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Retirement Planning Articles

6 Habits Federal Employees Should Have Early in Their Career

February 17, 2025

Does the 60/40 TSP Allocation Apply to Me?

February 10, 2025

What Type of Federal Retirement Do I Qualify For?

February 3, 2025

Is the TSP C Fund the Best Fund?

January 27, 2025

Postponed & Deferred Retirements Are Not the Same: Here’s Why

January 20, 2025

2025 TSP Contribution Limits: How Much Should YOU Contribute?

January 6, 2025

Using the 4% Rule & Bucket Strategy for Your TSP

December 30, 2024

Can Unused Sick Leave Increase My Age in the Retirement Calculations?

December 23, 2024

FSA vs HSA for Federal Employees in 2025

December 16, 2024

How Can Federal Employees Prepare For RMDs? (Required Minimum Distributions)

December 2, 2024

How to Maximize FEDVIP (Dental/Vision) During Your Career and Retirement

November 18, 2024

5 Things the TSP Doesn’t Let You Do (But an IRA Does)

November 11, 2024

Best Dates for Federal Employees to Retire in 2025

November 4, 2024

Is an IRA Better Than the TSP in Retirement?

October 28, 2024

How to Find all The Mistakes on Your HR’s Pension/Annuity Estimate

October 21, 2024

How to Use Designated Beneficiaries, Will and Trusts

October 7, 2024

Most Expensive Mistakes Feds Make at Retirement

September 2, 2024

5 Most Important Life Areas to Check Before Retiring

August 12, 2024

Should I Set Up A Trust as Part of My Estate Planning?

July 26, 2024

The 5 Secrets The Happiest FERS Retirees Know

July 22, 2024

4 Reasons Feds Downsize in Retirement

July 15, 2024

How Much Annual Income Can I Expect as a Federal Retiree?

July 12, 2024

Comparing Federal Retirement at Age 60 vs. 62

July 1, 2024

Picking the Best Date to Retire as Federal Employees

June 24, 2024

The Easiest Ways Federal Employees Can Retire Early

June 10, 2024

Annual Leave Payout Taxed at 40%?

June 3, 2024

The BIGGEST Reasons Feds Retire at 62

May 20, 2024

How to Maximize Your Annual Leave Payout

May 13, 2024

What is the Best Age for Federal Employees to Retire?

April 29, 2024

The BIGGEST Reasons Feds Retire at 57

April 8, 2024

Most Important Decisions You Make at Retirement (Irrevocable!!)

March 18, 2024

How to Never Run out of Money in Retirement

February 28, 2024

If You Plan to Work after Federal Retirement, Watch this First!

February 23, 2024

Why Most Feds are Doing Better Than They Think: Here are the numbers!

February 19, 2024

GS Tables

February 6, 2024

Federal Employee Discounts

February 6, 2024

Federal Holidays

February 6, 2024

Federal Employees Being Forced Into Medicare

January 29, 2024

What Happens to My TSP if I Die?

January 17, 2024

Can I Retire with 500k in My TSP?

January 15, 2024

Habits of The Unhappiest Retirees

January 8, 2024

If You and Your Spouse are Feds, Do This at Retirement

January 5, 2024

What to Expect in the First Year of Retirement for FERS Federal Employees

December 18, 2023

How to Optimize Your TSP in 2024

December 4, 2023

How to Retire as a Federal Employee in 2024

November 27, 2023

Converting Unused Sick Leave to Years of Service: Conversion Calculator

November 22, 2023

The Disaster of Not Retiring Soon Enough

November 20, 2023

How Sick Leave Can Help You Maximize Your Pension

November 15, 2023

Best States to Retire to for Federal Retirees in 2024

November 8, 2023

Is FEDVIP (Dental/Vision) worth Keeping into Retirement?

