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Understanding how your FERS pension is calculated is one of the most important parts of federal retirement planning. The good news is that the formula itself is relatively straightforward. Your pension is primarily based on three things: Your high-3 salary Your years of service Your retirement multiplier When combined correctly, these determine your lifetime pension […]
Read article →Federal retirement is not one single event. It is a timeline of income streams that start at different ages. If you want to map your personal timeline: https://fersfree.com Age 57: Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) Possible income: FERS pension (if eligible) FERS supplement TSP withdrawals VA disability This is where retirement becomes possible for many employees. […]
Read article →Federal retirement is full of small decisions that can create very large financial consequences. A slightly wrong retirement date, poor TSP timing, or missing FEHB eligibility can cost thousands over time. If you want to stress-test your plan: https://fersfree.com 1) Choosing the Wrong Retirement Date A poor date can impact: Pension timing Leave payout FEHB […]
Read article →If you’ve served in the military—or are transitioning into federal service—you’ve probably heard about two retirement systems: High-3 and BRS (Blended Retirement System) Understanding the difference between them is critical, especially if you are planning to combine military service with a federal civilian career. If you want to see how your military time impacts your […]
Read article →The FERS Supplement (also called the Special Retirement Supplement, or SRS) is a temporary benefit that can significantly boost income for federal retirees before Social Security begins. It is designed to bridge the gap between your retirement date and age 62. If you want to see how it fits into your timeline: https://fersfree.com What Is […]
Read article →If you’re leaving federal service before taking your pension, you’ll likely encounter two confusing terms: Deferred Retirement and Postponed Retirement They sound similar—but financially, they are very different. If you want to compare your retirement scenarios: https://fersfree.com The Key Difference (Simple Version) Deferred Retirement = Leave federal service and take your pension later (with major […]
Read article →One of the most common questions federal employees ask before retiring is: Will my FERS pension be taxed? The short answer is yes at the federal level, but the full answer is more nuanced—especially when you factor in state taxes, TSP withdrawals, and Social Security. If you want to estimate your real net income: https://fersfree.com […]
Read article →One of the most important decisions federal employees make while contributing to the TSP is: Should I use Roth or Traditional? The answer depends on taxes—specifically when you want to pay them. If you want to model your retirement income: https://fersfree.com The Core Difference Traditional TSP: Contributions are pre-tax You pay taxes later in retirement […]
Read article →One of the most important—and emotional—decisions in federal retirement planning is: Should you elect a FERS survivor benefit? This decision affects: Your monthly pension Your spouse’s financial security Your long-term retirement strategy If you want to see how this impacts your income: https://fersfree.com What Is a FERS Survivor Benefit? A survivor benefit allows your spouse […]
Read article →The FERS Supplement can be a valuable income bridge before age 62, but many retirees are caught off guard by one critical rule: The earnings limit. If you plan to work after retiring, this rule can significantly reduce or even eliminate your supplement. To model your retirement income scenarios: https://fersfree.com What Is the FERS Supplement […]
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