Posted on Tuesday, 4th December 2012 by Paul Risser

IRAs & workplace retirement plans have higher contribution limits. Presented by Paul H. Risser The IRS has set annual contribution limits for IRAs, 401(k)s, TSPs and other retirement plans higher for 2013, and made other important adjustments for inflation as well. Here is an overview of some notable changes just announced. The 2013 IRA contribution […]

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• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• ESTATE PLANNING
• FINANCE / TIP
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Wednesday, 14th November 2012 by Dennis Damp

It’s that time of year again and we all know that our health care premiums, in most cases, will be going up. The (FEHB) Program premiums will increase by 3.4 percent in 2013, which is lower than last year’s increase of 3.8 percent.  The average premium increase for the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance […]

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• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS
• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
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Posted on Friday, 9th November 2012 by Paul Risser

Things you can do before and for 2013 Presented by Paul H. Risser What financial, business or life priorities do you need to address for 2013? Now is a good time to think about the investing, saving or budgeting methods you could employ toward specific objectives. Some year-end financial moves may prove crucial to the […]

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• FINANCE / TIP
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS

Posted on Sunday, 21st October 2012 by Dennis Damp

OPM revised and updated several FERS and CSRS retirement application forms in 2012. Before submitting your application check your form’s date to ensure you have the updated version. (Forward this email to others in your organization to give them a heads up about this.) You can download the updated forms online at http://federalretirement.net/retireforms.htm.  The forms […]

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Posted on Friday, 28th September 2012 by Dennis Damp

Recently, the Congressional Budget Office has suggested that a 1.3 percent cost-of-living adjustment is pending for Dec. 1 that includes military, civilian, retired pay, and Social Security recipients. There was talk of an increase of as high as 1.9%. We will see the increase in our January annuity check. Today, 1.3% doesn’t look that bad […]

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• FINANCE / TIP
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Posted on Saturday, 8th September 2012 by Dennis Damp

Had this program been available when I was planning my retirement I might have considered it to test the waters before leaving altogether? The new Phased Retirement program is authorized under section 100115 of Public Law 112-141, the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act,” or “MAP-21,” approved on July 6, 2012. If […]

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Posted on Thursday, 6th September 2012 by Paul Risser

Investing timidly may shield you against risk … but not against inflation. Presented by Paul H. Risser When is being risk-averse too risky for the sake of your retirement? After you conclude your career or sell your company, you have a right to be financially cautious. At the same time, you can risk being a […]

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Posted on Saturday, 25th August 2012 by Dennis Damp

If you are considering a TSP withdrawal be aware of the potential for a 10% penalty. You can always withdraw funds from the TSP after you leave federal service, however to avoid the 10% tax penalty, you must meet one of these exceptions:   Additional 10% Penalty Tax If you receive a TSP distribution before […]

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• ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY
• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• FINANCE / TIP
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE