Katelyn breaks down the risks of an all-C Fund TSP strategy, explaining why valuation and diversification matter-especially near retirement. She also covers the federal “use or lose” annual leave rules, including carryover limits and practical steps to avoid forfeiting earned ... Read More

Most retirement plans start with understanding your “number” – the amount you’ll need to save before you can stop working. Many Feds begin with a rough estimate, aiming to replace 70% to 80% of their salary. It’s a common shortcut ... Read More

In this episode, Ed and Dan explain the newest Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) option: Roth TSP in-plan conversions, starting January 28, 2026. Federal employees, retirees, and spouse beneficiaries can now convert portions of their traditional TSP accounts into Roth TSP ... Read More

Dan and Katelyn break down how a TSP life annuity works-including payout options, permanence, and who it may fit best-while comparing guaranteed income to alternatives like monthly TSP withdrawals and delaying Social Security. They also explain how TSP Lifecycle (L) ... Read More

Through the years, individuals have contributed to the different types of Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). These different types of IRAs include deductible and nondeductible traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. In order to contribute to any type of IRA for a ... Read More

You’ve spent decades in federal service. Now you’re 67, and Social Security is sitting there waiting. Do you file now or hold off? Filing at full retirement age gets you the full benefit you’ve earned. But if you claimed at ... Read More

The Social Security changes in 2026 aren’t making big news, but they’ll hit your retirement income. Federal employees need to think about how this fits with the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) timing, plus what happens to a ... Read More

A recent STWS column, TSP Announces Start of Roth TSP In-Plan Conversions (https://stwserve.com/tsp-announces-start-of-roth-tsp-in-plan-conversions/) presents information regarding the start of Roth TSP in-plan conversions on January 28, 2026.   This column discusses the income tax consequences of Roth TSP in-plan conversions and ... Read More

Dan and Jen break down how TSP loans work-including eligibility, loan types, benefits, hidden costs, and repayment risks-while also unpacking the latest benefits cliff projections for Social Security and Medicare, clarifying what they mean for federal employees, and explaining how ... Read More

Now that we’re into the 2026 plan year, you’re likely noticing changes to your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage. FEHB 2026 gender-affirming care coverage now includes exclusions for certain medical and surgical services related to gender transition. Here’s what you ... Read More