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575 articles · page 22 of 24Retirement
Federal Retirement Healthcare Costs 2026: What FEHB Costs
FEHB premiums jump 12.3% in 2026 and retirees pay post-tax. What federal employees miss about healthcare costs in retirement, from the 5-year rule to IRMAA.
Benefits
10 Federal Benefits Misconceptions That Cost You Money
Federal employees lose $5,000–$20,000+ over their careers due to benefits misconceptions. We break down the 10 most costly ones and show you how to fix each.
Career
Federal Employee Headshots: PIV Cards, LinkedIn & Official Portraits
Why federal employees need professional headshots, PIV/CAC requirements, and how FedShot generates them in 60 seconds for $9.99.
Benefits
FEGLI Coverage Cliff: What Happens to Your Life Insurance at 65
FEGLI's post-65 rules shock most retirees. Option B disappears or costs $3,120/month at 80. Here's what to do with Basic, Option B, Option C, and WAEPA.
Benefits
FEHB + Medicare Part B: The $2,400/Year Retiree Decision
Medicare Part B costs federal retirees $2,434.80 a year on top of FEHB. With some plans it cuts out-of-pocket costs to near zero; with others it is wasted premium.
Policy Updates
MDR vs RIF vs VERA/VSIP: What DoD Employees Need to Know in 2026
Army RIFs confirmed at Detroit Arsenal. MDR, RIF, and VERA/VSIP carry different rights and financial outcomes. Here's how to decide which path is right for you.
Policy Updates
OPM's New PIP Rules 2026: What Federal Employees Need to Know
OPM finalized rules stripping PIP protections from ~50,000 feds. A broader rule could cap PIPs at 30 days for all GS employees. What changed vs proposed.
TSP
What Happens to Your TSP If You Get RIF'd in 2026
Your TSP after a federal RIF: what to do first, the 90-day loan clock, Rule of 55, why severance can't go into TSP, and a 30/60/90-day action plan.
TSP
Your TSP During Government Turmoil: What to Know in 2026
TSP contributions, fund performance, and your options during shutdowns, RIFs, and market drops. Updated with C/S/I fund data after the April tariff shock.
Policy Updates
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.
Career
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.
Benefits
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
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
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.
Retirement
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.
Benefits
FLTCIP 2026: Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Explained
FLTCIP enrollment is still suspended as of August 2026, until at least December 19. What private LTC costs now, and what feds should do instead.
Benefits
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.
Policy Updates
USPS Financial Crisis 2026: What It Can't Touch — Pension, TSP, Pay
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
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
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
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.
Policy Updates
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.
Pay & Compensation
Executive Schedule 2026: Levels I–V Pay + SES Pay Scale
2026 Executive Schedule rates: Level I $253,100 to Level V $184,900, the SES band ($151,661–$228,000), and why Level IV at $197,200 caps GS pay.
Retirement
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.
What we cover
The topics that matter most to federal employees.Policy Updates
Pay raises, OPM guidance, RIFs, and the legislation that reshapes federal employment.
Retirement Planning
FERS guides, High-3 strategy, the supplement, survivor benefits, and real retirement case studies.
TSP Strategies
Data-backed allocation, contribution timing, and withdrawal news for every investing style.
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