Learning Center

Retirement Income Distribution Planning for FERS Employees

Retirement income distribution planning for federal employees: map TSP, FERS, Social Security and IRA withdrawals, cut taxes and manage sequence risk. ...more

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November 06, 2026

FERS Minimum Retirement Age: MRA Chart by Birth Year

Find your FERS minimum retirement age by birth year, see how MRA+10 and deferred retirement differ, and plan your federal retirement timing with confidence. ...more

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November 05, 2026

How Are Social Security Credits Calculated? a 2026 Guide

Wondering how are social security credits calculated? In 2026, each $1,890 of covered earnings earns one credit, up to four a year. Here's how to check yours. ...more

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November 04, 2026

Do Postal Workers Get Social Security in 2026

Do postal workers get social security? Most FERS hires do; many CSRS workers do not. Hire dates, payroll tax and the 2025 law, explained. ...more

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November 03, 2026

Delaying Social Security: The Federal Employee Guide

Delaying Social Security can raise a benefit about 8% a year until age 70. Compare claiming ages, break-even, survivors, taxes, and the federal bridge. ...more

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November 02, 2026

Thrift Savings Plan Government Match Explained

Learn the thrift savings plan government match for FERS: 1% automatic plus 4% when you save 5% each pay period. ...more

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November 01, 2026

Retirement Income Gap Calculator for FERS

Use a retirement income gap calculator for FERS or CSRS and turn pension, TSP, Social Security, and FEHB into an annual cash-flow gap. ...more

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October 31, 2026

Social Security Benefits Retirement Age in 2026

Learn how social security benefits retirement age sets your monthly check, including early cuts, full retirement age, delayed credits, and WEP. ...more

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October 30, 2026

Is FEGLI Worth It for Federal Employees in 2026

Is FEGLI worth it? See when Basic beats private term, how Option B costs climb with age, and what to keep after 65. ...more

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October 29, 2026

TSP Withdrawal Form: Which One to Use and How to File

Find the right TSP withdrawal form for separation, in-service or beneficiary cases, plus documents, tax steps and timelines for 2026. ...more

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October 28, 2026

Transition Planning and Support for Federal Retirees

Transition planning and support for federal employees: retirement timeline, TSP, FERS, FEHB and FEGLI checklist, common pitfalls and where to get help. ...more

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October 27, 2026

How to Calculate Social Security Benefits in 2026

Learn how to calculate social security benefits from your AIME and PIA, with 2026 bend points, claiming-age math and worked examples. ...more

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October 26, 2026

FERS Retirement Example: Pension, Survivor and Income

See a FERS retirement example with real pension math: high-3 salary, service years, survivor cuts and how TSP and Social Security fit into total income. ...more

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October 25, 2026

TSP Withdrawal for Home Purchase: Loan Rules and Costs

Thinking about a TSP withdrawal for home purchase? TSP offers a residential loan instead. Learn eligibility, fees, taxes, documentation, and alternatives. ...more

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October 24, 2026

Health Care Options Enrollment: FEHB Guide for 2026

Navigate health care options enrollment with confidence — FEHB eligibility, Open Season timing, plan comparisons, Medicare coordination, and pitfalls to avoid. ...more

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October 23, 2026

Minimum Retirement Age Rules for Federal Employees

Learn how minimum retirement age works for FERS and CSRS employees, including MRA+10, MRA+30, early retirement, and birth-year examples. ...more

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October 22, 2026

Thrift Savings Plan Catch Up: The 2026 Guide

Master the Thrift Savings Plan catch up rules for 2026, including $8,000 and $11,250 limits, SECURE 2.0 Roth changes, and payroll timing strategies. ...more

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October 22, 2026

Reemployment of Annuitants Explained for Federal Retirees

Learn reemployment of annuitants rules for federal retirees, including annuity offsets, waivers, CSRS vs FERS and benefit impacts. ...more

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October 22, 2026

TSP Withdrawal After Retirement: A Practical Guide

Learn your TSP withdrawal after retirement options, tax rules, RMD ages, and timing strategies so federal retirees can build a sustainable income plan. ...more

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October 21, 2026

10 Years in Service: What Federal Employees Need to Know

What does 10 years in service mean for federal employees? Learn about FERS vesting, deferred annuities, MRA rules, survivor benefits, and real examples. ...more

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October 20, 2026

FERS Supplement Calculator: How It Works in 2026

Learn how a FERS supplement calculator turns your service years into an estimate. Step-by-step walkthrough, worked examples, and pitfalls to avoid. ...more

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October 19, 2026

TSP Early Withdrawal Options, Taxes, and Penalties

Learn how TSP early withdrawal works, the 10% penalty rules, age and separation exceptions, and smarter alternatives before you tap your federal retirement ...more

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October 18, 2026

Social Security Offset FERS: What Retirees Need to Know

Learn how the Social Security offset FERS rule affects disability and survivor benefits. Clear examples, planning strategies, and what federal employees can do ...more

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October 17, 2026

TRICARE and FEHB: A Dual-Eligible Decision Guide

Navigate TRICARE and FEHB coverage as a dual-eligible retiree or federal employee. Compare costs, coordination rules, and real scenarios ...more

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October 16, 2026

Federal Employee Health Benefits Eligibility: 2026 Guide

Learn federal employee health benefits eligibility rules for 2026. Find out who qualifies, what plans cover, and how to enroll during open season. ...more

