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 […]
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 […]
