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1 week 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.
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2 weeks ago | 
fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws
VIDEORetirement planning is a complex process for federal employees, requiring careful attention to eligibility rules and regulations. Among the many requirements that determine post-retirement benefits, the 5-year rule plays a crucial role in three key programs: Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB), Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), and Roth Thrift Savings Plan (Roth TSP).
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3 weeks ago | 
fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws
Navigating retirement successfully requires a thoughtful approach to managing your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). By understanding and tailoring your investment strategies, you can create a sustainable plan to support your financial goals. One popular strategy, the 60/40 allocation, balances growth and stability, but it may not be suitable for everyone depending on individual circumstances.
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3 weeks ago | 
fedweek.com | Dallen Haws
When planning for retirement as a federal employee, understanding the difference between your Service Computation Date (SCD) and your Retirement Service Computation Date (RSCD) is essential. While these two dates may sometimes be the same, they often differ based on factors such as prior military service, temporary employment, or other irregular service periods.
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4 weeks ago | 
fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws
Many federal employees dream of retiring as early as possible while still enjoying the full range of their retirement benefits. The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) offers several pathways to retirement, each with its own qualifications and trade-offs. In this guide, we’ll break down the key types of federal retirement options and what you need to know to plan effectively.
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1 month ago | 
fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws
When it comes to federal retirement, the terms “postponed” and “deferred” might seem interchangeable at first glance. After all, they both involve delaying the start of pension benefits. However, there are important distinctions between the two, especially when it comes to eligibility, benefits, and the ability to retain health insurance. Understanding the differences between postponed and deferred retirements can help you make the best decision for your career and future.
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1 month ago | 
fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws
FEDVIP stands for Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program. The government’s FEDVIP program is not like the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. FEHB is a great deal for 99% of employees while dental/vision is not near as clean cut. Some Feds do not need dental/vision coverage while for others it is a great deal. Here are the most important things you need to know to maximize the dental/vision program. FEDVIP covers most things when it comes to dental or vision.
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1 month ago | 
fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws
VIDEOWhen planning your federal retirement, it’s critical to understand how unused sick leave is handled and whether it plays a role in increasing your eligibility age. Many federal employees also wonder if their accumulated sick leave can help them meet age or service requirements for retirement. Let’s dive into this topic and dispel the myths surrounding it. What Does Unused Sick Leave Get You?
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1 month ago | 
fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws
When federal employees reach 30 years of service with the federal government, they usually start thinking about retirement. Three very common ages to retire as a federal employee are 57 (Minimum Retirement Age (MRA)), 60 or 62. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each retirement age, focusing on pension calculations, the FERS (Federal Employee Retirement System) supplement, and the 10% pension bonus. First, let’s take a look at how the FERS pension and FERS supplement are calculated.
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1 month ago | 
fedsmith.com | Dallen Haws
Navigating retirement successfully requires a thoughtful approach to managing your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Your TSP, built over years of saving and investing, can provide a steady stream of income in retirement if you adopt strategies tailored to your needs. This article will cover two useful strategies to consider: the Bucket Strategy, and the 4% Rule.