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October 15, 2026

Thrift Savings Plan Roth: What Federal Employees Should Know

See how the Thrift Savings Plan Roth option works in 2026, from contribution limits and taxes to the rules that shape your federal retirement savings. ...more

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October 13, 2026

FERS Retirement Health Insurance Explained

Master your FERS retirement health insurance. Learn FEHB eligibility, the five-year rule, Medicare coordination, and survivor coverage strategies. ...more

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October 12, 2026

TSP Withdrawal Timeline: Step-by-Step Planning Guide

Master the tsp withdrawal timeline with this practical guide. Learn separation rules, RMD ages, and how to time your federal retirement distributions. ...more

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October 11, 2026

Social Security Planning for Retirement: A Complete Guide

Master Social Security planning for retirement with expert strategies on timing, spousal benefits, and maximizing your federal retirement income. ...more

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October 10, 2026

Thrift Savings Plan for Dummies: A Simple Federal Guide

Learn the thrift savings plan for dummies with this easy guide covering contributions, fund choices, and retirement tips for federal employees. ...more

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October 09, 2026

Social Security Planning for Married Couples: A 2026 Guide

Discover expert social security planning for married couples. Learn how to maximize your benefits and secure your financial future together in 2026. ...more

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October 08, 2026

Federal Employee Dental Insurance Comparison: 2026 Guide

Use our federal employee dental insurance comparison to find the best plan for 2026. Compare coverage, costs, and benefits easily. ...more

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October 07, 2026

FEHB Premium Conversion: What It Means for Your Paycheck

Learn how FEHB premium conversion lowers your taxable wages, who qualifies, what changes at retirement, and how to decide if waiving it makes sense for you. ...more

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October 06, 2026

How to Change TSP Funds: A Federal Employee Guide

Learn how to change TSP funds with this step-by-step guide. Master contribution elections, interfund transfers, and rebalancing for federal retirement. ...more

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October 05, 2026

FEHB Insurance Plans: Complete Guide for Federal Workers

Master FEHB insurance plans with this practical guide. Compare FFS, HMO, HDHP options, enrollment rules, Medicare coordination, and choose the best coverage ...more

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October 04, 2026

What Is the TSP G Fund and How Federal Employees Use It

Learn what is the TSP G Fund, how it earns interest, and why federal employees use it as a safe retirement holding inside the Thrift Savings Plan. ...more

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October 03, 2026

Social Security Benefits Planner: A Complete Guide

Learn how to use a social security benefits planner to optimize claiming timing, coordinate with federal benefits, and maximize your retirement income. ...more

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October 02, 2026

Thrift Savings Plan vs 401k: A Federal Employee Guide

Thrift Savings Plan vs 401k explained for federal employees. Compare fees, funds, match, taxes, withdrawals, and rollovers to plan your retirement. ...more

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October 01, 2026

Thrift Savings Plan Options: A Federal Employee Guide

Explore all Thrift Savings Plan options, from core funds and Lifecycle choices to SECURE 2.0 tax rules. Build a smarter federal retirement strategy today. ...more

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September 30, 2026

How Early Can I Retire? a Federal Employee Guide

Learn how early can I retire as a federal employee. Discover key rules, eligibility, and strategies to plan your retirement in 2026. ...more

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September 29, 2026

Enrollment Codes for FEHB: The Complete Lookup Guide

Find and verify enrollment codes for FEHB plans fast. Decode three-digit codes, use SF-2809 correctly, and fix common errors for employees and HR staff. ...more

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September 28, 2026

Federal Employees Cost of Living Adjustment: A 2026 Guide

Learn how the federal employees cost of living adjustment is calculated, how it affects CSRS and FERS retirees, and how to plan your retirement income around ...more

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September 27, 2026

How to Calculate FERS Annuity

Learn how to calculate FERS annuity with clear formulas, real worked examples, survivor options, and tips to verify your estimate before you retire. ...more

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September 26, 2026

TSP I Fund: A Strategic Guide for Federal Employees

Discover how the TSP I Fund works, its new global benchmark, and how federal employees can use it to build a diversified, resilient retirement portfolio. ...more

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September 25, 2026

Can a Common Law Spouse Receive Benefits

Can a common law spouse receive benefits. Can a common-law spouse receive benefits from Social Security and federal programs? Learn eligibility rules, state ...more

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September 24, 2026

Born 1964 When Can I Retire Your Timeline Explained

Born 1964 when can I retire? See your Social Security age 67 timeline, federal MRA at 56, early claiming trade-offs and best timing in 2026. ...more

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September 23, 2026

TSP Early Withdrawal Calculator Guide for Feds

Use a TSP early withdrawal calculator correctly. Learn inputs, taxes, penalties, Rule of 55 and SEPP to estimate your net payout accurately. ...more

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September 22, 2026

What Is Income Gap in Retirement? a Clear Guide

Learn what is income gap in retirement, how to calculate your projected shortfall, and practical strategies for federal employees to close it before retiring. ...more

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September 21, 2026

Phased Retirement Federal Employees Guide to Half-Time Work

Learn how phased retirement federal employees can work half-time, draw partial annuity and protect benefits. Eligibility, pay, timelines and decision checklist ...more

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September 19, 2026

TSP Projection Calculator: Plan Your Federal Retirement

Learn how a TSP projection calculator turns your current balance, contributions, and match into a real retirement-income estimate for federal employees in 2026. ...more

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September 18, 2026

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