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Your guide for retirement news, insights, and resources
The Benefits of Learning a New Language in Later Life
Just as our bodies require care and exercise, so do our brains — especially as we age. One way to stimulate those mental muscles is to learn a new language. Admittedly, the research is mixed – there are studies that indicate learning a new language can the onset of dementia, while others say that may…
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Having a Badge Does Not Make You Official
Phone scammers are starting to get hip to the fact that WE’RE getting hip. A larger majority of people are asking the right questions and doing the right thing when receiving phone calls from unknown actors claiming to be from a Federal agency. SO – these bad actors have taken it a step further by…
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Staggered Retirement
Last week in our discussion of J.P.Morgan’s 2019 study Three Retirement Surprises we examined why the conventional wisdom of the 4% rule may not always apply. In a follow up study this year, they examined what happens to spending in households where couples do not retire at the same time. Their data concluded that partially…
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Deed Fraud
In the realm of property-related crimes, deed fraud stands out as a particularly alarming trend. This sophisticated scam involves criminals using forged documents to steal homeownership right from under the legitimate owners’ noses. While it may sound like something out of a crime novel, deed fraud is a very real and growing threat in today’s…
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The Grandparent Scam
The grandparent scam is a cruel tactic used by fraudsters to exploit the love and concern of older adults for their grandchildren. In this scheme, scammers pose as grandchildren in distress, seeking immediate financial help. Despite seeming obvious from the outside, these scams continue to succeed due to their emotional manipulation. Here’s how it typically…
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Navigating the Medicare Sign-Up Process: A Guide for Newbies
Signing up for Medicare can seem daunting, but understanding the process is crucial for ensuring you receive the health coverage you need. This guide will walk you through the essentials of Medicare enrollment, from eligibility to avoiding common pitfalls. Eligibility Medicare is generally available to individuals 65 years or older, younger people with certain disabilities,…
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2025 Market Outlook: Putting Your Financial Knowledge to Work
Now that we’re a month into 2025, we can begin to see how the year is taking shape and evaluate the major forecasts with fresh eyes. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the fundamentals of financial literacy – from understanding different types of investment accounts to breaking down various asset classes and investment strategies.…
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Understanding Investment Fees: What You’re Paying For and Why It Matters
When it comes to investing, fees might not be the most exciting topic, but they’re one of the most important. We keep talking about keeping fees low and leaning toward ETFs – but in the end that is a personal decision as mutual funds do come with some added benefits. So in order to arm…
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Your Investment Starter Pack: Essentials and First Steps
Starting your investment journey might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a clear plan and the right approach, you can set yourself up for long-term success. Over the last two weeks, we’ve covered the importance of building the right financial team and understanding your investment account options. Now, it’s time to take…
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Where to Start: Choosing the Right Account for Your Investments
For many people, the hardest part of investing is simply figuring out where to begin. After all, understanding ETFs and mutual funds is one thing, but knowing where to hold those investments is another challenge altogether. Let’s break down the basics of different types of investment accounts to help you understand how they work and…
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ETFs vs Mutual Funds: How to Choose What’s Right for You
Last week, we explored the basics of managing investments on your own versus working with a professional. For some, the decision to go it alone is more than a way to save time or money – it’s an exciting opportunity to dive deeper into a topic they genuinely enjoy. If that resonates with you, one…
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Who’s on Your Team? Choosing the Right Financial Partners
When it comes to managing your financial life, it’s tempting to think you can go it alone. And sure, there are plenty of things you can handle yourself – we’ll get to that in the next article. But some challenges call for a dream team of professionals to guide you through the complexities. The question…
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The Basics of Estate Planning: Wills, Trusts, and Why They Matter
Estate planning is for anyone who wants to avoid leaving behind a mess. If you want your family to skip unnecessary headaches, legal drama, and extra expenses, you need a plan. This isn’t something to push off for “later” because, let’s face it, “later” has a way of sneaking up on you. Here’s the deal:…
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The Resolution Revolution: Financial Habits Worth Keeping in the New Year
As we approach the end of another year, it’s tempting to fall into the familiar cycle of setting ambitious New Year’s resolutions, only to abandon them by February. Research shows that the majority of resolutions fail not because they lack merit, but because they’re too grandiose or unsustainable. So, why not break the cycle this…
