Author: Brennan Rhule, CFP®, ChFEBC℠, AIF®

fers-supplemental-annuity

FERS Supplement – Special Federal Retiree Benefit

FERS Annuity Supplement for Federal Retirement The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Annuity Supplement, often referred to simply as the FERS annuity supplement, is a critical component of federal retirement planning. This supplement offers a bridge of income for federal employees who retire before they are eligible for Social Security benefits, particularly targeting those who retire before age 62. A common misconception is that the FERS supplement is related to Social Security. Although the FERS supplement does utilize information from

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federal-retirement-mra

Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Eligibility and Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) Considerations

Federal Retirement MRA What is the Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) for Federal Employees? Understanding Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) The Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) is the earliest age at which a federal employee can retire with an immediate retirement benefit under FERS. The MRA varies based on an employee’s birth year but generally falls between 56 and 57 years. Reaching your MRA opens up various retirement options and forms the cornerstone of retirement planning for federal employees. The concept of MRA

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tsp-rate-of-return

Exploring TSP Funds: Share Price History and Rates of Return in the Thrift Savings Plan

Understanding TSP Fund Performance: Exploring Share Price History and TSP Rates of Return  The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan available to federal employees, including members of the uniformed services. This plan, established by Congress, provides a valuable opportunity for participants to grow their retirement savings through investment in several TSP funds. Understanding the TSP funds’ share price history and rates of return is crucial for making informed investment decisions. This article delves into the

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tsp-g-fund

History of the G Fund and TSP G Fund Rate Today

TSP G Fund: Understanding the Government Securities Investment Option in the Thrift Savings Plan The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services, offering a variety of investment funds to help individuals plan for their retirement. Among these options, the TSP G Fund stands out as a unique and secure investment choice. The G Fund is an integral part of the TSP, designed to provide a stable and low-risk investment

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fers-insurable-interest-survivor-benefit

The Insurable Interest Survivor Annuity Benefit: An In-Depth Explanation

The Insurable Interest Survivor Annuity Benefit: An In-Depth Explanation You can elect to provide an insurable interest annuity only for someone who has an insurable interest in you. Please note that an insurable interest is not a spousal survivor benefit which is very different. “Insurable interest” is an insurance term which applies to someone who would reasonably expect to derive financial benefit from your continued life. For survivor benefit election purposes, an insurable interest is presumed to exist if you

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deferred vs postponed retirement

Deferred vs Postponed Retirement – Avoid Common Mistakes!

Understanding the Differences Between FERS Deferred and Postponed Retirement Options Retirement planning for federal employees involves a complex array of choices and implications, especially when navigating through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). Understanding these options, specifically the nuances between FERS Deferred Retirement and FERS Postponed Retirement, is crucial for any federal employee planning their exit from federal service. This article aims to outline the eligibility requirements, discuss the benefits and limitations, and explore the impacts on other federal benefits.

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federal-retirement-workshop

Retirement Tax Havens: Exploring States with Tax-Free Retirement Income

Best States to Retire: Tax-Free Retirement, Cost-of-Living, and Quality of Life Uncovering a sanctuary where state tax authorities don’t touch your retirement income is the ultimate way to a more secure and comfortable retirement. The prospect of keeping more of your Social Security, pension, and retirement savings isn’t merely wishful thinking; it’s a tangible reality in select tax-friendly states across the U.S. This comprehensive guide sheds light on the advantages and considerations of residing in states that exempt your retirement

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federal-retirement-planning

FEHB – Waiver of 5-Year Enrollment Requirement

Waiver of the FEHB 5-Year Rule The 5-year rule in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program refers to the requirement that federal employees must have been enrolled in an FEHB plan for at least five years before retirement to continue coverage into retirement. This rule ensures that retiring federal employees can maintain their health insurance coverage under the FEHB Program into retirement. It’s important for federal employees to be aware of this rule and plan accordingly when considering retirement.

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federal-retirement-webinar

2024 Retirement Earnings Test (RET) & Social Security

2024 Retirement Earnings Test (RET) & Social Security It is important to be mindful of the Retirement Earnings Test (RET) if you intend to take Social Security before your full retirement age (FRA). We often see people take Social Security early, become bored in retirement, then return back to work part-time or full-time. In this less-than-ideal scenario, you will have taken Social Security at a lower amount and now receive a heavily reduced benefit amount or none at all. RET

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federal-retirement-planning

What is the Best Age to take Social Security? Pros & Cons of Starting Earlier or Later

What is the Best Age to take Social Security? Pros & Cons of Starting Earlier or Later This article aims to assist retirees in determining the optimal age to start receiving Social Security benefits, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of taking benefits earlier versus waiting, and taking into account other factors that can influence your decision. We often hear the advice to delay taking Social Security for as long as possible to secure a larger monthly benefit later on. However,

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