October 30, 2023

5 Big Advantages of Being Special Provisions Employee

October 19, 2023

The Best TSP L Fund (Lifecycle Funds) for You

October 18, 2023

7 Most Common End of Retirement Regrets

October 9, 2023

The Only 3 Things that Can Increase Your FERS Pension

September 27, 2023

Best Ways to Get Money Out of Your TSP

September 11, 2023

Worst Federal Employee Retirement Application MISTAKES

September 4, 2023

Retirement Won’t Make You Happy

August 28, 2023

Check These 3 Things on your Agency’s Pension Estimate. COMMON MISTAKES

August 25, 2023

How to Invest in The TSP in 2023

August 21, 2023

Top 5 Regrets of Retiring Federal Employees in 2023

August 14, 2023

Should You Take a TSP Loan? The Ultimate Guide

July 31, 2023

Why You Should Retire Poor (on Paper)

July 26, 2023

4 Most Important Assets in Retirement

July 24, 2023

Good FEGLI Alternatives

July 17, 2023

Should I Move My Money Out of the TSP Once I Retire?

July 10, 2023

7 Things Happy Retirees Do (That Cost $0)

July 3, 2023

The Worst States to Die In (Death Tax)

June 26, 2023

5 Things Federal Retirees Wish They Knew Before Retirement

June 12, 2023

3 Dumb Reasons to Retire this Year

June 5, 2023

The Ultimate FERS Retirement Checklist at 10, 5, 3, and 1 Years from Retirement

May 1, 2023

The Crazy Retirement Rules for Customs and Border Protection Officers

April 26, 2023

3 Real Reasons to Retire This Year

April 24, 2023

When You Should Stop Saving for Retirement

April 5, 2023

The Biggest Hole In Your Retirement Plan. This changes everything

March 30, 2023

How to Make Your TSP Last

March 22, 2023

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield Really the Best Plan for You as a Federal Employee?

March 17, 2023

How to Inflation Proof Your Federal Retirement

March 15, 2023

I have 30 Years but I Haven’t Reached My MRA, Can I Retire under FERS?

March 13, 2023

What you Need to Know as a FERS Dual Status Technician/Military Reservice Technician

March 10, 2023

5 Steps to Maximize FERS Federal Retirement

March 8, 2023

The Truth about TSP Fund Fees

March 6, 2023

What to Do Right Now if You’re Retiring Within 5 Years (2024)

March 6, 2023

Does My Spouse Keep my FERS Benefits If I Die While Working?

March 6, 2023

What to Do Right Now if You’re Retiring Within 5 Years

February 22, 2023

Irrevocable Decisions Made at Retirement

February 13, 2023

How to Pay $0 Taxes on Your Social Security

February 7, 2023

Die With Zero: Getting the Most from Your Money Before It’s Too Late

January 23, 2023

Secure Act 2.0 – Tons of Federal Benefit Changes

January 19, 2023

How to Retire as a Federal Employee in 2023

January 10, 2023

67% of Federal Employees Have This HOLE in Their Retirement Plan

January 2, 2023

How to Avoid Taxes on Your Federal Retirement

December 27, 2022

How to Double Your TSP (2023 Update)

December 20, 2022

Does My TSP Continue to Grow Even if I’m Taking Withdrawals?

December 13, 2022

The Retirement Rules for Foreign Service Federal Employees

December 6, 2022

5 Purchases Federal Retirees Almost Always Regret

December 1, 2022

Save Thousands this Open Season | Haws Federal Advisors

Save Thousands this Open Season

November 15, 2022

Exactly When You Should Get Rid of FEGLI

Exactly When You Should Get Rid of FEGLI

November 3, 2022

5 Best Strategies to Maximize FEHB for 2023

5 Best Strategies to Maximize FEHB for 2023

November 1, 2022

States That Won't Tax Your Federal Retirement in 2023

States That Won’t Tax Your Federal Retirement in 2023

October 27, 2022

How to Not Lose Your FEHB Once You Retire

How to Not Lose Your FEHB Once You Retire

October 25, 2022

2023 FERS Pension COLA Announced!

2023 FERS Pension COLA Announced!

October 18, 2022

When Can I Retire as a FERS Federal Employee: The Ultimate Guide

When Can I Retire as a FERS Federal Employee: The Ultimate Guide

July 26, 2022

When Can I Retire as a Special Provisions Federal Employee (Air Traffic Controller, Fire Fighter, Law Enforcement)

When Can I Retire as a Special Provisions Federal Employee (Air Traffic Controller, Fire Fighter, Law Enforcement)

July 26, 2022

How Much Income Will Your TSP Really Provide in Retirement?

