FERS Go Bag: Who Are You Going to Call?

Item 4: Who are you going to call? Come on, 1980’s babies, where are you: who are you going to call? No, who? Remember when we told you that when you were in, you were a guest, but now that you are out, you are a pest. When was the last time you dialed someone’s […]

FERS Go Bag: FEHB – Your Best Benefit as a Federal Employee

Item 3: FEHB – your best benefit as a federal employee Federal Employee Health benefits are hands down the best benefits for federal employees—so good that Congress even has them! Do we sound jealous? Well, as civilians on the outside looking in, we are incredibly jealous of your health care benefits as federal employees—they are […]

FERS Go Bag: Your Official Personnel File

Item 2: Your Official Personnel File You need a complete and thorough copy of your Official Personnel File (OPF) in your FERS Go Bag—all of it, all the documents, everything.  Remember that when you are in, you are a guest, but when you are out, you are a pest.  The Official Personnel File (OPF) and […]

Should You Retire at 60 or Wait Until 62?

Hello, at age 57 years and two months, I separated from federal service for a civilian job after serving 5.3 years and buying back 17.2 years of military time. I currently have a good civilian job and plan to continue working until at least age 62. (I will turn 59 in March 2025.) My question […]

#121 The Untold Story of Survivor Benefits: Protect What Matters Most

Listen to the Full Episode: Planning for the future involves understanding what happens to your benefits after you are no longer here.  In this podcast episode, Micah and Christian explore the details of survivor benefits—who receives what, how to plan ahead, and why your choices are significant. You’ll learn how your pension, Social Security, TSP, […]

Fork or Knife? The Truth About VERA

Listen to the Full Episode: Are you considering early retirement under VERA? Before you make a decision that could affect your benefits for years to come, it’s important to understand the risks and opportunities involved.  In this podcast episode, Micah and Tammy discuss the key factors that federal employees should evaluate before opting for Voluntary […]

VERA-Retirement-Guide-Federal-Employees

Pros and cons of a VERA

Are you a federal employee considering Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA)? This comprehensive guide breaks down eligibility, benefits, and financial impacts, including how VERA affects your pension, health insurance (FEHB), and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Learn the key steps to avoid costly mistakes, understand your FERS Special Retirement Supplement, and maximize your retirement benefits.

🎙 Watch our YouTube Podcast for expert insights.
📚 Join our “Retire Right” On-Demand Class to make informed decisions.

Read now to take control of your federal retirement!

Fork in the Road: Frequently Asked Questions

What should Federal Employees facing the Fork in the Road do? As a Federal Employee Benefits expert, my primary advice—though not intended to be self-serving—is to consult your financial advisor. Someone who specializes in your benefits as a federal employee.  Do not face these decisions alone; ensure you have a financial sounding board to thoroughly […]

Fork in the Road: A Comprehensive Guide to Deferred Resignation for Federal Employees

https://youtu.be/EQqQhWMzTKs Federal Employees need to know what to anticipate if they choose to accept the Deferred Resignation package issued January 2025 to civilian federal employees. President Trump has issued executive orders requiring Federal Employees working remotely since the COVID outbreak in 2020 to return to their physical offices five days a week. Everyone anticipated that […]

#120 Reduction in Force (RIF) and Job Changes – What You Need to Know!

Listen to the Full Episode: What does a Reduction in Force (RIF) or job change mean for your federal benefits and retirement plans? These transitions can bring uncertainty, but you can stay in control with the proper preparation. In this podcast episode, Micah and Floyd share strategies to help you navigate career changes and retirement […]

Understanding Tax Implications for Survivor Benefits

Need help with federal employee survival benefits. I looking for specific help with my wife’s survivor FERS and Death Benefits. My wife worked for the Federal government and was still working when she passed.  After her death I met with her employer to fill out paperwork to gain access to her TSP (401k) and FERS […]