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.
Latest articles
576 articles · page 24 of 24TSP
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.
Pay & Compensation
The $197K Ceiling: When Your GS Pay Gets Capped in 2026
The 2026 GS pay cap is $197,200. Learn which grades hit the ceiling, how it affects your FERS pension, and what happens to money you lose at the cap.
Pay & Compensation
GS Step Increases 2026: How Long Between Steps + Free Calculator
GS step increases come every 1, 2, or 3 years — 18 years from Step 1 to Step 10. Waiting periods, QSI rules, what each step is worth, and a free WGI date calculator.
Pay & Compensation
Locality Pay 2026-2027: Top Areas and the August 31 Decision
2026 locality rates by area, and whether 2027 brings a third straight locality freeze. The August 31 alternative-pay-plan deadline decides. Rates, strategy, pension effects.
Retirement
Social Security Fairness Act: Are You Missing $7,300 a Year?
WEP and GPO repealed: federal retirees gaining $350-$1,000/month. Check if you're affected, the tax trap, and how to verify your payment.
TSP
TSP 72(t) Rule: Access Your TSP Before 55 Without Penalty
Learn how the 72(t) rule lets federal employees access TSP before age 55 without the 10% penalty. Covers SEPP methods, 5-year rule, and mistakes to avoid.
TSP
How to Become a TSP Millionaire: What 200,000 Feds Did Right
224,420 federal employees are now TSP millionaires. Learn the strategies, contribution math, and mistakes to avoid on your path to $1M in retirement savings.
Retirement
Deferred vs Postponed FERS Retirement: $300,000 Difference
Deferred retirement loses FEHB forever. Postponed retirement keeps it. Learn the key differences and how to protect your federal benefits.
Retirement
FERS Supplement Earnings Limit 2026: Rules for Working in Retirement
Earned income above $24,480 cuts your FERS Supplement $1 for every $2 over the limit. What counts as earnings, what does not, and how to protect your bridge payment in 2026.
Pay & Compensation
Federal Retiree Tax Planning 2026: What a GS-13 Couple Actually Pays
How federal retiree income is taxed in 2026: the FERS pension, the $6,000 senior deduction, IRMAA, TSP withholding, and a computed table for a GS-13 couple.
TSP
TSP Withdrawal Guide 2026: How to Get Your Money Out
Complete guide to TSP withdrawals: realistic timelines (5-7 weeks), Rule of 55, spousal consent, RMDs, and the mistakes that cost federal retirees money.
Policy Updates
Federal Return-to-Office 2026: Your Telework Rights Explained
Trump's return-to-office order requires 5 days/week in-office. What it means for your schedule, commute costs, and appeal rights under 2026 rules.
Benefits
FEGLI vs Private Life Insurance: The Complete 2026 Guide
Compare FEGLI Option B costs vs private term life insurance. See exactly when to keep FEGLI, when to switch, and how to avoid the costly FEGLI trap.
Retirement
FERS Divorce Guide 2026: Dividing Your Pension and TSP
Going through a FERS divorce? Learn how your pension and TSP are divided, why QDROs don't work, and what the 2025 ruling means for your benefits.
TSP
TSP Annuity Options Explained: MetLife Annuity vs Lump Sum
TSP annuity options explained. MetLife is the TSP annuity provider. Compare single life, joint life, and increasing payment options vs lump sum withdrawals.
TSP
TSP I Fund Allocation Strategy: $9.6B Inflow After 42% Returns
Feds moved $9.6B into the TSP I Fund in February 2026. After 42% trailing returns, is this diversification or return-chasing? I Fund allocation analysis.
Retirement
Best Dates to Retire in 2026 (FERS Calendar)
The best remaining FERS retirement dates for 2026: October 31 (end of Pay Period 23) and January 9, 2027 for the maximum leave payout.
Benefits
2026 FEHB Premium Increases: Which Plans Cost More (and Less)
FEHB premiums jumped 12.3% on average for 2026 — but 23 plans dropped, and 8 were discontinued. See which plans are winners, losers, and worth switching to.
Retirement
How Much Is Your Unused Sick Leave Worth at Retirement?
Your unused sick leave adds real dollars to your FERS pension. Learn the conversion formula, calculate your value, and avoid costly mistakes before you retire.
Benefits
DHS Shutdown 2026: Day 61 Back Pay, Legal Rights & What's Next
DHS shutdown Day 61: employees ordered back April 10 under 'Liberating DHS' EO. Back pay deposits Apr 10-16. Avalos case explained. Guide for TSA and DHS workers.
TSP
SECURE 2.0 Mandatory Roth Catch-Up: Are You Affected in 2026?
Starting 2026, federal employees 50+ earning over $150K must make TSP catch-up contributions to Roth. Learn who's affected and what it means for your taxes.
TSP
TSP Roth In-Plan Conversion 2026: Complete Guide for Federal Employees
TSP Roth in-plan conversions launch January 28, 2026. Learn eligibility, tax implications, the five-year rule, and how to convert. Free guide for feds.
TSP
2026 TSP Contribution Limits: What Federal Employees Need to Know
The 2026 TSP limit is $24,500. Ages 60-63 can now contribute $35,750 thanks to SECURE 2.0. Here's what changed and how to maximize your contributions.
Policy Updates
2026 Federal Pay Raise: 1% Increase with No Locality Adjustment
The 2026 federal pay raise is just 1% with no locality increase, the smallest since 2021. See how it affects your paycheck and calculate your new salary.
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.
Get updates in your inbox
Federal pay news, retirement tips, and benefits updates — free, and no more than weekly.