Wage Grade Pay Logjam Breaks: Retroactive Raises Finally on the Way
Delayed wage grade adjustments are finally moving, with retroactive raises on the way. What blue-collar federal employees can expect, and when.
Federal Employee Resource Blog — page 17
OPM Targets “Grade Inflation”: The End of the “Outstanding” Era?
OPM has previewed a forced ratings distribution across the federal workforce. What the end of the routine Outstanding rating would mean for your caree
S Fund Slips While Other TSP Funds Gain in November: A Strategic Review
The S Fund slipped in November while the rest of the TSP gained. What a divergence like that says about concentration risk in your own allocation.
Boost Your 2025 Health Savings: New FSA Limits and How to Avoid the “Use-or-Lose” Trap
The IRS has raised health care FSA contribution limits for 2025. How to use the extra room, and how to avoid losing money to the use-or-lose rule.
The Billion-Dollar Loophole: Why Ineligible Dependents Are Costing You Money
An OPM Inspector General report finds ineligible family members are still covered under FEHB. What the cost is, and why it lands on your own premium.
Medicare Costs Climb in 2026: New Premiums and Deductibles Confirmed
CMS has confirmed the 2026 Medicare Part A and Part B premiums and deductibles. What the increase means if you are weighing Part B alongside FEHB.
TSP Net Outflows Signal a Critical Shift in Federal Retirement Planning
For the first time in recent memory, more money is leaving the TSP than going in. What negative cash flow says about the federal workforce right now.
A New Era for Your TSP: In-Plan Roth Conversions and Higher Limits Arrive in 2026
From January 2026 the TSP offers in-plan Roth conversions and higher contribution limits. What both changes let you do that you could not do before.
The “Three-Legged Stool” Advantage: Why Feds Are Winning the Retirement Race
A defined benefit pension puts federal employees well ahead of most private-sector savers. Why the three-legged stool still works, and where it fails.
The Hidden Cost of the Shutdown: Missed TSP Earnings Are Gone Forever
Back pay restores your salary after the 43-day shutdown. It does not restore the TSP earnings those missed contributions would have made, and cannot.
TSP Cash Flow Turns Negative: A Warning Sign for Your Retirement Strategy
FRTIB data shows TSP cash flow has turned negative. What withdrawals outpacing contributions signals, and what it should change in your own plan.
Shutdown Aftermath: Restoring Your Leave and Benefits
The government reopened, but leave, benefits and time-off awards disrupted by the 43-day shutdown still need untangling. What to check on your record.