Dismantling Due Process: The Union Lawsuit Against OPM’s Forced Ratings and Suitability Rules
Four federal unions are suing OPM over forced-distribution performance ratings and its expanded suitability firing authority. What it means for your c
Federal benefits news and analysis
OPM rule changes, FEHB and FEGLI updates, and what is moving in the TSP — written for federal employees, not for advisers. 438 posts and counting.
Strategic Retirement Timing: Maximizing Your Federal Benefits Through Optimal Exit Dates
Your federal retirement date is a formula, not a feeling. How the exact day you leave changes your annuity, your leave payout and your first year of i
The Imminent Shift in Performance Appraisals: Preparing for OPM’s FY26 Calibration Rules
OPM's FY26 rules force standardized performance ratings across agencies. What that means for your appraisal, your tenure and where you stand in a RIF.
The Operational Cost of Contraction: How Army Depot Shortages Highlight the Need for Career Readiness
A GAO report finds civilian staffing losses at two Army depots are hitting readiness. Why federal career planning now needs a contingency, not just a
The 100 Percent Verification Mandate: Why OPM’s New FEHB Rules Demand Immediate Attention
OPM will require 100 percent verification of FEHB family member eligibility. What documents you need, the deadlines, and what happens if you miss them
Bridging the Bureaucratic Gap: How OPM’s New eOPF Portal Impacts Your Retirement Strategy
OPM's new eOPF Document Request Service lets separated employees retrieve their records without a PIV card. How it fits into your retirement planning.
The Illusion of Immediate Access: Navigating OPM’s New eOPF Portal Amidst Processing Delays
OPM's new document portal promises instant access to your records, but processing delays tell another story. What separated federal employees should e
Surviving the Summer Market Swing: Why July’s TSP Dip Demands Active Wealth Protection
TSP funds cooled across the board in July after a strong first half. What a mid-year dip means if you are drawing down within the next three years.
The New Era of Federal Layoffs: How OPM’s Final Rule on RIFs Reshapes Career Tenure
OPM has finalized a rule putting performance ratings ahead of seniority in reduction-in-force decisions. What it changes about your federal job securi
The Elimination of the Objective Appeal: OPM Takes Control of Suitability Adjudication
OPM has finalized a rule taking control of suitability adjudication, narrowing the appeal routes career federal employees have relied on. What changes
The Legal Brinkmanship at the VA: Navigating Contract Terminations and Rollover Clauses
The VA is in a legal fight over terminated union contracts and rollover clauses. What the outcome could mean for protections across the department.
The Eradication of Advanced Leave: Why the IRS and SSA Suspensions Threaten Your Financial Safety Net
The IRS and SSA have suspended advanced annual and sick leave. Why that removes a financial safety net federal employees rely on during a personal cri