Federal Employee Information Partnership
Then (1999): Now, 2025: I want you to know you are not alone in your feelings. It’s okay to talk about these concerns, to reach out to colleagues, and to acknowledge the stress this uncertainty brings. Your dedication, experience, and heart are still deeply valued, even in times of change. While we can’t control every […]
Then vs. Now — How Federal Work Has Changed Read More »
Democracy: messy Let’s be realistic—democracy is messy. Like, “spilled-coffee-on-your-shirt-while-running-late” messy. But compared to a “clean” government where one person or party decides everything? Our chaos is kind of a relief. Messy = debate. Debate = better laws. One party calling all the shots? That’s tyranny, and nobody wants that. Imagine a government run entirely by
Democracy is messy, but it has been our mess for 250 years Read More »
The Common Question “What? Nursing care is expensive, especially for long-term illness. I have retirement savings, assets, and a wife with dementia. I have no long-term care insurance; it was too expensive years ago. What are you talking about—Medicaid? I’m not rich, but I’m not poor.” That reaction is common. When care is needed, many
MEDICAID NURSING CARE Read More »
Question: “Do my girlfriend and I have to be legally married in order for me to leave a Federal (FERS) Survivor Benefit?” In family law, common-law marriage is a legal marriage and an informal marriage. This means that the married couple never had a formal wedding ceremony and never got a marriage license or marriage certificate. But in
Common Law Marriage and Survival Benefits Read More »
What do these words have in common? They could mean you’re out of a job, today, tomorrow or next week. Although much has been written about all three, it is important to be reminded that the once secure federal job is now on par with a civilian corporation, wherein you could be out on the
Shutdown, DOGE and RIF Read More »
The TSP ROTH conversion process and OTHER OPTIONS A TSP ROTH conversion, offers income as tax free? “Oh, that sounds good!”, well, it sounds good, but the reality of the ROTH conversion come with issues and its own challenges. ROTH conversion and Tax Free are ironic fables. When you were given an allowance by your
ROTH CONVERSION IS NOT TAX FREE Read More »
If you are demoted for cause (disciplinary reasons), it can have a big impact on both your paycheck now and your retirement later. Now, I am not talking about a demotion due to a restructuring of your unit, agency or station, but you were naughty and were caught. Restructure occurs. The federal structure is a
Demoted for Cause? Read More »
How much do you need in your TSP, savings, or investments for a secure retirement? The traditional 4% rule doesn’t suit everyone, especially federal employees. The real answer depends on your budget. Budget First Two retirees may have the same pension, but one thrives while the other struggles. Why? Spending habits. Review your lifestyle. Downsizing,
Is Retirement Affordable? Read More »
The question, is DOGE throwing the baby out with the bathwater? Have the employee rights been terminated? OPM has made it clear in pre-DOGE, the employee has rights when any REDUCTION IN FORCE (RIF) occurs, but what about now, DOGE and the employee have the right to refuse, to transfer, to keep their jobs and
FEDERAL DOGE and EMPLOYEE Rights Read More »
To protect and care for your spouse was a promise made at your wedding. Remember? This would include leaving behind, in the event of your death, income and assets to care for your spouse, especially if he/she doesn’t have their own retirement program. So, as a federal employee, what benefits are at your disposal to
Spousal Survival Benefit: A good deal or smoke and mirrors? Read More »