Federal employee news, read closely.

Federal Employee Data Privacy After DOGE: What You Need to Know (2026)

DOGE accessed OPM, SSA, Treasury, and IRS systems holding your PII. The John Solly thumb drive, the Privacy Act lawsuit advancing to discovery, and a 12-step action checklist.

Get a Federal Job Without a Degree: GS Grades Up to GS-13

A 2026 EO eliminated degree requirements for hundreds of federal jobs. GS grade path from entry level to GS-13 using experience alone, and the best job series to target.

How Much Is FEHB Worth in Retirement? The Dollar-Value Breakdown

The government pays up to $20,229/year toward your FEHB premium in retirement. Full 20-year dollar projection, golden handcuffs math, and Medicare coordination breakdown.

TSP at $500K: How Your Strategy Should Change

At $500K in TSP, the game shifts from accumulation to tax diversification. Here's the RMD math, Roth conversion strategy, and contribution waterfall for 2026.

TSP Spousal Rights 2026: What Your Spouse Can (and Can't) Control

FERS requires notarized spousal consent for TSP withdrawals; CSRS only requires notice. What your spouse controls, the default annuity trap, and RBCO divorce rules explained.

FERS Retirement: Should You Retire at 57, 60, or 62?

FERS retirement at 57, 60, or 62: pension amounts, FERS Supplement lifetime value, FEHB, FEGLI, annual leave payout, survivor elections, and TSP access compared.

FLTCIP 2026: Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Explained

FLTCIP enrollment is closed until at least December 2026. Here's what federal employees need to know — and what to do right now instead.

FEGLI Guide 2026: Federal Life Insurance Explained

Complete FEGLI guide for 2026. Learn how Basic, Option A, B, and C work, see premiums by age, and find out if you're overpaying for federal life insurance.

USPS Financial Crisis 2026: What Postal Workers Need to Know

USPS suspended pension contributions April 10, 2026, freeing $2.5B. Your accrued pension and TSP are protected, but the cash crisis escalates. Full guide for postal workers.

TSP I Fund: From a March Drop to +17%, the Rebalancing Lesson

The TSP I Fund fell hard in March 2026, then recovered to lead all funds near +17% YTD. The recovery, the cost of fleeing to G, and the rebalancing lesson.

TSP Leaving Government: Your Complete 2026 Separation Guide

Leaving federal service? Know your 4 TSP options, the Rule of 55 trap that costs feds thousands, and what the 2026 Roth conversion changes mean for you.

TSP Milestone Benchmarks by Age: Am I On Track? (2026 Guide)

Are you behind on your TSP? See FERS-adjusted balance benchmarks by age and years of service, plus why federal employees need 40-50% less than private-sector peers.

OPM RIF Performance Rule 2026: Who Survives Federal Layoffs

OPM proposed rule 2026-04377 replaces seniority with performance scores in federal RIFs. See the 7/5/3/0 scoring system and worked examples.

$253,100 Executive Schedule 2026: All Five Level Salaries

2026 Executive Schedule: Level I $253,100 · II $228,000 · III $209,600 · IV $197,200 (GS-15 pay cap) · V $184,900. Exact salaries, frozen rates, and SES comparison.

First Year of Federal Retirement: A Month-by-Month Guide

What to expect in your first year of federal retirement: interim pay gaps, OPM's 54K backlog, Medicare deadlines, TSP timing, and the 5 costliest mistakes.

2026 TSP Changes: Everything Federal Employees Need to Know

TSP changes 2026: expense ratios vs. Vanguard/Fidelity, L 2025 merger, L 2075 launch, I Fund expansion, and what TSP for All means for federal employees.

Is the FERS Pension Worth It? A Calculator-Backed Analysis

We ran the break-even math on the FERS pension for every hire tier. A $30K pension equals a $750K portfolio, and pre-2013 hires break even in under a year.

OPM Performance Rating Rules 2026: Impact on Your Pay

OPM's new performance rating rules affect 740,000 federal employees. See how forced distribution impacts your step increases, QSIs, bonuses, and RIF standing.

2027 COLA Tracker: June CPI Dip Cuts Running Count to 3.1%

June CPI-W (327.075) cut the 2027 COLA running count to 3.1%, but June doesn't count. TSCL still projects 3.8%. Why the big CPI drop doesn't sink your COLA.

Best TSP Fund Allocation 2026: C, S, I Fund Picks by Age

Recommended C, S, I Fund splits by age group, how to handle the April tariff shock, and when Lifecycle funds beat DIY picks. Free TSP allocation calculator included.

Federal Employee Mental Health Resources 2026: EAP and Leave

Federal employee mental health resources in 2026: EAP counseling (6-12 free sessions), sick leave for therapy, FMLA coverage, and FEHB benefits explained.

OPM Retirement Backlog Down 48%, Yet Your Wait Rose to 108 Days

OPM's backlog fell to 33,851 in June 2026, down 48% from February. But average processing rose to 108 days. The paradox, interim pay, and the real wait.

TSP Hardship Withdrawal: The 40% Cost, 5 Ways Around It

A TSP hardship withdrawal can cost 40% of what you take out (10% penalty plus taxes). The 5 qualifying conditions, the process, and cheaper alternatives.

TSP Loans in 2026: G Fund Rate, No Credit Check, Up to $50K

TSP loan rates track the G Fund yield. Learn general purpose vs residential rules, repayment terms, and what happens to your loan if you're separated or RIF'd. 2026 guide.