News for the federal workforce, updated daily.

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 in discovery, and a 12-step checklist.

Federal Jobs With No Degree: Which GS Grades You Can Actually Reach

Yes, you can reach GS-13 without a degree — OPM's experience track runs to six figures. The grade-by-grade path, the best no-degree job series, and the veteran shortcuts.

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

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

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 rules.

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 still suspended as of August 2026, until at least December 19. What that means, what private LTC insurance actually costs right now (2026 rate table by age), and what federal employees should do 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 It Can (and Can't) Touch — Pension, TSP, Paycheck

What the USPS crisis can and cannot touch: pension, TSP, PSHB, and paycheck, plus what a postal RIF legally requires. Updated July 2026 after the PRC waiver.

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.

Average TSP Balance by Age 2026: Milestones & Am I On Track?

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 Is Final: Who Survives After Sept 2

OPM's FINAL RIF rule (FR 2026-15665, effective September 2, 2026) replaces seniority with performance scores. The 7/5/3/0 system and worked examples.

SES Pay Scale 2026: $151,661–$228,000 + All 5 Executive Schedule Levels

The 2026 SES pay band, all five Executive Schedule levels, and why Level IV at $197,200 caps your GS paycheck. Official rates vs. what appointees actually get.

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 for Federal Retirees: 3.1% Locked, Tracking 3.1-3.5%

The 2027 COLA for FERS and CSRS retirees is one-third locked at 3.1%. What it pays on your annuity, the FERS diet-COLA math, and what changes September 11.

Best TSP Allocation 2026: All 5 Funds Ranked 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 Rules 2026: The 40% Cost, 5 Ways Around It

A TSP hardship withdrawal can cost 40% of what you take out (10% penalty plus taxes). The 2026 rules, the 5 qualifying conditions, processing times, and cheaper alternatives.

TSP Loan Interest Rate 2026: G Fund Rate, Limits & Rules

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