Monthly e-News

Author: Tom O’Rourke, Counsel

Federal employees have access to a variety of benefit programs that offer financial security and enable them to minimize their income tax obligations.

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) allows individuals to save for retirement and provides a wide range of low-cost investment options.  It also provides income…

Author: George Marchant, Technical Recruiter

Ageism remains a real and persistent issue in today’s workplace, particularly during the hiring process. For older job seekers, it can create significant professional barriers. While individuals cannot control employers’ biases, they can influence how their skills, experience, and adaptability are presented. By staying current…

Author: Brian Kurrus, CFP®

Unexpected medical expenses, major home repairs, family obligations, or shifts in household income can all place pressure on a budget. For Federal employees, the risk of a change in employment status or government shutdown can add another layer of complexity.

While the causes may differ, the…

Author: Karen Schaeffer, CFP®

Can you hear the 2025 clock ticking more loudly each day? As the holiday season hustles us along with endless activities, do yourself a financial favor and consult this year-end checklist for opportunities to think like a financial planner and benefit from smart money decisions. Every suggestion won’t…

Author: Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist

If you are planning to retire soon, it will be important to become familiar with the Office of Personnel Management’s Online Retirement Application (ORA).  ORA represents a major shift in how Federal employees initiate and complete their retirement process. Designed to replace the traditional…

Author: Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist

Now that the shutdown has ended, many employees—both furloughed and essential—are understandably eager to know when paychecks will resume, how back pay will be processed, and what happens to benefits and leave balances both during and after the shutdown. Here is a brief synopsis…

Author: Tom O’Rourke, Counsel

The purpose of any estate plan is to allow you to manage your assets while you are alive and to distribute these assets in accordance with your wishes following your death. This plan should also provide a mechanism for managing your assets in the event of your…

Author: Karen Schaeffer, CFP®

Big changes to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) have been announced and now is the time to determine what they mean for you and your ability to retire comfortably.

1.     Roth In-Plan Conversions. Beginning January 2026 TSP participants will have the option to convert funds from their Traditional…

Author: Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently released Benefits Administration Letter (BAL) 25-102, offering important guidance for married Federal employees and annuitants navigating their Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage. This update is especially relevant for couples where one spouse is retiring and moving…

Author: Anne Sullivan, Esq. – Beyond Law, LLC

One of the most common questions I hear from Federal employees in my estate planning practice is whether a revocable living trust is necessary when they already have beneficiary forms and joint accounts. Some assume revocable living trusts protect assets. These misconceptions…

Author: Brian Kurrus, CFP®

As markets shift and personal goals evolve, it’s important to periodically review your investment allocation. A well-balanced portfolio today might not serve your needs tomorrow.

What is your investment allocation?

Your investment allocation — the mix of stocks, bonds, cash, and other investments — is the…

Author: Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist

Federal retirees weighing their healthcare options have likely encountered two similar-sounding programs: Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and FEHB (Medicare Advantage). While both are types of Medicare Advantage plans, they differ significantly in structure, eligibility, benefits, and coordination with other coverage. Understanding these differences will…

Author: Vanessa Craddock, Federal Benefits Specialist

In an unprecedented year of early separations, if you lost your job tomorrow, would you be eligible for an immediate retirement? Retirement eligibility is crucial to continuing benefits and insurance coverages for you and your family. However, you must meet specific age and service…

Author: Herb Casey, Federal Retirement Specialist

With recent policy changes within the Federal government, including the Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA), thousands of Federal employees are unexpectedly facing career transitions. It can feel overwhelming to figure out next steps if you are impacted.   Some might be…

Author: Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist

The recently implemented Social Security Fairness Act repealed two provisions that have had a long-term adverse impact on many Social Security beneficiaries – the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), also known as the “evil twins”. Both WEP and GPO were byproducts…

Author: Kaitlin Schaeffer Yardley, CFP®

The uncertainty of the economy and big changes in Washington are enough to make anyone pause and take a look at their own finances.  Whether you are concerned about the direction of your investment accounts, unsure of your job stability – or just don’t know…

Author: Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist

If you leave Federal service before you are eligible to retire, you still retain some important Federal benefits.   These can include temporarily continuing your health insurance, converting your life insurance to individual coverage without an examination, keeping your long term care coverage, maintaining your…

Author: George Marchant, Technical Recruiter

Transitioning jobs is a significant life change, and moving from Federal employment to the private sector can be particularly challenging. However, the key to success lies in taking control of your job search and being proactive rather than relying solely on traditional application methods.

