Dallen Haws

Sierra Vista

Host at Haws Federal Advisors Podcast

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Articles

Why Federal Employees Often Get Terrible Financial Advice

1 week ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

Federal employees, listen up. If you’ve been in the game for a while, you might have noticed a troubling trend: as a group, federal employees often receive terrible financial advice. Whether it’s from financial planners, coworkers, or even those teaching retirement trainings at agencies, the guidance you get is often off the mark. Today, we’re going to unpack why this happens and, more importantly, how you can protect yourself from falling into the same trap.
How to Plan for FERS Supplement & High-3 Changes

2 weeks ago | fedweek.com | Dallen Haws

Planning for retirement as a federal employee can be a complex process, especially when considering the nuances of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Two critical components of your retirement planning include the FERS Supplement and the High-3 Average Salary calculation. Both of these elements significantly impact your retirement income, and staying ahead of potential changes is essential for securing a stable financial future.
How To Strategically Time Your Federal Retirement

2 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

Retirement is one of the most significant milestones in your federal career. As a federal employee, strategically timing your retirement date can help you make the most of your hard-earned benefits—your pension, annual leave, sick leave, and more. But many federal employees overlook key details that can cost them money or delay benefits. Let’s walk through how you can time your retirement the smart way to ensure you start this next chapter of life on the right foot.
How To Avoid These Common Federal Employee Retirement Mistakes

3 weeks ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

If you’ve spent any time online, you’ve probably seen one of those viral clips where a cyclist is about to win a race. They’re meters from the finish line, throw their hands up in celebration, and bam—they trip, fall, or get passed at the last second. Why? Because they got comfortable. They assumed the hard part was over. That’s the last thing I want for any federal employee nearing retirement. Unfortunately, it happens far too often.
Should You Withdraw From Traditional Or Roth TSP First?

1 month ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

One of the most critical yet often overlooked decisions in retirement planning is the order in which you withdraw funds from your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The topic we will be covering will go over withdrawal strategies if you have both traditional and Roth TSP money. The strategy you choose can have a massive impact on how long your savings last and how much you ultimately pay in taxes.
What to Do as a Federal Employee if Your Spouse Passes Away

1 month ago | fedweek.com | Dallen Haws

The loss of a spouse is one of the most emotionally devastating events anyone can experience. For federal employees, grief is often accompanied by confusion and uncertainty around the complex web of federal benefits and survivor entitlements. Whether you’re currently employed or already retired, understanding what happens to your federal benefits if your spouse dies—or what your spouse is entitled to if you pass away—is critical for protecting your family’s financial well-being.
Investing In Your Future: 6 Early Career Habits For Federal Employees

1 month ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

Most articles written about federal careers are aimed at employees nearing retirement, as this phase of life involves a multitude of critical financial decisions that shape the future. However, investing in your federal career early can make life much easier, both now and in the decades to come. Even if you’re retiring soon, it’s never too late to start implementing these strategies now. Here are six habits every federal employee should develop early in their careers.
Best Tax-Saving Strategies For Federal Employees

1 month ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

As a federal employee, planning for retirement includes understanding how to manage taxes effectively. Whether you are currently working or retired, implementing smart tax strategies can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. This guide outlines some of the best tax-saving strategies for federal employees, with a particular focus on TSP withdrawals, Roth conversions, charitable contributions, and relocating to tax-friendly states.
Do Federal Employees Need a Financial Advisor?

1 month ago | fedweek.com | Dallen Haws

Federal employees have access to a wide range of unique benefits, from pensions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Social Security, and government-sponsored healthcare plans. With such an extensive benefits package, the question arises: Do federal employees need a financial advisor? The answer depends on several factors, including financial goals, complexity of benefits, and personal interest in managing finances.
What IRA Investments Are Similar To The TSP Funds?

1 month ago | fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws

The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a simple and efficient retirement savings option for federal employees, offering five core funds that make investing easy to manage. In contrast, an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) provides a vast array of investment choices, which can feel overwhelming for those accustomed to the TSP’s straightforward structure. Many federal employees struggle to find IRA investments that align with the familiar TSP funds after making the transition.