How Much Income Will Your TSP Really Provide in Retirement?

July 21, 2022

Do You Have to Pay Taxes (Again?) on Your Federal Retirement?

Do You Have to Pay Taxes (Again?) on Your Federal Retirement?

July 12, 2022

My TSP isn't Growing, Should I Take Some out to Pay off House?

My TSP isn’t Growing, Should I Take Some out to Pay off House?

July 5, 2022

The G Fund is Now The Biggest TSP Fund!

July 5, 2022

Federal Employee Retiring Overseas? 5 Things You Need to Know

Federal Employee Retiring Overseas? 5 Things You Need to Know

April 26, 2022

OPM’s Retirement Backlog Higher Than Ever

April 11, 2022

What Rising Interest Rates Means for Your Retirement

April 9, 2022

How to Protect Your Retirement Against Inflation

March 28, 2022

FERS federal employee retiring at age 62

Why Retiring at 62 is Amazing (but not always worth it)

March 10, 2022

Federal employee retiring early

Why You Need To Retire Early (Or Maybe Even Right Now)

March 8, 2022

deferred retirement federal employee

This is The Worst Type of Federal Retirement

March 3, 2022

How To Know You Can Comfortably Retire as a Federal Employee

How To Know You Can Comfortably Retire as a Federal Employee

March 1, 2022

Best Dates to Retire in 2022 as a Federal Employee

Best Dates to Retire in 2022 as a Federal Employee

February 15, 2022

Can I Move My TSP to an IRA Before Retirement?

Q&A: Can I Move My TSP to an IRA Before Retirement?

February 3, 2022

Should I Wait To Retire Until After Step Increase?

Q&A: Should I Wait To Retire Until After Step Increase?

January 29, 2022

How To Pick Your Federal Retirement Date

How To Pick Your Federal Retirement Date & 3 Common Mistakes

January 27, 2022

Should I Replace My FERS Survivor Benefit with Life Insurance?

Q&A: Should I Replace My FERS Survivor Benefit with Life Insurance?

January 22, 2022

Federal Employee Retiring Within 5 Years

Federal Employee Retiring Within 5 Years? Don’t Miss These 5 Things

January 20, 2022

3 Ways Federal Employees Can Retire Early

3 Ways Federal Employees Can Retire Early (And The Downsides To Watch Out For)

January 13, 2022

Federal Employee FERS Retirement Benefits 101

Federal Employee FERS Retirement Benefits 101

January 11, 2022

How To Avoid Medicare Income Penalties

Q&A: How To Avoid Medicare Income Penalties

January 8, 2022

spouse's income decrease my retirement income

Q&A: Will My Spouse’s Income Decrease My FERS Supplement and Social Security?

January 1, 2022

3 Expensive Mistakes Federal Employees Make At Retirement

3 Expensive Mistakes Federal Employees Make At Retirement

December 14, 2021

dental and vision for federal employees in retirement

Q&A: You Can’t Always Keep Your Dental/Vision Insurance Into Retirement?

December 11, 2021

When You Should (and SHOULDN'T) Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

When You Should (and SHOULDN’T) Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

December 9, 2021

How Much Can I Contribute into The Roth TSP Every Year? Tax Free Money!

Q&A: How Much Can I Contribute into The Roth TSP Every Year? Tax Free Money!

December 4, 2021

What Inflation Does To Your Federal Retirement

What Inflation Does To Your Federal Retirement

December 2, 2021

Do I Make Too Much To Contribute to Roth TSP?

Q&A: Do I Make Too Much To Contribute to Roth TSP?

November 27, 2021

2022 Medicare Price Hike Will Be Largest Ever

2022 Medicare Price Hike Will Be Largest Ever

November 25, 2021

What Every Young Federal Employee Needs To Know Now

What Every Young Federal Employee Needs To Know Now

November 23, 2021

Can I Do Roth Conversions Within The TSP (Thrift Savings Plan)

Q&A: Can I Do Roth Conversions Within The TSP (Thrift Savings Plan)

November 20, 2021

Tax Implications of Selling a Home Before/In Retirement

Tax Implications of Selling a Home Before/In Retirement

November 18, 2021

When To Retire Under FERS to Get Full Benefits

When To Retire Under FERS to Get Full Benefits

November 9, 2021

Will My Military Time Reduce My FERS Supplement?

