If you are a Federal Government Employee getting ready to retire, ask yourself these 11 questions. And if you need help with these, contact us directly for individual assistance. 1. Do you know when you can retire without penalty? Make sure you understand that if you retire under the MRA +10 designation, there will be a penalty. To avoid that, you need to have your MRA +30 years of service, or be 60 years old with 20 years of service, or be 62 with five years of service. Chec

Did you know that most people are NOT prepared for retirement? Even with all the articles, news stories, warnings from your uncle, and friends talking about it over lunch, most people still ignore it. Until they are in their 50s. Don't be that person. Many people often think that it's too late to save for retirement. But it's never "too late." You just might have to be more aggressive in your planning and saving. Facts about retirement savings by age: In your 20s: Saving ju

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—one filled with possibility, pride, and, let’s be honest, a fair amount of uncertainty. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy starter home or a place to grow into over time, the process can feel overwhelming at first. The good news? With the right preparation and mindset, you can move forward with confidence and clarity. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your first home purchase. 1. Start with a Clear Financial Pictu

Many federal employees approaching retirement see $1 million in their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) as the ultimate goal. After years of saving and investing, they wonder if this amount is enough for a comfortable retirement. The truth? It varies. There's no one-size-fits-all retirement number. Some may retire comfortably with $400,000, while others might feel insecure with $2 million. Your lifestyle, expenses, health, debt, and other income sources influence whether $1 million s

As we approach a period where the possibility of a government shutdown looms on the horizon, it is crucial to take proactive steps to ensure that you and your family are well-prepared for any disruptions that may occur. Here is a checklist to help you get ready. Financial Readiness ☐ Calculate 1–2 months of essential expenses ☐ Build or add to an emergency fund ☐ Keep savings in easily accessible accounts ☐ Reduce non-essential spending now ☐ Keep $300–$1,000 in cash if possi

Tips for getting ready for tax season

Inflation, turbulent markets and uncertainty around Social Security have many Americans losing sleep over retirement. But new research shows one group is more confident than most. According to Nationwide, the latest research finds that 76% of investors with annuities expect to retire when they want, compared to just 49% of those without them. However, planned retirement ages have crept later, with respondents now targeting age 64.3, up from 63.7 in 2023. “It’s not surprisin

The longest U.S. government shutdown in history ended after 43 days, with President Trump signing a funding bill on November 13. The deadlock disrupted government services, furloughing or leaving about 1.4 million federal employees unpaid. Focus now shifts to reopening and addressing delays in data and payments, according to J.P. Morgan Insights. While backpay will be distributed soon, other spending will be released gradually. During the shutdown, federal agencies, including

Are you experiencing difficulties with your creditors during this uncertain time? It's a good idea to contact your bank or mortgage company and explain your situation. Many creditors are easing their policies during the government shutdown. Below are sample letters that you can use as a guide when communicating with your creditors. CLICK HERE