Secure Your Retirement with Confidence.
A Guide for Federal Employees.
Understand your federal benefits, maximize your retirement income, and protect your financial future.
Federal employees have access to unique retirement benefits, but navigating them effectively is crucial for a secure financial future. Whether you are planning for retirement or facing unexpected job changes, knowing your options can help you make informed decisions.
Federal Retirement Systems
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- Pension (Defined Benefit) – Provides a guaranteed monthly income based on your years of service and highest salary years.
- Social Security Benefits – Unlike CSRS, FERS employees are eligible for Social Security.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – A powerful retirement savings plan with both Roth and Traditional options. Matching contributions make it a key wealth-building tool.
Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)
- For employees hired before 1984, CSRS offers a pension without Social Security benefits.
- No employer-matching for the TSP, but CSRS retirees often receive a larger pension.
Additional Federal Benefits
- FEGLI (Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance) – Provides life insurance coverage, but costs increase in retirement.
- FEHB (Federal Employee Health Benefits Program) – Critical for maintaining healthcare in retirement.
- Survivor Benefits – Ensures income for spouses after the retiree’s passing.
- Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) – Helps cover long-term care costs.
Maximizing Your Retirement Benefits
- TSP Optimization – Contribute enough to receive the full agency match and consider catch-up contributions if you're 50+.
- Special Retirement Supplement (SRS) – Helps bridge the gap for early retirees before Social Security kicks in.
- Rollover Strategies – Understand how to transition TSP funds into other retirement vehicles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) & Government Pension Offset (GPO) – Know how these rules impact your Social Security benefits.
- FEGLI Costs in Retirement – Explore alternatives to costly coverage.
- Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) – Avoid penalties by understanding TSP withdrawal rules.
- Improper Beneficiary Designations – Ensure your assets go to the right people.
Strategic Financial Planning for Federal Employees
- Fixed Index Annuities – Provide guaranteed income without market risk.
- Life Insurance Strategies – Replace or supplement FEGLI with cost-effective options.
- Trust & Estate Planning – Protect your wealth and ensure smooth asset transfer.
- Tax-Efficient Withdrawals – Minimize taxes by planning TSP and pension distributions properly.
Take Control of Your Financial Future
Navigating federal retirement benefits can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Schedule a Free Retirement Review to ensure you’re making the most of your benefits and securing your future.