Pay & Benefits

Voluntary Contributions Revisited

A fresh look at a CSRS investment option.

Pay & Benefits

Long-Term Change

A look at the impact of the new long-term care insurance contract.

Pay & Benefits

Special Considerations

If you’re in a job with a mandatory retirement age, you have a different set of retirement options to consider.

Pay & Benefits

Midcareer Considerations

It’s never too early to begin weighing your retirement options.

Pay & Benefits

When To Go (FERS Edition)

Assessing when you can afford to retire under the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Pay & Benefits

Putting It Off

Given the current economic climate, should you consider postponing retirement?

Pay & Benefits

Understanding Social Security

Answers to some basic questions about how the system works for federal retirees.

Pay & Benefits

No Fooling

This week, the House really did approve some long-awaited retirement provisions.

Pay & Benefits

Leave: Take It Or Lump It?

Exploring the age-old question of whether it’s wise to use up your annual leave or take a lump-sum payment for it.

Pay & Benefits

Disability Decisions

Feds receive some benefits if they become disabled before retiring, but it could be wise to purchase supplemental private insurance.

Pay & Benefits

Spousal Provision

A different take on the debate over life insurance vs. the federal survivor benefit.

Pay & Benefits

Freefalling FERS?

A response to reader concerns about looming retirements under the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Pay & Benefits

What You Don’t Know

Shooting down some common misperceptions about federal retirement benefits.

Pay & Benefits

Questions and Answers

Responses to readers on service credit issues, Medicare and more.

Pay & Benefits

Deposit Directions

How to make sure you get credit for all your civilian federal service.

Pay & Benefits

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The dangers of missing out on the Medicare Part B enrollment period after you retire.

Pay & Benefits

The Check Isn’t in the Mail

The wait for your first retirement check -- make that your first direct deposit -- can be a long one.

Pay & Benefits

It Pays to Know

Tips for tough economic times on how to boost your current income or your retirement savings.

Pay & Benefits

Changes You Can Believe In

A rundown on specific changes in pay and benefits this year that will affect your retirement.

Pay & Benefits

The Index: 2009 Edition

Your guide to the best Retirement Planning columns since 2006.