Q&A: Will My Military Time Reduce My FERS Supplement?

October 23, 2021

FERS Retirement Benefits: What Federal Employees Need to Know

FERS Retirement Benefits: What Federal Employees Need to Know

October 19, 2021

What Happens to Retirement Benefits If I Don't Get Vaccinated?

Q&A: What Happens to Retirement Benefits If I Don’t Get Vaccinated?

October 16, 2021

What Happens to Sick and Annual Leave at Retirement Under FERS?

What Happens to Sick and Annual Leave at Retirement Under FERS?

October 14, 2021

Retirement Questions From USPS Employees

Q&A: Retirement Questions From USPS Employees

October 2, 2021

federal employee can afford retirement

Can You Afford a 40 Year Retirement?

September 30, 2021

The Most Important 10 Years That Decide Your Retirement

The Most Important 10 Years That Decide Your Retirement

September 23, 2021

The Only Time You Should Frontload Your TSP

Q&A: The Only Time You Should Frontload Your TSP

September 18, 2021

Getting the Most From Your TSP in Retirement

Q&A: Getting the Most From Your TSP in Retirement

September 11, 2021

federal employee retirement mistakes

60% of Federal Employees Make This Mistake

September 9, 2021

Do Your Counterparts Really Make More Outside the Government?

Do Your Counterparts Really Make More Outside the Government?

September 7, 2021

Real Ways to Build Real Wealth

Real Ways to Build Real Wealth

September 2, 2021

Will Your FERS Pension Reduce your Social Security?

Q&A: Will Your FERS Pension Reduce your Social Security?

August 28, 2021

The Most Important Person In Your Retirement Planning

Q&A: The Most Important Person In Your Retirement Planning

August 21, 2021

MRA+10 Retirement

MRA+10 Retirement: The Ultimate Guide

August 19, 2021

Should You Take the FERS Supplement or 10% Bonus to Your Pension?

Should You Take the FERS Supplement or 10% Bonus to Your Pension?

August 12, 2021

Why Feds Struggle The First Year of Retirement

Why Feds Struggle The First Year of Retirement

August 10, 2021

Getting Health Insurance if Retiring/Traveling Overseas

Q&A: Getting Health Insurance if Retiring/Traveling Overseas

July 31, 2021

Why You Should Plan to Retire As Soon As You Can

Why You Should Plan to Retire As Soon As You Can

July 27, 2021

What Actually Makes a Happy Federal Retiree

What Actually Makes a Happy Federal Retiree

July 22, 2021

Stopping Your TSP Tax Time Bomb

Q&A: Stopping Your TSP Tax Time Bomb

July 17, 2021

FERS Early Out Retirement (VERA and VSIP)

FERS Early Out Retirement (VERA and VSIP): The Ultimate Guide

July 15, 2021

Why These Mistakes Literally "Kill" In Retirement

Why These Mistakes Literally “Kill” In Retirement

July 13, 2021

Will The Government Stop Paying for Our Health Insurance in Retirement?

Will The Government Stop Paying for Our Health Insurance in Retirement?

July 10, 2021

fers postponed vs fers deferred retirement

FERS Postponed Vs. FERS Deferred Retirement: The Ultimate Guide

July 8, 2021

What You Have to Know 5 Years Before Retirement

What You Have to Know 5 Years Before Retirement

July 6, 2021

no income in 1st part of retirement

Q&A: No Pension or TSP for 1st 6 Months of Retirement?

July 3, 2021

Is December 31st Really the Best Day to Retire?

Is December 31st Really the Best Day to Retire?

June 24, 2021

dallen haws financial planner for federal employees

Q&A: How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?

June 19, 2021

Biggest Change to FEHB in Retirement

Q&A: Biggest Change to FEHB in Retirement

June 12, 2021

The FERS Pre-Retirement Course

The FERS Pre-Retirement Course: The Ultimate Guide

June 8, 2021

Do You Really Only Need 80% of Your Income In Retirement?

Do You Really Only Need 80% of Your Income In Retirement?