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Understanding Enhanced Catch-Up Contributions for 2025
Last week, we explored ways to maximize your retirement savings before year-end, including taking full advantage of IRA, 401(k), and TSP contributions. This week, let’s look ahead to an exciting development for retirement savers: the enhanced catch-up contributions introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act, set to go into effect in 2025. These changes could make…
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Maximizing Your Retirement Savings Before Year-End
As the end of the year approaches, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at your retirement contributions. If you’ve been contributing to your IRA, 401(k), or TSP (for federal employees), now’s the time to ensure you’re making the most of these accounts. Not only can you reduce your taxable income by maxing…
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Will Cryptocurrency Enter Your TSP? Here’s What You Need to Know
After diving into cryptocurrency’s role in investment portfolios, federal employees might be wondering about their TSP accounts. While the direct answer is no – the TSP will not include cryptocurrency funds or crypto ETFs in its offerings – there’s an interesting twist to this story. Your TSP funds may already have more connection to the…
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Understanding Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Investment Funds
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a powerful retirement savings tool for federal employees and members of the uniformed services. Managed by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), the TSP offers participants a range of investment options designed to help them grow their retirement savings. Here, we’ll walk you through the fundamentals of TSP…
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January: The Perfect Time to Get Acquainted with Your TSP
A new year often brings new beginnings, including career milestones like joining federal service. For new employees or anyone looking to optimize their retirement savings, January 2025 is the perfect time to take a closer look at the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Understanding how this employer-sponsored retirement plan works can set you on the path…
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What You Can DIY in Federal Benefits: A Guide for Employees
Federal employees enjoy access to some of the most comprehensive benefits programs available, from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) to healthcare options, life insurance, and retirement annuities. The challenge? These benefits can feel overwhelming to navigate. The good news is that with the right resources and know-how, you can take charge of many aspects on…
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Cybersecurity 101: Protecting Financial Data from Common Threats
Managing your financial life comes with a unique set of responsibilities – and risks. In today’s digital world, cyber threats are everywhere, and your financial data is a prime target. Whether you’re managing your money solo or working with professionals, understanding how to safeguard your information is critical. Here’s what you need to know. Why…
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What Happens to Your Benefits If You Die Before Retirement? A Federal Employee’s Guide
Federal employees enjoy a robust array of benefits, but what happens to those benefits if you pass away before reaching retirement? Understanding how your federal pension and unpaid compensation are handled is crucial—not only to protect your loved ones but also to ensure your estate plan accounts for every detail. This guide breaks down what…
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Your OPM Retirement Checklist: Be Prepared for the Big Day
Retirement marks one of life’s most significant transitions, and for federal employees, it comes with unique processes and requirements. Navigating the paperwork and timelines overseen by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) can feel daunting. This comprehensive checklist will help you prepare for a smooth and stress-free retirement. Confirm Your Eligibility• Understand Your Plan: Determine…
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Voluntary Separation Incentives: Should You Take the Buyout?
Federal agencies often offer buyouts, known as Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIPs), or early retirements, called Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA), during times of budget cuts or restructuring. These programs can be enticing, presenting opportunities to step away from federal service with financial benefits. However, they’re not one-size-fits-all solutions and require a thoughtful analysis of…
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Feeling Stuck? How Federal Employees Can Explore New Opportunities Without Jumping Ship
Recent studies show that federal employees earn, on average, nearly a quarter less than their private-sector peers. For many, this disparity raises questions about career growth and financial security. But before making the leap to the private sector, it’s worth exploring the opportunities already available to federal employees to improve their financial and career outlook.…
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Federal Workforce in Flux: Navigating Uncertainty Under the New Administration
With the Trump administration preparing to take office alongside a Republican-controlled Congress, federal employees face a period of uncertainty and speculation. Proposals such as downsizing agencies like the FDA and Department of Education or creating a new Department of Government Efficiency have sparked concerns and raised questions about what lies ahead. While headlines may suggest…
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