Author Archive
Pay & Benefits
What to expect while you’re expecting (your retirement benefit, that is)
The OPM director uses his weekly updates to detail efforts to replace paper applications, guide employees through the Online Retirement Application system, and address delays and data issues in retirement processing.
Pay & Benefits
Some good news for federal employees: TSP shows steady growth and healthy fund performance
The Thrift Savings Plan has surpassed $1 trillion in assets, providing steady returns in 2025.
Management
The end of the ‘Fork in the Road’
A new online retirement system, coupled with record summer claim volumes, has created delays and confusion for federal employees transitioning to annuitant status, even as OPM works to streamline processing and reduce errors.
Pay & Benefits
The best dates to retire in 2026
Step into retirement on the right day with this annual guide.
Pay & Benefits
What to know before setting your 2026 retirement date
Immediate vs. deferred retirement, the three-day rule, and why the last day of the month often makes the most sense.
Pay & Benefits
The milestone ages that matter most for retirement planning
From catch-up contributions to required distributions, federal employees face key ages that can shape retirement income, benefits and tax planning.
Pay & Benefits
Important dates for Social Security and Medicare
Key milestones and deadlines every beneficiary should know
Featured eBooks
Pay & Benefits
Did you forget to file for Social Security?
Federal employees older than 70 may be leaving thousands on the table. Find out if you or your spouse are missing Social Security benefits.
Pay & Benefits
Bill would give all workers federal-level retirement benefits
A sweeping proposal could extend Federal Employees Retirement System–level pensions to the private sector, reshaping how Americans plan for retirement.
Pay & Benefits
As Social Security turns 90, lessons from the past can guide its future
From hurricane preparedness to policy reform, history shows how learning from past challenges can shape a stronger Social Security system moving forward.
Pay & Benefits
How federal employees can check if their retirement estimate is accurate
Estimating your post-retirement income isn’t just math, it’s about getting the right data, understanding your service credit and avoiding costly missteps.
Pay & Benefits
Why federal retirements are spiking this year
A sharp rise in retirement claims may be tied to fear instead of planning. If you're eyeing the exit, make sure you're not rushing into something you'll regret.
Pay & Benefits
OPM’s digital retirement application is live. What that means for feds planning to retire
The new electronic retirement system promises a faster, more accurate process, but some users are still adjusting to the change.
Pay & Benefits
What’s really going on with Social Security? Here’s what the latest numbers say
Benefits won’t disappear in 2033, but the clock is ticking. Here’s what federal retirees need to know.
Featured eBooks
Pay & Benefits
Retired and confused about Medicare Part B? You’re not alone
From late penalties to premium reimbursements, here’s what every retired fed should understand about enrolling in Medicare Part B—and how it works with your FEHB plan.
Pay & Benefits
Think you're ready to tap your TSP? Here's what you might be missing
Before touching your Thrift Savings Plan funds, make sure you understand the rules—and the risks—you might not have planned for.
Pay & Benefits
Should you stay or should you go? 10 tips for navigating your federal retirement decision
What to consider—financially and emotionally—before leaving government service.
Pay & Benefits
The ‘new deal’ for federal retirement: What the latest FERS proposals really mean for your benefits
Federal retirement has been a hot topic on Capitol Hill lately, with proposed changes sparking plenty of questions. Here’s a look at what’s on the table now.
Pay & Benefits
Answers to some of your frequently asked questions about federal retirement
If you're thinking about retiring from federal service, here's what you need to know first.
Pay & Benefits
Getting ready to retire
What you should do and how you should approach your retirement and health benefits planning before leaving federal service.
