Monthly e-News

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: Brian Kurrus, CFP®

The end of the year is a great time to review your financial plan and complete changes as you head into the new year. Here are some important year-end items to review.

1.  Maximize your 2023 retirement plan contributions to TSP by December 31^st. You can max…

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…

Author: Tom O’Rourke, Counsel

The annual health insurance Open Season offers Federal employees an opportunity to not only provide for their health coverage, but also to reduce their income tax liability. For 2023, the Open Season is from November 13 through December 11, 2023. During this period, Federal employees will be able…

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

“What happens next?” and “When do I start getting my annuity payments?”. 

These are two questions frequently asked by employees nearing retirement and recently retired employees. This article will explain the steps in the retirement application process and estimated timelines.

OPM recently posted a 

Author: Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist

When you file for your Social Security benefit, the amount you receive is generally based on your work earnings – income that you earned while working subject to the Social Security payroll tax.  Your benefit could otherwise be based on the work history of a…

Author: Brian Kurrus, CFP®

Financial planning brings many questions on the path to retirement but some questions seem to come up more often than others.  Here are some of the most common frequently asked questions and key strategies to keep in mind. 

Should I pay off debt or invest?

Debt can…

Author: Herb Casey, Federal Benefits Specialist

As a Federal employee or Federal retiree, you probably have had questions about how Medicare and Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) work together. This article will help you understand the four most common Medicare Parts (A, B, C and D) available once you are eligible for…

Authors: Various

We asked our Federal Benefits Presenters to share questions that are most frequently asked during their presentations.

Question: My spouse and I are both Federal employees and want to know whether we should leave survivor benefits to each other.

Answer: There are important reasons you may want to leave a…

Author: Karen Schaeffer, CFP®

Happy Financial Literacy Month! We may have started the month with April Fool’s Day but there’s nothing foolish about having the skills to make smart money decisions. Sadly, according to various surveys and studies, it appears that most Americans do not possess a strong level of financial literacy. FINRA…

Author: George Marchant, Technical Recruiter

A resume is a document that represents one’s experience in their professional career. It is a glimpse in to one’s ability and track record that may or may not translate to future success in a job in the eyes of an employer. Resumes allow someone…

Author: Bob Braunstein, Federal Benefits Specialist

Is your Retirement Service Computation Date the same date as your Leave Service Computation Date?

While this is likely, there are several reasons why they could be different. The rules and procedures for setting, constructing, or changing Service Computation Dates, also known as SCDs can…