In…

Author: Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist

Over the course of a career many Federal employees work a part-time schedule for some period of time. Are you considering working a part-time schedule? It could be for a few months, a few years, or your entire career. Have you wondered what effect a…

Author: John Jilek, CFP®

When planning for retirement, Federal employees can employ two popular options for tax-advantaged savings and tax-free withdrawals in retirement: the Roth portion of the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and the Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Account). While both offer tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement, they have…

Author: Karen Schaeffer, CFP®

Happy New Year! Need some suggestions to get your financial plan off to a great start? Just take a look at my suggestions from January 2024 – they have stood the test of time. Other than noting the higher limits for TSP and IRA contributions…

Author: Tom O’Rourke, Counsel

As the end of the year approaches, people look for strategies that will help reduce tax liability. Some of the common year-end suggestions include:

While taking year-end steps to minimize taxes is prudent, the best way to minimize liability is to view tax planning as an ongoing…

Author: Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) have been available to Federal Employees since 2003.  There are two types of FSAs: Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (HCFSA) and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA). Both types of FSAs allow employees to save money on health care…

Author: Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist

Have you ever considered how much additional income your loved ones might need if you were suddenly gone? Are they aware of their survivor entitlements and have you planned for them financially? Survivor benefit options and elections are numerous and it’s important for you to…

Author: Brian Kurrus, CFP®

The new school year is a perfect time to review your education needs, funding and planning for potential college expenses as well as undergrad private tuition expenses if applicable. 

Education Needs

Evaluate current costs, trends and how much if any you wish to cover. Annual total cost of attendance expenses could range…

Author: Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist

The retirement application process is paper intense. Your agency benefits office handles most of the heavy lifting by creating a draft of your application and culling forms from your eOPF. There are some documents that you must provide. They include a copy of your marriage certificate,…

Author: Vanessa Craddock, Federal Benefits Specialist

Reaching the mid-career point of a Federal career is an important milestone and a perfect time to gather information about the benefits you have earned. Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers you may find helpful.

1.  I started working for the Federal…

Author: George Marchant, Technical Recruiter

Preparing for an interview is a simple action that most of us take for granted. After all, an interview can be the road that leads us to our next job which can change the trajectory of our career and everything else that comes with it.…

Author: Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist

Did you think some Federal benefits are “no brainers”? Do you think these statements are true? 

While all these statements could be true, more often than not they aren’t. 

Let’s take a closer look:

High-3 average salary

While many believe their High-3 salary is always…

Author: Kaitlin Schaeffer Yardley, CFP®

Turning forty is often associated with over-the-hill, but it is also a time to reflect on the knowledge gained by reaching this milestone.  If knowledge is power, then by the time we reach forty we have learned some pretty powerful lessons. When it comes to making…

Author: Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist

“I’m going to retire.”  Congratulations.  You’ve made the big decision.  Now, what do you do?  This article focuses on four important activities to get you started on the path to retirement.  They are:  Confirm your agency’s retirement application procedures and timelines; Get estimates…

Author: Marc S. Levine, Esq. Handler & Levine, LLC

The emotional aspect of dealing with the passing of a loved one, even if expected – can be distressing, but often, the most stressful and overwhelming part comes right after when you start thinking about the practicalities…

Author: Karen Schaeffer, CFP®

Happy New Year! 

Quick, before the optimism of the season gives way to the same-old money habits, here are some smart money tips to ensure a prosperous new year.

Finally, if you’re struggling to implement what you know is a smart money strategy, maybe it’s time…

Author: Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist

Are you military retired? Are you planning to retire from civilian service at the end of a year? Then this article is for you. During the next Open Season consider enrolling in an FEHB plan to gain your Ace in the Hole. Follow the…