June 3, 2021

Mistakes on Agency Pension Estimates

Mistakes on Agency Pension Estimates

June 1, 2021

10% Bonus and "Annuity" Supplement

Q&A: 10% Bonus and “Annuity” Supplement

May 29, 2021

How Much Dave Ramsey Says You Can Spend in Retirement

How Much Dave Ramsey Says You Can Spend in Retirement

May 25, 2021

How Often You Can Touch Your TSP

Q&A: How Often You Can Touch Your TSP

May 22, 2021

Should I Get Long Term Care Insurance (FLTCIP)?

Should I Get Long Term Care Insurance (FLTCIP)?

May 15, 2021

Slowest Times to Retire (For OPM)

Slowest Times to Retire (For OPM)

May 13, 2021

Buying Back Military Time

Buying Back Military Time: The Ultimate Guide

May 11, 2021

fire for federal employees

Questions and Answers: F.I.R.E for Feds

May 8, 2021

Have You Saved More Than Your Private Sector Counterparts?

Have You Saved More Than Your Private Sector Counterparts?

May 6, 2021

cryptocurrency for retirement

Cryptocurrency for Retirement?

April 17, 2021

If Your Spouse is 39 Years Younger

Questions and Answers: If Your Spouse is 39 Years Younger!

April 10, 2021

tsp vs. IRA

TSP VS. IRA: The Ultimate Guide

April 8, 2021

How To Save For Retirement If You Started Late

How To Save For Retirement If You Started Late

April 6, 2021

Special Provisions and IRAs

Questions and Answers: Special Provisions and IRAs

April 3, 2021

How a Military Deposit Affects Your Retirement

How a Military Deposit Affects Your Retirement

March 30, 2021

Pension Increases and Sick Leave

Pension Increases and Sick Leave

March 27, 2021

4 Things to Know When Hiring a Financial Advisor

4 Things to Know When Hiring a Financial Advisor

March 25, 2021

Enjoying the Go-Go Years of Retirement

Enjoying the Go-Go Years of Retirement

March 23, 2021

Can I Still Get a Pension If I Left The Fed?

Can I Still Get a Pension If I Left The Fed?

March 20, 2021

Questions and Answers: Early Retirement Penalty

Questions and Answers: Early Retirement Penalty

March 13, 2021

Postponing Your Pension

Questions and Answers: Postponing Your Pension

March 6, 2021

No Pension Bumps Before Age 62

Questions and Answers: No Pension Bumps Before Age 62

February 27, 2021

When to Leave FERS for the Contracting Side

When to Leave FERS for the Contracting Side

February 25, 2021

The Big Problem with The 4% Rule

The Big Problem with The 4% Rule

February 23, 2021

TSP Double Taxes

Questions and Answers: TSP Double Taxes

February 20, 2021

When You Know It's Time to Retire

When You Know It’s Time to Retire

February 16, 2021

Do I Need Medicare and FEHB in Retirement?

Do I Need Medicare and FEHB in Retirement?

February 14, 2021

Retirement Home Pay Raise

Questions and Answers: Retirement Home Pay Raise

February 13, 2021

Update These 4 Forms Now!

Update These 4 Forms Now!

February 11, 2021

These 3 Things Will Make Retirement So Much Easier

These 3 Things Will Make Retirement So Much Easier

February 9, 2021

tsp better safe than sorry

Questions and Answers: Better Safe Than Sorry?

February 6, 2021

How Your Rich Ratio Affects Your Retirement

How Your Rich Ratio Affects Your Retirement

February 4, 2021

Best Places For a Federal Employee to Open an IRA

Best Places For a Federal Employee to Open an IRA

February 2, 2021

A Great Age for FERS to Retire

A Great Age for FERS to Retire

January 28, 2021

What Working Part-time Does to Your Retirement

What Working Part-time Does to Your Retirement

January 26, 2021

The FERS Supplement

The FERS Supplement

January 24, 2021

Tricare for Life?

Questions and Answers: Tricare for Life?

January 23, 2021

Fed Case Study: Start Now!

Fed Case Study: Start Now!

January 21, 2021

Big Misunderstandings About The FERS Supplement

Big Misunderstandings About The FERS Supplement

January 19, 2021

20% Withholding on TSP Money!

Questions and Answers: 20% Withholding on TSP Money!

