Student Aid Index: How Federal Income Affects Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now uses the Student Aid Index (SAI), replacing the long-standing Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The goal remains the same — measure a…
Why Federal Employees Are Suddenly Talking About a 2027 Pay Freeze
Federal employees rarely react to early budget signals. This year feels different. The White House budget blueprint did not include a civilian raise. House appropriators also left out a federal…
Super Catch-Ups at 60–63: The Retirement Boost Many Feds Miss
If you’re in your early 60s, there have been recent changes to catch-up contribution provisions that may allow for increased savings opportunities.
First RMD Ahead? A Fed’s Guide to SECURE 2.0 Rule Changes
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are mandatory, taxable withdrawals from pre-tax retirement accounts, like a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) or traditional IRA. They’re not optional, and they can push your income…
Delaying Social Security to 70: A Fed’s Bridge Plan
Delaying Social Security past full retirement age (FRA) increases your benefit through delayed retirement credits — generally about 8% per year up to age 70. That can translate into significantly…
Tax Diversification and Retirement Flexibility
When you separate from federal service, your retirement benefits are income diversified thanks to the Federal Employees Retirement System and its three “stool legs” of the Basic Benefit, Thrift Savings…
Are Federal Employees Saving Enough for Long-Term Care? A Reality Check
Long-term care does not just mean a nursing home. It often starts with help at home, moves to assisted living, and in some cases, includes skilled nursing care. For many…
Income, Assets, and College Financial Aid Impacts
Your salary and benefits are likely excellent as a mid-career fed. However, the chances are pretty good that you don’t have buckets of cash available to pay for your child’s…
USPS Suspends Employer FERS Payments Amid Cash Crisis: Does it Affect Your Retirement?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced a temporary suspension of its employer contributions to the defined benefit portion of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), effective April 10, 2026,…
Closing the Retirement Gap After 50: A Step-by-Step Fed Guide
If you’re behind on retirement savings, the goal isn’t perfection. It’s increasing how much you save, starting now. For many Feds, catch-up saving after 50 comes down to three levers:…