Category Archives: FERS

CSRS and FERS Retiree On Line Services

One big issue that always seems to cause delay and dissension in Federal retiree divorce cases is the simple retrieval of information. One an employee is retired, his or her personnel-type issues are handled from the Office Of Personnel Management … Continue reading

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Coke and Pepsi Have Nothing On These COLAs

Federal retirees, from both Civil Service and the Military are entitled to COLA’s — Cost Of Living Adjustments — in their pensions and annuities.  Hmmm, reminds me, I had better do a post soon on the difference between retirement pay … Continue reading

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TSP — Thrift Savings Plan — Division and Conservation

The TPS (TSP) is a retirement investment vehicle similar … but certainly very different from .. a non-Federal employee’s 401K Plan.  A majority of Federal Workers have invested in the TSP already.  For those under the FERS (Federal Employee Retirement … Continue reading

Posted in CSRS, Divorce, FERS, Military Pay, Retirement Planning | 1 Comment

FERS, the Background and Nitty Gritty

Here’s a very well put together site, courtesy of your and my tax dollar that helps explain the intricacies of FERS. It’s not an easy program to fully comprehend or to evaluate, but little by little we’ll cut it down … Continue reading

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CSRS – FERS — What’s The Difference

I promised I’d post more articles here to try to “de-geek” some of these subjects. I already have pages of arcane detail about CSRS and FERS, but darn little that compares the two in a manner an non-geek might understand. … Continue reading

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When The 62nd Birthday Blows Up In Your Face

By Brian Friel bfriel@govexec.com Some military veterans who went on to civilian careers in government are getting a nasty surprise when they turn 62. Their pensions are being cut. The Catch-62, as veterans call it, affects people who served in … Continue reading

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Me and Bill, Where It All Began

I’ve been neglecting this blog for too long.  My June Resolution is, make something happen here. One thing that might help is if I told you all a little about myself.  I’m a retiree from the Federal Civil Service (CSRS) … Continue reading

Posted in CSRS, Divorce Attorney, FERS, Military Pay, NPV | 2 Comments

Values Often Neglected – Part 1, Annual Leave

As with all the information I provide here on this site, as a public service, remember that I am neither a lawyer nor an accountant or actuary. The purpose of this information is to bring things to your attention that … Continue reading

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Proper valuation of pension plans

This is the first in our ten (or so) part series on mistakes made in divorce of Federal employee’s.  To set a ground rule, I’m going to always refer to the employee and the non-employee.  It’s up to the reader … Continue reading

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Federal Employee Divorces — Top 10 Mistakes

Things have been a little busy the past week and inputs here haven’t been what they should be. Here’s a good “starter” for the week to get things going again. I titled this the Top 10 mistakes. photo credit: massless … Continue reading

Posted in COAP, CSRS, FEGLI, FEHB, FERS, Military Pay, NPV, QDRO | Leave a comment

FERS Retirement Ballpark

Many queries I’ve received over the past years of this blogs existence revolve around making a ballpark estimate of how much a Federal Annuitant “retiree”) will get at some point in the future when s/he retires.  Some federal income streams … Continue reading

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A Decent On Line FERS Calculator

In one respect calculating your retirement benefit is relatively simple.  You can, in theory, find everything you need on the Office of Personnel Management site: www.opm.gov But some other calculators are better organized, especially to take into account special circumstances … Continue reading

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Divorce Can Cost A Lot — Some Tips To Reduce The "Bite"

1. Have an Clear Written Fee Agreement Most experienced and effective divorce attorneys charge by the hour and require an advance retainer (or deposit) that is paid at the beginning of the case. Fees and expenses will be charged against … Continue reading

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Taxes During a Divorce

In Divorce, potential tax liability can frequently become the tool for one spouse to use against the other spouse. If improperly used, this tool can destroy all of the marital assets. In the worst case, tax liability can seriously impact … Continue reading

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Will You Have Enough After The IRS Takes Their "Bite"?

photo credit: numberstumper I just realized how far we are into the tax season and how little I’ve written about this all important subject. Whether you’re a regular retiree, a going to retire soon worker or, most especially, a CSRS … Continue reading

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Do You Have Enough?

This must be the most asked question in the world for those beginning the retirement adventure.  The answer almost always is, “Well you could have more, but you’re fine, just go do it.” I participate regularly in a very active … Continue reading

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