What an Ideal Federal Retirement Looks Like and How to Work Toward It
What an Ideal Federal Retirement Looks Like and How to Work Toward It By: Steven Puckett Federal employees often approach retirement with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to speak with many individuals at different stages of their federal careers, including those preparing to retire and those […]
Understanding Federal Retirement Timelines
By Jesse Black As I work with federal employees preparing for retirement, one of the most common areas of confusion is timing. Not eligibility, not benefits themselves, but the sequence of events and how long each step actually takes. Retirement is not a single moment. It is a process with multiple phases, each operating on […]
In-Plan Roth Conversions and the Thrift Savings Plan
By Steven Puckett For many federal employees, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) serves as the foundation of their retirement strategy. Over the course of a federal career, it is common for a significant portion of retirement savings to accumulate inside the TSP, particularly in the Traditional account. While the Roth TSP has been available for […]
Understanding the Federal Retirement Transition
Understanding the Federal Retirement Transition: What to Expect, What’s Changing, and What to Plan For By Nick Black For many federal employees, retirement is not a single moment in time. It is a transition that unfolds over several months and requires careful coordination between agencies, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and personal financial planning […]
Your Top Federal Retirement Questions, Answered
By Jesse Black Retirement planning for federal employees involves many moving parts, and over the years I have learned that most individuals share the same core questions. Although every situation is unique, there are consistent themes that appear when someone reaches the point where they begin wondering if they are truly ready to retire. My […]
What a Government Shutdown Means for Federal Employees and Retirees
By: Jesse Black As discussions around a possible federal shutdown intensify, it’s useful to understand the mechanics: what happens to pay, benefits, and retirement for those still working and for those already retired. The following is a guide grounded in Office of Personnel Management (OPM) policy and related federal law. Active Employees: Working, Furloughs, and […]
When Should You Take Social Security Benefits?
By: Nick Black Deciding when to claim Social Security benefits is a pivotal decision that impacts your financial security in retirement. You can start benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payment amount depends on when you claim relative to your Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is typically 66 or 67, depending on […]
Educating Yourself for Federal Retirement
By: Steven Puckett As a federal employee, preparing for retirement can feel like navigating a maze. Over the years, I have spoken with countless employees who share the same questions: Where do I begin? What resources should I trust? How do I prepare not only for the moment I retire, but also for the years […]
Should You Elect a Survivor Benefit for Your Federal Pension?
By: Nick Black As a federal employee planning for retirement under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), one critical decision is whether to elect a survivor benefit for your spouse. This choice reduces your pension during your lifetime but ensures your spouse receives a portion of your pension after […]
Understanding Survivor Benefits in Federal Retirement
By: Jesse Black As a financial advisor working closely with federal employees, I often encounter one topic that’s both emotionally challenging and critically important: survivor benefits. Whether you’re approaching retirement, years away from it, or already retired, understanding how survivor benefits work within your FERS pension is essential to protecting your loved ones and planning […]
Do I Make Too Much for Medicare?
By Nick Black A common concern for retirees is whether their income affects their eligibility for Medicare or increases their costs. The good news is that Medicare is available to all Americans aged 65 and older, regardless of income. However, if you have a higher income, you may pay more for Medicare Part B and […]
Can You Afford to Retire? A Simple Guide
By: Nick Black Retirement is a major life transition, and knowing whether you can afford it involves assessing your finances, planning for expenses, and understanding your income sources. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you determine if you’re ready to retire. 1. Calculate Your Retirement Expenses Start by estimating your annual expenses in retirement. Consider: […]
Milestone Ages
By Steven Puckett Planning for retirement as a federal employee means navigating a unique set of rules, benefits, and critical ages. As someone who has worked with federal employees for years, I’ve found that understanding the milestone ages in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) can dramatically impact your long-term outcomes. These aren’t just arbitrary […]
How Much Money Does A Federal Employee Need In Retirement
By: Jesse Black You might have read the common rule of thumb that you should have “80% of your pre-retirement income in retirement to maintain the same lifestyle”. How much money should you really have and how does this “rule” pertain to Federal Employees? The “80% rule” is what many financial professionals and articles have […]
Deferred Pension vs. Postponed Retirement vs. MRA+10
By: Steven Puckett Key differences for federal employees retiring before immediate eligibility FERS (Federal Employee Retirement System) employees who do not reach their magical MRA (Minimum Retirement Age) with at least 30 years of service, age 60 with 20 years or 62 with at least 5 years and who are considering an early retirement may […]
Federal Life Insurance Options While Employed
By: Nick Black & Jesse Black The Federal Employee Group Life Insurance program is the largest group life insurance program in the world, covering over 4 million federal employees, retirees, and their family members. Quite a few of those covered employees don’t truly understand what they have in coverage and what their options are. They […]
FERS Retirement Eligibility
By: Steven Puckett Here’s what it takes to retire with an immediate unreduced pension. When retiring as a regular FERS (Federal Employee Retirement System) employee, your eligibility is based off of years of service and age. You must meet one of the three main minimum age and service requirements in order to qualify for an […]
Federal Employee Group Life Insurance When You Retire
By: Nick Black & Jesse Black In my previous article, I discussed the different parts of the federal life insurance program and the options available while working. You should read that article prior to this one to understand the options I review below. What happens though when a federal employee’s working days come to an […]
8 Milestone Ages For Federal Retirement Planning
By: Jesse Black When it comes to preparing for retirement, there are eight ages that every Federal employee should know about. Knowing what each milestone age means will help you, the Federal Employee, plan more efficiently. Hopefully this will help you be prepared, maximize your benefits and avoid potential financial mistakes. Age 50 – Statistically this […]