January 16, 2021

Do This if Your Spouse is under FERS Too!

Do This if Your Spouse is under FERS Too!

January 12, 2021

Why I Help Federal Employees Retiree

Why I Help Federal Employees Retiree

January 7, 2021

More Big Risks for FERS Retirees

More Big Risks for FERS Retirees

January 2, 2021

The Biggest Risks for a FERS Retiree

The Biggest Risks for a FERS Retiree

December 31, 2020

How to Make FERS Retirement a Reality for You

How to Make FERS Retirement a Reality for You

December 29, 2020

Leaving Federal Service Early? Read This Before You Remove Your Retirement Contributions

Leaving Federal Service Early? Read This Before You Remove Your Retirement Contributions

December 14, 2020

Can You Retire With Only $250,000 in Your TSP?

Can You Retire With Only $250,000 in Your TSP?

December 1, 2020

Don't Leave Your Spouse Without Income Before You Retire!

Don’t Leave Your Spouse Without Income Before You Retire!

November 21, 2020

How To Protect Your TSP in Retirement

How To Protect Your TSP in Retirement

November 7, 2020

What Young Federal Employees Should Start Today

What Young Federal Employees Should Start Today

October 22, 2020

The Big 'Gotchas' of Deferred Retirement

The Big ‘Gotchas’ of Deferred Retirement

October 17, 2020

How To Retire Early As a FERS Employee

How To Retire Early As a FERS Employee

October 15, 2020

Why Net Worth is More Important Than Your Income For Federal Employees

October 13, 2020

Top 5 Retirement Myths

October 3, 2020

Your 6 Most Important FERS Benefits Explained

October 1, 2020

Your Most Valuable FERS Benefit (and How To Not Lose It In Retirement)

September 30, 2020

The 8 Most Important Age Milestones as a FERS Employee

September 28, 2020

Is The TSP The Best Retirement Plan Out There?

September 15, 2020

Want a Pay Raise in Retirement? Move States

September 11, 2020

What should I do with My TSP at Retirement?

September 8, 2020

Should I Use My Annual Leave or Sick Leave Right Before Retirement?

August 29, 2020

Why a Retirement Plan is Worthless

August 27, 2020

Top Mistakes on Retirement Applications

August 25, 2020

The Tortoise Fed and The Hare Fed

August 20, 2020

All About FERS Disability Retirement

August 11, 2020

Is It Worth It To Buy Back Military Time?

August 4, 2020

This is Way More Important than Your TSP

July 30, 2020

Is Phase Retirement Right For You?

July 28, 2020

Your FERS Retirement/Pension Calculator

July 24, 2020

Things To Double Check Before Retirement

July 21, 2020

What Makes Feds So Different

July 16, 2020

The 6-Figure Retirement Mistake (and Covid-19)

July 2, 2020

COLA Vs. Workers Pay Raise

June 30, 2020

Coordinating FEHB, FEDVIP, and FSA’s

June 23, 2020

What to Know About The Federal Long Term Care Program

June 9, 2020

What To Do At Least 5 Years Before Retirement

June 2, 2020

Life Events In Retirement

May 19, 2020

Leaving Federal Employment Before You are Eligible to Retire

May 12, 2020

Going Back To Work After Retiring

May 5, 2020

Why Beneficiary Designations Matter. A lot.

April 28, 2020

Essential Things To Know Before You Take The TSP Annuity Option

April 21, 2020

Your Relationship with Money

April 14, 2020

What Happens to Your Annual Leave at Retirement

April 14, 2020

How The SECURE Act Affects Your Retirement

April 14, 2020

What the Coronavirus Means For Your Money

April 14, 2020

What Happens To Your Unused Sick Leave at Retirement

April 14, 2020

Best Places To Retire as A Federal Employee in 2020

April 14, 2020

Should You Roll Your TSP Into An IRA?

April 14, 2020

Will Uncle Sam Pay Off Your Student Loans?

April 14, 2020

How FEHB and Medicare Work Together

April 7, 2020

What You Need To Know About The Coronavirus Stimulus Bill

March 31, 2020

You Just Got Your Federal Pay Raise: Now What?

January 14, 2020

How Using The Roth TSP Can Improve Your Retirement

January 4, 2020