I would say that anyone who has to borrow to pay their mortgage is in trouble, wouldn’t you! Can you imagine having to borrow not only to pay the mortgage but to just make the interest payments on your credit cards and other debt? Fortunately the government shutdown is over and everyone should be backRead… Read more »
Now that a semblance of normality has returned to Washington it’s time to ask an important question: What are the shutdown’s costs to the federal workforce? We know the tangible costs in terms of dollars. But what about the hidden costs which are more difficult to measure? In addition to lost economic productivity and America’sRead… Read more »
There was no budget or debt deal made in Washington last week, but that didn’t stop the market from reacting to the rumors. For those who like volatility, it was a week of big swings. Stocks were down sharply on Monday and Tuesday, stabilized on Wednesday with a positive reversal day, then they soared onRead… Read more »
Many federal employees and retirees alike are concerned about being forced out of the FEHB program and into local health care exchanges that are mandated by President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. I’m not sure why it was called the Affordable Care Act when in reality insurance costs have already increased considerably across all sectors sinceRead… Read more »
During what is supposed to be the weakest month of the year historically, stocks had another great week adding to some impressive gains for the month of September. Some were calling it a relief rally after the threat of a strike on Syria subsided, and if that is the case, it may be an overreaction.Read… Read more »
Many FERS annuitants that retire before age 62 are eligible for an annuity supplement that will end when they reach age 62. You may be eligible for a Special Retirement Supplement if you retire: After the Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) with 30 years of service; At age 60 with 20 years of service; or UponRead… Read more »
The following cat videos were posted on the official Social Security Youtube page as well as placed Skip Ads on Youtube to encourage retiring online through our new website. The SSA website redesign is seen in the video as well. All cats and voice over talent were volunteer in an effort to save money. FromRead… Read more »
Everyone planning their retirement needs to know how much they will have to live on in retirement and how much their spouse’s survivor benefit will be. Frank Cullen, a retired federal manager, friend, and former associate, sent me a comprehensive spreadsheet prior to my retirement that projected my annuity and survivor benefit for the nextRead… Read more »
It’s finally here, the long talked about retirement tsunami. “If you look at federal employment statistics there is not just a large percentage of folks who are eligible to retire but an increasing number of folks that are actually taking up the government on that offer,” said Tom Fox. Fox is the Vice President forRead… Read more »
A site visitor to one of our forums stated that she was 66 and still working and was CSRS offset. A colleague suggested that she think about drawing social security now versus waiting until she retires. Once you reach age 66 you can earn unlimited amounts without reducing your Social Security benefit. She had beenRead… Read more »