The Different Parts Of FEGLI Explained
By: Nick Black The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program is a comprehensive life insurance program that offers various coverage options to federal employees and their families. Let’s delve into the different parts of FEGLI in more detail: Basic Life Insurance: The Basic Life Insurance coverage is the foundation of FEGLI. It provides a […]
The 3 Legs Of A FERS Income Stool
By: Steven Puckett The three-legged income stool of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) refers to the three main components that make up the retirement benefits for eligible federal employees. These components are: Pension Benefit: The first leg of the stool is the Pension Benefit, which is a defined benefit pension plan. It provides a […]
An Overview Of TSP Funds Including L Funds: A Path To Financial Growth
By: Jesse Black The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings program available to federal employees and members of the uniformed services in the United States. Managed by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), the TSP offers a range of investment options known as TSP funds. Among these funds, the L Funds stand […]
Choosing The Optimal Time To Retire As A Federal Employee
By: Steven Puckett Retirement is a significant milestone in any career, and for federal employees, it requires careful planning and consideration. Deciding when to retire can have a significant impact on retirement benefits, financial stability, and the transition to the next phase of life. While the timing of retirement is a personal decision, there are […]
Income, Income, Income
By: Jesse Black What is the key to retiring successfully? How much money should you have in your TSP? Should everybody have $1,000,000 in their TSP when they retire? How many commas, how many zeros should you have in your thrift savings plan? Should you have all your debt paid off? Today let’s go over […]
Traditional TSP Vs. Roth TSP
By: Jesse Black The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings plan available to federal employees. For federal employee retirement planning, it’s crucial to understand the available options. Within the TSP, federal employees have two primary choices: the Traditional TSP and the Roth TSP. This article aims to shed light on the differences between […]
Understanding Vesting Times For FERS Benefits
By: Steven Puckett Federal employees have access to a range of benefits designed to support their financial security. Vesting, which determines the length of service required for entitlement to specific benefits, is an important aspect of these programs. In this article, we will delve into the vesting times for different benefits available to federal employees, […]
Dangers Of General Financial Advice
By: Steven Puckett When it comes to financial advice there are some pitfalls to avoid. I have noticed that when soon to be retirees have a lower TSP balance and are limited in their options for their retirement funds, a lot of times it is because they took some sort of “general” financial advice at […]
Thrift Savings Plan Withdrawal Options
By: Jesse Black When it comes to withdrawing funds from the TSP, there are several options to consider, each with its own implications and benefits. Here’s a concise explanation of the TSP withdrawal options: Full Withdrawal: With this option, you can withdraw the entire balance of your TSP account as a lump sum. This provides […]
Exploring FEGLI Option C Coverage For FERS Employees
By: Nick Black Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) is a valuable benefit offered to federal employees, including those covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Among the multiple coverage options available, FEGLI Option C provides an additional layer of life insurance protection specifically for eligible dependents. In this article, we will delve into […]
Understanding The Interim Period For FERS Retirees
By: Steven Puckett The interim period for Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) is a critical phase in federal retirement planning. It bridges the gap between a federal employee’s retirement and the initiation of their FERS annuity payments. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the interim period for FERS federal employees, shedding light on its […]
What Federal Employees Need To Know About RIFs & Early Retirement
By Jesse Black As we move through 2025, it’s clear that the federal workforce is facing some uncertainty. With widespread conversations about restructuring, early retirements, and possible reductions in force (RIFs), many federal employees are understandably concerned about what the future holds. In the past several weeks alone, I’ve heard from dozens of individuals asking […]
Rising Costs Of FEGLI Part B
By: Nick Black Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Part B has long been a valuable benefit for federal employees, providing coverage for their spouses and dependents. However, it is crucial to examine the increasing costs associated with FEGLI Part B coverage. This article aims to shed light on the rising expenses, compare them with […]
The Five Essential Elements Of A Fulfilling Retirement
By Jesse Black As someone who has spent years working with federal employees in various stages of retirement, I’ve had the privilege of hearing countless stories—stories of anticipation, of uncertainty, of excitement, and sometimes even regret. Through these experiences, one truth has become clear: a truly fulfilling retirement doesn’t happen by accident. It requires thoughtful, […]
Two Relationships Every Federal Employee Should Have
By: Jesse Black “What should a federal employee look for when considering a financial advisor?” This comes up quite often in my meetings and it’s a great question. So let’s talk about some things to look for and some red flags to watch out for. I want to answer that question specifically for federal employees, […]
Ensure You Can Keep Your Benefits In Retirement
By: Steven Puckett Ensure You Can Keep Your Benefits In Retirement Some of the biggest perks to working for the government are the benefits that you not only have while you are working but also the ones that carry over into retirement. The primary benefits of concern for most federal employees are their health benefits […]
Picking The Optimal Retirement Date
By Jesse Black One of the most common questions that federal employees have once they become eligible to retire and decide to leave is: “What day should I retire?” There are some important considerations to make when choosing the best day to retire and much like other areas of federal retirement, there is not a […]
Top 5 Retirement Questions Answered
By Jesse Black As we near the end of the year, I thought it would be helpful to go over some of the most common questions we receive about retirement planning. These are the questions I hear all the time, so I’ve narrowed it down to the top five. If these have been on your […]
The Five Essential Elements of a Fulfilling Retirement
By Jesse Black As someone who has spent years working with federal employees in various stages of retirement, I’ve had the privilege of hearing countless stories—stories of anticipation, of uncertainty, of excitement, and sometimes even regret. Through these experiences, one truth has become clear: a truly fulfilling retirement doesn’t happen by accident. It requires thoughtful, […]
