open Season. As healthcare costs continue to rise and FEHB premiums adjust annually, choosing the wrong plan can cost thousands of dollars over time. The question is not simply which plan has the lower premium, but which plan produces the lowest total annual cost based on your expected healthcare usage.

Feb 25, 2026

If you are a federal employee or planning to join federal service in Georgia, understanding the GS Pay Scale 2026 Atlanta is important for making informed career and financial decisions. The General Schedule pay system determines how much most civilian federal employees earn, and each year updates in pay rates and locality adjustments can impact your income significantly.

Feb 24, 2026

Federal tax brackets are established by Congress under the Internal Revenue Code and administered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Federal pensions are paid through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), but OPM follows IRS withholding rules.

Feb 20, 2026

Retirement changes your income structure but it does not eliminate taxes.

Feb 19, 2026

Florida is widely known as one of the most tax-friendly retirement states in America. With no state income tax, no tax on pensions, and no state tax on Social Security benefits, it attracts thousands of retirees each year.But here’s the question many retirees misunderstand:

Feb 18, 2026

Federal retirement income is generally subject to federal income tax, with taxation depending on the type of income received. Most retirement income is treated as ordinary income, while certain investment gains may be taxed at capital gains rates. Taxable sources typically include CSRS and FERS annuities, traditional TSP and IRA withdrawals, and up to 85% of Social Security benefits, depending on total income. In contrast, qualified withdrawals from Roth TSP and Roth IRA accounts are generally tax-free.

Feb 17, 2026

Beginning January 1, 2026, updated Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan brochures take effect across all participating carriers. As part of the annual Open Season cycle, benefit structures for certain medical services including aspects of gender-affirming care have been clarified, revised, or restructured in some plans.

Feb 16, 2026

For federal employees planning retirement through the Thrift Savings Plan, understanding where your money is invested matters just as much as how much you contribute. Among the available investment options, the C Fund often gets the most attention. It is growth-focused, market-driven, and closely tied to the performance of the U.S. economy.This guide breaks down what the C Fund in TSP is, how C Fund TSP performance has looked historically, the risks involved, and how it can impact the long-term financial future of federal employees.

Feb 12, 2026

For many federal employees, the Thrift Savings Plan is the largest asset they will ever own outside their home. Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood parts of federal retirement planning. People contribute regularly, glance at balances occasionally, and assume everything will work out. The reality is that small decisions inside your TSP can create very different retirement outcomes.

Feb 10, 2026

For many federal retirees, Medicare feels straightforward until premiums suddenly jump without warning. You enroll, you budget, and then a letter arrives saying you owe more than the standard amount. No mistake. No appeal explained upfront. Just higher deductions.That increase is usually caused by IRMAA, and it catches thousands of federal retirees off guard every year.

Feb 6, 2026

Over the past few years, law enforcement hiring trends in the federal government have shifted in significant ways. Most federal law enforcement agencies have seen relatively flat staffing or mixed changes, but a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report highlights that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) had the largest increase in law enforcement positions between 2020 and 2024. 

Feb 3, 2026

Air Traffic Controllers often enjoy strong earning potential during their federal careers, especially as pay increases kick in over time. But when it comes to FEHB in retirement, those same pay raises can quietly shape your healthcare costs for decades. Many ATCs assume higher pay always equals better retirement comfort. In reality, without proper planning, it can also mean higher premiums and reduced flexibility later.