When the market drops, many federal retirees count on a Thrift Savings Plan G Fund allocation to cover withdrawals so they never have to sell stock funds while they’re down. But the TSP doesn’t let participants choose which fund a withdrawal comes from — every payment is pulled proportionally, stocks included, no matter what the market is doing. Using real TSP data from the 2008 financial crisis and the 2009 recovery that followed, this guide shows what a forced selling can cost, and walks through two practical ways to keep a downturn from dictating which shares get sold. more…
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TSP Week in Review: Sept. 14 – 18, 2026
The Fed hiked rates this week, and TSP funds didn’t all react the same way. See which funds held steady and which took a hit. more…
Understanding the Different Types of Term Life Insurance
Term life insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Ed Zurndorfer walks through the five main variations explaining how each one works, who it tends to fit best, and the trade-offs in cost, flexibility, and long-term value. Whether you’re weighing a policy for the first time or reconsidering coverage as you approach retirement, understanding these differences can help you match a policy to your actual needs. more…
Senators Demand Overhaul of OPM Medical Claims Collection on More Than 8 Million FEHB and PSHB Enrollees
Six Senate Democrats have given the Office of Personnel Management a September 25 deadline to respond to concerns that its medical claims collection on more than eight million FEHB and PSHB enrollees still lacks adequate privacy safeguards. The letter lists ten specific demands, including suspending the collection, shortening its 30-year retention period, and barring the data from ever being used in employment decisions. Here’s what the letter says, why lawmakers still aren’t satisfied with OPM’s safeguards, and what it means for you and your covered family members. more…
The Fed’s Rate Hike and TSP Fund Returns — September 16, 2026
What the Fed’s rate hike meant for your Thrift Savings Plan more…
10 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid When Purchasing Life Insurance
Ed Zurndorfer outlines errors individuals often make when purchasing and owning a life insurance policy
2025 Health Insurance Plan Options & Comparison Tools
Get the latest the official information online for the 2024 plan year of the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. Dental and vision (FEDVIP) details are also available...
Your Federal Health Benefits & Medicare: Helpful Resources from OPM
The Office of Personnel Management offers several resources for federal employees and retirees regarding Medicare and how it works with the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program...
Guide to Federal Retiree COLAs: What Are They and How Are They Calculated?
Understand what the cost-of-living adjustment is, how it is computed, and how it affects CSRS and FERS annuities, survivor annuities, and other federal employee death benefits...
10 Biggest Mistakes Federal Employees Make When Planning for Retirement (and How to Avoid Them)
Learn the 10 biggest federal retirement planning mistakes that many employees make before leaving civil service including CSRS, FERS, Thrift Savings Plan...
Federal Retirement Planning Checklists
Checklists for 5-10 years from retirement, one year away from retirement, and for your first year after retirement...