Plain-English explanations of FERS, TSP, Social Security, FEHB, and 2026 tax planning — written specifically for federal employees.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced three new tax deductions effective 2026: overtime pay, tipped wages, and auto loan interest. Here's exactly how they work, who qualifies, and what the 2026 standard deduction and tax brackets look like.
Read article →The Survivor Benefit Plan pays 55% of your designated pension base to a surviving spouse. The premium is 6.5%. Here's how to evaluate the SBP election, calculate the breakeven, and think through the life insurance alternative.
Read article →Federal employees can keep their health insurance in retirement — but only if they meet the 5-year continuous enrollment rule. Here's how it works, what happens at 65, and how to combine FEHB with Medicare Part B.
Read article →FERS employees pay into Social Security their entire careers. Deciding when to claim — at 62, at your full retirement age, or as late as 70 — can mean a difference of 76% in your monthly benefit. Here's the framework for making that call.
Read article →MRA+10 lets you leave federal service as soon as you hit your Minimum Retirement Age with 10 years of service — but your pension is permanently reduced 5% for every year you're under 62. Here's when it makes sense and when deferral is the smarter move.
Read article →The FERS Supplement bridges the gap between early federal retirement and Social Security eligibility at 62. Here's exactly how it works, who gets it, how it's calculated, and what the earnings test means for you.
Read article →The 2026 elective deferral limit is $24,500. Employees 50+ can contribute $32,500. Ages 60–63 qualify for the super catch-up: up to $35,750 total. Here's how to maximize the agency match and whether Traditional or Roth TSP makes more sense.
Read article →Step-by-step: the 1% multiplier, high-3 salary, MRA eligibility rules, the 1.1% bonus at 62, and special category formulas for LEO, firefighters, and air traffic controllers.
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