The Newsroom
News for the federal workforce, updated daily.
Pay raises, retirement planning, and benefits — expert guidance for every stage of your federal career, sourced and updated for 2026.
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575 articles · page 23 of 24TSP
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.
Retirement
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.
Policy Updates
OPM Performance Rating Rules 2026: Impact on Your Pay
OPM's final rule and 40% FY2026 cap: how they affect your step increases, QSIs, bonuses and RIF standing.
Retirement
2027 COLA for Federal Retirees: Official 3.6% (FERS 2.6%)
The 2027 COLA is official: 3.6% for Social Security and CSRS, 2.6% for FERS retirees 62 and over. How BLS got there, plus dollar tables by annuity size.
TSP
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.
Benefits
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.
Retirement
OPM Retirement Backlog Falls to 8,814; Wait Times Drop to 66 Days
OPM's retirement backlog fell to 8,814 in September 2026, down 42.9% from August, and average processing dropped to 66 days (56 digital, 149 paper) to close FY2026.
TSP
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
TSP Loan Interest Rate 2026: Rules, Limits & Fees
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.
Retirement
VERA & VSIP Guide 2026: Take the Buyout?
VERA/VSIP buyouts in 2026: eligibility rules, benefits impact, the $25K cap (DOD included), TSP access before 55, and whether a buyout makes financial sense.
Benefits
Best FEHB Plan 2026: How to Choose & Compare
Compare 2026 FEHB plans and find the best fit for your family. See premiums, coverage, dental/vision options, and HDHP vs traditional plans side by side.
TSP
TSP Mutual Fund Window 2026: Is It Worth the $132/Year?
TSP Mutual Fund Window costs $132/year plus $28.75 per trade. See fee impact by account size and decide if the MFW makes sense for you.
Policy Updates
2027 Federal Pay Raise: 0% Is Set. Can Congress Block It by Dec 11?
The August 26 alternative pay plan freezes 2027 GS base and locality pay. The FAIR Act's 4.1% is still a bill. What Congress would have to do by the December 11 gate.
Retirement
FERS vs CSRS in 2026: Which Federal Retirement System Pays More?
Compare FERS vs CSRS retirement systems side by side. Pension formulas, COLAs, TSP matching, and dollar examples for 2026. Free calculator included.
Retirement
Military Buyback 2026: Is the 3% Cost Worth It for Your FERS Pension?
Calculate the cost to buy back military time for FERS credit. At 3% of base pay, most veterans pay $2,400-$6,600. Interest-free window + step-by-step process.
Policy Updates
Schedule Policy/Career Is Now in Effect (March 2026)
Schedule Policy/Career took effect March 8, 2026, but no positions reclassified yet. Here's what you lose, what you keep, and what to do before the EO drops.
Pay & Compensation
Federal Leave Options Beyond Sick and Annual: Complete 2026 Guide
Know all your federal leave options. LWOP, FMLA, donated leave, military leave, paid parental leave, and more, plus how each affects FEHB, FERS, and TSP.
Benefits
FERS Supplement Eligibility: Complete 2026 Guide
Who qualifies for the FERS supplement, how much you get, and who is excluded. Calculation formula, examples, earnings test, and the 29 vs. 30 year cliff.
TSP
TSP G Fund 2026: Is Your 'Safe' Money Actually Losing Value?
The G Fund has never had a losing year, yet 2020-2025 inflation beat its returns by about 5 points, roughly $5,200 per $100K. Who should still hold it in 2026.
TSP
TSP 1099-R Mailing Schedule 2026: When Forms Arrive
TSP mails 1099-R forms in mid-January 2026. Here's when to expect yours, how to access it online, and what to do if it's late or wrong.
Career
Federal Employee Headshots: The Complete Guide for 2026
Complete guide to federal employee headshots for PIV cards, LinkedIn, and official portraits. Learn requirements, costs, and how AI headshots work.
Career
How to Update LinkedIn After a Federal Layoff (2026 Guide)
Learn how to update your LinkedIn profile after a federal layoff or RIF. Get tips on headlines, summaries, ICTAP eligibility, and professional headshots.
Policy Updates
MSPB Ruling: Feds Can't Be Fired After Probation Without Due Process
MSPB ruled CISA violated due process by firing an employee one day after his probation ended. Learn your rights and what to do if this happened to you.
TSP
TSP 2025 Performance: I Fund's Historic 32% Return
TSP's I Fund hit 32.45% in 2025, its highest ever. See all fund returns and what's changing for federal employees in 2026.
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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