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

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

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

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

IRS Form 5498 (IRA Contribution Information) is vitally important for individuals who own any type of Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA). The Form 5498 is completed by every IRA custodian meaning that any individual who owns multiple IRAs will likely receive ... 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

You’ve probably seen the headlines. Social Security is running out of money. Medicare trust funds are depleting. Benefits cliffs looming. It’s enough to make anyone nervous about retirement. But here’s the thing: your retirement plan shouldn’t lurch left or right ... Read More

Every year, thousands of federal employees forfeit annual leave. The leave does not disappear because people want to work more. It disappears because the leave year ends and the use-or-lose rule applies. This article breaks down how the rule works, ... Read More

Guaranteed income for life appeals to many Feds. A Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) annuity converts part of your account into a monthly payment that lasts as long as you do. That trade brings simplicity and stability, but it also limits flexibility. Before ... Read More