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One of the most important—and most misunderstood—decisions you'll make before retiring is whether to elect a survivor benefit for your spouse. While reducing your monthly pension may seem costly, the wrong decision could leave your surviving spouse without a lifetime income or even the ability to continue FEHB health insurance. Chris Kowalik explains how the Survivor Benefit ...

Federal employees spend years building a clear picture of their retirement income. Far less attention is given to how state taxes will affect what that income looks like in practice. While relocating to a different state is often a goal in retirement, knowing how each location will impact your money can make a huge difference.

Thinking about moving your Thrift Savings Plan to an IRA after retirement? A TSP rollover can provide more investment choices and greater flexibility—but it also means giving up some unique TSP advantages. Before making an irreversible decision, understand the tax rules, costs, withdrawal options, and the situations where keeping your money in the TSP may actually be the bett...

While the new rule (effective August 6, 2026) does not change federal retirement benefits, it could influence career progression, promotions, and performance awards during the final years of a federal career. For employees who are five to ten years from retirement, those indirect effects may be worth paying attention to because salary earned during those years can influence f...

Ed Zurndorfer discusses what departed federal employees can do with their Thrift Savings Plan accounts, including making (or not making) contributions, paying of a TSP loan, and making withdrawals (with or without or without penalties) more...

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