Posted on Friday, 25th June 2021 by Dennis Damp

Earlier this year the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) launched a redesigned website. Concurrently, they announced significant account access and security changes, additional L Fund options, and the ability to submit certain TSP forms online after logging into your account. They sent out a message from the executive director to all participants last February announcing these […]

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• ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY
• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• ESTATE PLANNING
• FINANCE / TIP
• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Friday, 11th June 2021 by Dennis Damp

Retirement is a life changing event that requires considerable research and due diligence. The elections made are often irreversible and can compromise a retiree’s finances and the benefits carried into retirement.  I retired from federal service in 2005 and my articles focus on current events that can and often do affect those planning their retirement […]

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• ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY
• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• FINANCE / TIP
• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Saturday, 29th May 2021 by Dennis Damp

We all must become a patient advocate when a family member is undergoing treatment for serious illness. There are times when you have to be your own advocate, and perform the due diligence needed to receive the best treatment possible. Physicians have a lot on their plate and out of necessity often rely on a […]

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• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION
• WELLNESS / HEALTH

Posted on Friday, 7th May 2021 by Dennis Damp

IRMAA stands for Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts. A federal retiree’s total income includes their pension, social security benefits, income from investments (dividends and capital gains), and required minimum distributions from their TSP and other retirement accounts. Many also work part time or own small businesses. All income combined can often increase a retiree’s Medicare […]

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• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE

Posted on Wednesday, 21st April 2021 by Dennis Damp

We can expect a higher COLA increase for 2022. According to Kiplinger’s Magazine the 2022 COLA will Likely increase to 3%, the largest increase since 2012. The final number will be released this October.  There are many variables in the annual COLA calculation and these can change dramatically before the final numbers are tabulated. Request […]

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

Posted on Friday, 2nd April 2021 by Dennis Damp

I’ve been writing my retirement planning column for close to two decades and during this time received numerous candid queries from friends and subscribers concerning their retirement fears. These concerns often cause federal employees to delay their departure until they resolve the conflict or simply throw the dice and leave. The concerns range from financial, […]

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• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION
• Travel
• WELLNESS / HEALTH

Posted on Thursday, 18th March 2021 by Dennis Damp

This tune keeps playing in my head after listening to XM radio’s sixties on six yesterday. A Sonny and Cher hit that topped the charts in 1967! After 54 years the words are still relevant, especially the last stanza. Grandmas sit in chairs and reminisce Boys keep chasing girls to get a kiss The cars […]

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• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS

Posted on Saturday, 13th March 2021 by Dennis Damp

Major laws are often passed without our representatives actually knowing what’s in them. Recall, the speaker of the house’s comment when Obama Care Passed. She stated, “We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it.”  This isn’t a one-sided issue, both parties suffer from this irrational behavior. Most […]

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• FINANCE / TIP
• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS