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Category Archives: Taxes

Options for Withdrawing Funds from the Thrift Savings Plan: Option 2 – TSP Annuity

07/11/2025
This is the second of four FEDZONE columns discussing TSP withdrawal options that are available to all separated Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants. In these columns, a separated TSP participant means a civilian federal employee or a member of the ... Read More

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) Continue to Be Popular Among IRA Owners

07/08/2025
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) first became available in 2006 to individuals aged 70.5 and older. QCDs were initially available only through the 2007 tax year. But Congress extended the December 31,2007 QCD deadline several times and made QCDs permanent as ... Read More

Federal Employee Professional Development: Invest in Your Career and Retirement

07/07/2025
Career growth in government service isn’t just about getting promoted. It’s about creating more security, meaning, and options now and in retirement. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking ahead to your last five years, professional development is one of the most ... Read More

Options for Withdrawing Funds from the Thrift Savings Plan: Option 1 – Installment Payments

07/07/2025
This is the first of four FEDZONE columns discussing the withdrawal options that are available to separated Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants. In these columns, a “separated” TSP participant means a civilian federal employee or a member of the uniformed ... Read More

The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey 2024: Key Insights and Takeaways

07/05/2025
The 2024 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) is in, and there’s some good news. Across the board, federal employees are reporting higher satisfaction, stronger engagement, and more trust in leadership than we’ve seen in over a decade. Conducted by the Office of ... Read More

Federal Employee Veterans: Understanding and Maximizing the Benefits

07/01/2025
You served in uniform to protect and defend the United States. Now you have a federal government career. And when it comes to veteran and Fed benefits, you might be faced with some confusion and a lot of paperwork. Not ... Read More

Latest Megabill Update: Senate Reconciliation Package Removes Most Fed‑Targeted Cuts

07/01/2025
On Saturday, June 28th, the Senate voted 51-49 to launch debate on the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB), Republicans’ sweeping budget reconciliation package including tax extensions, spending cuts, and defense/security funding. Crucially, the Senate parliamentarian has ruled that most of ... Read More

Federal Long-Term Care Insurance: Is it Worth the Cost?

06/30/2025
Long-term care isn’t something most people want to think about, but it’s something many of us will need. A lot of Feds assume Medicare or FEHB will cover expenses such as assisted living, full-time nursing support, or help with daily ... Read More

Federal Retirement Planning for Single Employees: Unique Considerations

06/25/2025
Planning for retirement always requires a thoughtful strategy, but for single federal employees, the stakes can feel even higher. A solid, self-sufficient plan for long-term care costs is critical without a partner to share income, caregiving responsibilities, or decision-making. From ... Read More

A Note of Thanks in Remembrance of Representative Gerry Connolly

06/23/2025
The Commonwealth of Virginia’s 11th congressional district-and nationwide federal workers-were stunned and saddened to learn about the recent death of U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly from esophageal cancer. Since 2008, Mr. Connolly’s efforts have had a lasting legacy on his constituents and ... Read More