Decoding the OPM Budget Proposal: The Shift in Federal Appeals and Modernization Initiatives
OPM's budget proposal signals a shift in federal appeal rights alongside a push to modernize hiring. What the request would change and what it would c
Finance & accounting
27 posts on finance & accounting, newest first.
Navigating the 2026 Postal Service Financial Crisis and OPM Retirement Backlogs
The Postal Service has announced a cash conservation plan while OPM's retirement backlog grows. What both mean if you are a postal worker planning an
The Shifting Landscape of Federal Labor Relations: Navigating the New IRS Labor Policy
On February 27, 2026 the IRS moved to end its national agreement with the NTEU. What federal labor relations look like once a contract that size is go
TSP Balances Jump $20,000 as New “Tax Control” Tool Goes Live
A record year lifted the average TSP balance by roughly $20,000. Why a bigger balance makes the withdrawal and tax decisions matter more, not less.
The $125 Million Rebrand: Why the DoD’s Name Change Costs More Than a Plaque
The CBO puts the cost of rebranding the Defense Department at about $125 million. Where that money goes, and what it displaces in the workforce budget
RIF Moratorium Set to Expire: A Renewed Threat to Job Security
The continuing resolution that banned reductions in force expires January 30, 2026. What the end of the moratorium means for federal job security.
OPM Orders Immediate Action on Stalled Retirement Applications
OPM has directed agencies to process the retirement applications that piled up during the shutdown. What the directive means if yours is still sitting
The Hidden Cost of the Shutdown: Missed TSP Earnings Are Gone Forever
The 43-day shutdown left a permanent mark on federal TSP accounts. Why missed contributions and the growth on them cannot be recovered by back pay.
The Great Federal Exit Clogs OPM: Retirement Backlog Surges
The deferred resignation wave has reached OPM just as shutdown chaos froze processing. What a perfect storm at OPM means for your retirement date.
Shutdown Over: Senate Bill Signed, RIFs Cancelled, but Financial Scars Remain
President Trump signed the funding package on November 12, 2025, ending the longest shutdown on record. What is restored, and what damage is permanent
Pentagon Accelerates Cuts Amidst Shutdown Chaos
While most of government froze, the Defense Department accelerated its workforce cuts. What the contrast means for DoD civilians planning ahead.
Social Security’s Future is Uncertain: Your Retirement Plan Cannot Be
A congressional report sets out Social Security's worsening finances and the choices ahead. Why your plan should not assume the current formula holds.
Federal Workforce on Edge as RIFs and Reorgs Take Shape
Agency reorganizations and RIFs have moved from threat to timetable. What the first concrete moves signal, and what to do before a notice arrives.
The TSP Revolution: Mastering the New Roth Conversion Option and International Fund Shift”
In-plan Roth conversions and a redesigned I Fund are the TSP's biggest changes in years. What each one lets you do, and how the two interact.
Honoring Heroes: New Bill Proposes Increased Line-of-Duty Death Benefits for Federal Employees
A reintroduced bill would raise line-of-duty death benefits for federal employees. What the increase would mean for surviving families.
Federal Retirement Planning – TSP Funds Show Mixed Performance in April
April brought mixed TSP results, with the C Fund down and the I Fund still climbing. What a split month says about diversification in your account.
TSP Performance Update – What Federal Employees Should Know About C and S Fund Declines
The C Fund has slipped into negative territory year to date and the S Fund has fallen further. What a decline like this should and should not change.
Understanding Probationary Firings and Federal Employee Rights: How Internal Benefit Advisors Can Help
Probationary periods carry real risk, and recent disputes have made that plain. What rights you hold, and where the gaps in protection actually sit.
Windfall Payments Begin Early: What It Means for Your Retirement Planning
Payments following repeal of the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision are arriving early. What it means for your planning.
Federal Employee Benefits at Risk: What the House Budget Plan Means for You
The House budget plan puts federal employee benefits on the table for cuts. Which benefits are exposed, and what the proposals would actually change.
Navigating Federal Workplace Issues: The Role of Legal Appeals and Expert Benefits Advisors
An appeal to the Supreme Court may be the first of many federal employment cases. How to keep your benefits planning steady through a long legal fight
Retirement Planning for Federal Employees: Finding the Best State to Retire
Where you retire changes what you keep. How state tax treatment of federal annuities and TSP income, cost of living and healthcare access compare.
Maximizing Social Security Benefits for Veterans: How Military Service Credits Can Boost Your Retirement Income
For veterans, military service credits can raise a Social Security benefit. How to claim them, and how they fit alongside a federal annuity.
Deferred Annuities: A Key Strategy for Federal Retirees Seeking Financial Security
A deferred annuity lets you retire now and start pension income later. How the trade-off works, who it suits, and what it costs you to wait.
Exceptions to the TSP Early Withdrawal Penalty
Not every TSP withdrawal before 59 and a half triggers the 10 percent penalty. The exceptions that apply, including separation at 55 and disability.
End of Year Reminder on TSP Taxes and Contributions
Year end is the moment to check TSP contribution limits and your tax withholding. What to confirm now to avoid an unwelcome bill in April.
Tax Rules Differ When Taking from a Roth TSP vs. Roth IRA
A Roth TSP and a Roth IRA are not taxed the same way on withdrawal. The differences that can cost you taxes and penalties if you assume otherwise.