Your guide for retirement news, insights, and resources
Learning to Say ‘No’ in Retirement: The Hidden Key to Happiness
Retirement is often seen as a time of endless freedom, but for many, it can quickly become a whirlwind of commitments. Babysit the grandkids? Sure. Volunteer for that committee? Of course. Help a friend move? Why not? The reality is that saying “yes” to everything can leave retirees drained, overwhelmed, and far from the happiness…
Continue ReadingPorch Pirates and Fake Delivery Notifications – Securing Your Holiday Gifts
The convenience of online shopping makes holiday preparation easier, but it also opens the door to porch pirates and delivery scams. Here’s how to outsmart them this season. Porch piracy spikes during the holidays when thieves take advantage of unattended deliveries. A single stolen package can ruin the joy of gift-giving and cost you hundreds…
Continue ReadingGift Card Scams – Don’t Let Scammers Steal Your Holiday Cheer
Gift cards are a favorite holiday gift, but they’re also a favorite tool for scammers. Every year, thousands of people lose money to fraudsters who use clever tricks to steal from unsuspecting buyers. Let’s break down how these scams work and how you can protect yourself. How Gift Card Scams HappenScammers often impersonate someone you…
Continue ReadingThe Weight of Worry: Managing Stress as Retirement Approaches
Retirement: a word that conjures dreams of freedom, relaxation, and fulfillment—but also an undercurrent of uncertainty. For many nearing this milestone, worry becomes a persistent companion. Will my money last? How will I fill my days? What happens if my health declines? These concerns are more than fleeting thoughts; they can evolve into chronic stressors…
Continue ReadingPrioritizing Health in Your Financial Planning: Building a Secure and Healthy Future
When people think about financial planning, they often focus on saving and investing for retirement. Yet, health-related expenses are a major part of financial security, especially in retirement. By prioritizing health within your financial plan, you can reduce long-term costs, protect your retirement funds, and enjoy a well-rounded approach to securing your future. Why Health…
Continue ReadingRomance Fraud: A Costly Love Affair
When it comes to scams, few are as emotionally devastating and financially ruinous as romance fraud. It’s a deceptive trap set by criminals who exploit feelings of affection, trust, and loneliness to steal from victims. While the promise of love can make people feel safe, romance fraud is becoming a growing concern, especially in the…
Continue ReadingNavigating Loneliness During the Holidays
The first holiday card arrives in your mailbox – another picture-perfect family in matching sweaters. Your social media feed fills with office party photos and family reunion videos. And something in your chest tightens, because this year, your holiday season looks different. Whether by circumstance, distance, or loss, you’re facing these celebratory weeks alone. If…
Continue ReadingTeaching Money Skills to the Next Generation
Teaching kids about money is one of the most valuable life skills parents can pass on. Financial literacy can start at home in a way that’s approachable and even fun. This guide shares practical tips and modern tools to introduce money skills at different stages, helping children and teens develop habits that can lead to…
Continue ReadingAssessing Your Risk: Are You Vulnerable to Investment Scams?
Investment scams are nothing new but there are some tools that you can use to assess your vulnerability to falling for one. FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) has created two simple quizzes you can take so let’s explore how you can use them to better understand your own risk—and ultimately safeguard your financial future. The…
Continue ReadingIs Retirement Planning Missing the Point? A New Approach to Living Well
We spend most of our working years planning for the distant horizon of retirement, fixating on one question: Will I have enough? Enough money to support myself when the paychecks stop, enough savings to handle life’s surprises, enough to enjoy the so-called ‘golden years’ after decades of hard work? Retirement planning, as it stands, often…
Continue ReadingThe Ways and Means of What Will Become of Social Security
As headlines increasingly spotlight a potentially shaky future for Social Security, the irony becomes evident: is the safety net meant to safeguard our retirement facing an uncertain fate? Let’s take a look at how Social Security’s summer is going so far… Back in June, the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security held a…
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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…
Continue ReadingFeeling 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.…
Continue ReadingFederal 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…
Continue ReadingFEHB Open Season Final Week Reminder: Last Chance to Review Your 2025 Health Plan Options
With just one week left in the 2025 Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Open Season, now is the time to make any final adjustments to your health coverage for the coming year. Open Season ends on Monday, December 9, 2024, so use this last week to ensure your plan fits your needs and budget. This…
Continue ReadingHoliday Shopping Discounts for Federal Employees
The holiday season is right around the corner, and with it comes the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive discounts available to you as a federal employee. From electronics to travel deals, there are plenty of savings to be found if you know where to look. Here’s your guide to making the most of your…
Continue ReadingCalculate Your FERS Pension: A Comprehensive Guide
Calculating your FERS (Federal Employees Retirement System) pension is a critical step in planning for your retirement, but it can be confusing. Although federal agencies provide estimates, they don’t always capture your unique situation. Understanding how your pension is calculated and taking responsibility for the process ensures accuracy and helps avoid surprises when you retire.…
Continue ReadingCyber Scams Targeting Kids: What Every Parent Should Know
With kids spending more time online, they are increasingly exposed to scams designed to catch them off guard. From fake giveaways to phishing attempts in games and apps, these scams can compromise your child’s data—and even lead to unauthorized purchases. Here’s a guide to understanding the types of scams that target kids, with practical steps…
Continue ReadingBreaking the Cycle: How Kids Learn Bad Financial Habits Early and How to Help
Kids absorb financial habits quickly, often without even realizing it. Some of these behaviors—like impulsive spending or avoiding money conversations—can persist into adulthood, impacting long-term financial well-being. By identifying these tendencies early on, parents can guide their children toward healthier financial habits that support a more secure future. Identifying Impulsive Spending BehaviorsMany kids see immediate…
Continue ReadingTSP Loans: Understanding Your Options and Making the Right Decision
A Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loan can be a useful tool for federal employees who need access to funds while still employed. However, there are several important details to consider before deciding if this option is right for you. Here’s a closer look at the types of TSP loans, the process, and key considerations to…
Continue ReadingFEGLI vs. WAEPA: Choosing the Right Life Insurance for Federal Employees
As a federal employee, life insurance options can sometimes feel overwhelming. Two primary choices are the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) and the Worldwide Assurance for Employees of Public Agencies (WAEPA). While both offer life insurance coverage tailored to government workers, their differences in pricing, coverage, and flexibility can significantly impact your decision. Let’s…
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