.jpg)
By: Maureen Wilkin, Federal Benefits Specialist
Published: July 18, 2019
If you are a soon-to-be-retired Federal employee, you should begin the retirement application “paper chase” about six months before the date you plan to retire. No need to panic. It actually requires less paperwork for you to leave Federal service than it did for you to enter! Continue reading
By: Phil Gardner, Federal Benefits Specialist
Published: June 20, 2019
Getting ready to retire? Your agency benefits officer wants you to start the process 3 to 6 months ahead of your retirement date. Here are some things to think about before setting up your meeting. Your benefits officer will provide you with full details and an estimate of your annuity. Continue reading
By: Marc S. Levine, Esquire
Published: May 20, 2019
What are some of the practical considerations when a loved one dies? A lot of my work [or “an estate planning attorney’s work”] with clients is about planning for some low-probability / high-impact events – such as an early or unexpected death, as well as planning for the reality that all of us will pass. This is one of the most important aspects of what we do – helping people navigate what can be a complicated maze of what has to be done after someone dies. Continue reading
By: Ray Kirk, Ph.D., Federal Benefits Specialist
Published: April 22, 2019
Banks, car dealers, credit card companies, newspaper columns all talk about credit scores and credit reports. Do you know how they differ and what they are used for?
A credit report chronicles your credit history — a credit score predicts your credit future.
A credit report is the detailed history of your credit use and repayment patterns. A credit score is a single number, based on an algorithm, predicting your credit risk based on the information in your credit report at one point in time.
By: Joel Cundick, CFP®
Published: March 20, 2019
What is a “Roth”, and where did it come from? In 1974, Congress passed legislation allowing the creation of Individual Retirement Accounts, or IRAs. Twenty-three years later in 1997, a new form of IRA was created by Congress. Labeled a “Roth IRA” (after the late Senator William Roth of Delaware), this new IRA allowed individuals to choose to pay taxes before contributing to the IRA, and then pay no taxes on growth and income in the account at the time of future withdrawals. From this point forward, the initial tax-deferred IRA option began to be referred to as a “Traditional IRA.” Roth options in employer retirement plans began to be offered in 2006 generally, and specifically in the Thrift Savings Plan in 2012.
By: Mike Townshend
Published: February 20, 2019
As we advance in life, many choices present themselves for how we will live and with whom. For many, living with our life partner and our children may involve Multi-Generational Living. This is a model that works very well for many of us. But, circumstances can and will change and with new life circumstances come different opportunities. Continue reading
By: John Jilek, CFP®
Published: January 22, 2019
Federal Employees have a lot of worries going into 2019. Rightfully so! I write this on the 25th day of the government shutdown. Uncertainty seems to be everywhere, but letting this pervade your long term investment strategy is invariably a bad idea. Continue reading
By: Maureen Wilkin, Federal Benefits Specialist
Published: December 20, 2018
If you are a current Federal employee you are most likely covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Or you might be covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). Then again, you could be covered by either of those, but be in a Special Retirement occupation. If you have a temporary appointment, you are covered only by Social Security. There seems to be a limitless number of retirement coverage categories. That’s quite a menu of possibilities or “flavors.” Continue reading
By: Michael Townshend
Published: October 19, 2018
If we Google “Retirement”, over 80% of the references will discuss financial preparations and post-retirement spending. Another 10 to 15% will address issues of physical health management allowing for an active and enjoyable time in our later years. Certainly, these are necessary topics to plan well and enjoy a retirement with minimal worry, assured that we will be able to afford a comfortable life in the best health for our age. Continue reading
By: Karen Schaeffer, CFP®
Published: September 20, 2018
For over 40 years we’ve been helping Federal government employees transition from their working years — also known as the accumulation phase of life — into a comfortable retirement. The future has always been murky. No one knows exactly how long they are going to live, how the markets will perform, how healthy they will be and for how long, what tax laws will change…you get the picture. Nonetheless, there are several habits common to successful retirees. Continue reading
