A Record-Breaking Shutdown Inflicts Deep and Lasting Scars
The shutdown became the longest in U.S. history with no breakthrough in sight. How the strain moved from hardship into lasting financial damage.
Federal Employee Resource Blog — page 19
2026 Federal Retirement COLAs Finalized, Highlighting Inflation’s Impact
COLAs for January 2026 have been announced by the Social Security Administration. What CSRS and FERS retirees will each receive, and why they differ.
Shutdown Pain Spreads Beyond Federal Workforce, Affecting Public Services
Four weeks into the shutdown, a new survey shows the public feeling the effects too. How the widening damage changes the politics of ending it.
Shutdown Crisis Deepens: Food Aid Threatened for Millions
The shutdown threatened to cut food assistance for millions from November 1. How a federal funding lapse reaches far past the government payroll.
Shutdown Grounds Flights, Highlighting Financial Strain on Unpaid Feds
Flight delays and ground stops at major hubs traced back to unpaid federal staff. What the disruption revealed about the strain on the workforce.
Shutdown Drags On: Senate Reconvenes Amid Stalemate, Federal Workforce Pays the Price
Another week of frozen paychecks as the Senate reconvenes with the funding stalemate unbroken. What federal employees can do while it continues.
Maximize Your Federal Exit: The Lump-Sum Annual Leave Payout Explained
Your unused annual leave is paid as a lump sum when you separate. How it is calculated, how it is taxed, and why the timing of your exit changes it.
Senate Considers Pay for Working Feds Amid Deepening Shutdown Hardship
The Senate weighed legislation to pay federal employees still working through the shutdown. What the proposal covered and who it would have left out.
Shutdown Gridlock Continues, Financial Pain Deepens for Federal Workforce
Sixteen days in, with the Senate failing a tenth time to advance funding. What two weeks without a paycheck does, and the steps that actually help.
Steer Clear of These Federal Retirement Red Flags
FERS or CSRS, TSP, FEHB, FEGLI and Social Security all interact. The red flags that most often derail a federal retirement, and how to spot them early
The Shutdown Hits Home: A Payless Payday Arrives for Hundreds of Thousands
Hundreds of thousands of federal employees have now hit a full pay period with no pay. What to prioritize when the paycheck simply does not arrive.
Court Blocks Shutdown RIFs, Offering a Critical Reprieve
A federal court has temporarily blocked RIF layoffs during the shutdown. What the restraining order actually protects, and how long the reprieve lasts