Female Federal Employees in the Home Stretch: Preparing for Your Secure Retirement

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Female Federal Employees in the Home Stretch: Preparing for Your Secure Retirement

If you’re ready to retire from your federal government career, congratulations!

You’re probably looking forward to time off to do new things. But ensuring you have the resources available to support those new things means you must be retirement-ready.

Retirement readiness is more than having enough money tucked away, though that’s important. Now is the time to focus on near-retirement planning as a federal woman employee. Doing so means you’ll have the support to enjoy your post-career life.

Maximizing TSP/IRA Contributions

You might have taken time off to raise a family or care for elderly relatives. Follow link to read more from Serving Those Who Serve. https://bit.ly/3BUkDcv

 

What Does Telework for Federal Employees Look Like Under a Harris, or Trump Administration?

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What is likely to happen with the federal government’s telework policies after the election? 

Since implementation of the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010, federal agencies have leveraged workplace flexibilities as a way to support an adaptable workforce capable of achieving objectives and navigating challenges and workforce needs, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

But what can federal employees expect with regard to telework following Election Day — under a new administration in place in January 2025 — with either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump as president? Follow link to read more from FedSmith. https://bit.ly/3NLWd7L

The Beneficiary Liquidity Plan Series. Are There Families Who Cannot Pay?

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The Beneficiary Liquidity Plan Series 

Are There Families Who Cannot Pay?

According to Phil Graham, Founder of The Beneficiary Liquidity Plan, sometimes, there is no one to pay for the funeral expenses. Perhaps the parent that passed away had money, but their children do not. Or, the children do not want to volunteer to pay even if they do have money. In rare cases, there is no family at all and a neighbor is the one left coordinating the final arrangements.

What Solutions Are Available? 

Some families must resort to the Department of Human Services. No one is excited about this solution and it also limits what services are available to the family. There are short-term loan businesses that offer funeral assistance, usually at a high interest rate. Funeral homes are less likely to accept the collateral assignment of an insurance policy, however there are third-party business that will for a fee, of course.

A Closer Look at 2025 FEHB Premiums

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A Closer Look at 2025 FEHB Premiums

Open Season is just a few weeks away, and costs are increasing this year. What does that mean for federal employees?

Federal employees and retirees should expect to pay much more for health coverage next year: the enrollee share of FEHB premiums is going up 13.5% on average, which is almost double from last year. OPM cites price hikes from providers and suppliers, more prescription drug usage, and behavioral health spending as the principal drivers for this increase. Follow link to read more from Government Executive. https://bit.ly/4dEyP6K

How the Fed’s Interest Rate Cut Could Affect Military Families

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How the Fed’s Interest Rate Cut Could Affect Military Families

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Patrick Dooley, assigned to the 12th Marine Corps District, tours Broadway Pier with his daughter during Fleet Week San Diego 2023.

As a military retiree and a financial planner, I’ve seen firsthand how the unique challenges faced by the military community amplify changes in the economy and U.S. government policy.

On Sept. 18, the Federal Reserve implemented a larger-than-expected, 50-basis-point (0.5%) interest rate cut, and while many may view this through a broad economic lens, I want to take a moment to look at how this affects military families, in particular. Follow link to read more. https://bit.ly/3N7omG4