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Considering Your Options – Should You Stay the Course?

Posted on Friday, 2nd February 2024 by Dennis Damp

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A Federal Employee’s Dilemma Is the grass greener on the other side? Humm, maybe, depending on the circumstances, yes and no!  If you’re referring to Ireland, yes, their grass is literally greener than most. When it comes to a career change proceed with caution, especially when considering federal employment’s exceptional pay and benefits. In my […]

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Tax Forms Availability and Annuity Statements

Posted on Friday, 26th January 2024 by Dennis Damp

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The Social Security Administration was the first to send out forms again this year.  Our 1099 R Tax Forms typically aren’t available until the end of January to early February by regular mail. Registered users of OPM’s Retirement Services Website can download their Annuity Statement and 1099 R forms now. 1099 Forms I received my […]

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TSP RMDs & Withdrawals Plus Site Navigation Tips

Posted on Friday, 19th January 2024 by Dennis Damp

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I was required to take my first RMD at age 70 ½ several years ago before the laws were changed. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act in 2023 the required withdrawal age increased to 73. Several newsletter subscribers asked for an update on TSP annuities, RMDs, and withdrawals in general. Rachel stated, “While the new TSP […]

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Preparing for the New Year – 2024 Updates

Posted on Friday, 5th January 2024 by Dennis Damp

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It’s the beginning of a new year and a good time for those planning their retirement to assess where they are financially, long before filing their retirement paperwork. Federal employees received a significant pay increase this year, 5.2% on average after factoring in locality pay. The 2024 pay charts are available for your review. COLA […]

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2023 in the Rear View Mirror – Observations and Updates

Posted on Friday, 15th December 2023 by Dennis Damp

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I like to close out each year with a few last-minute updates and observations. My next article won’t be published until early January. Time to celebrate the holidays and just sit back and relax awhile. The Clock Keeps Ticking – Thankfully The older I get, the faster time flies by. In our youth most couldn’t […]

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T-Bills, Savings Bonds, and CD Investments in the Spot Light

Posted on Friday, 8th December 2023 by Dennis Damp

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I started purchasing Treasury Bills in early 2022 to increase our returns due to the extremely low interest rates banks, credit unions, and CDs were offering at the time. The Federal Reserve kept interest rates artificially low far too long. After a decade of near zero interest rates, those on fixed incomes were losing money […]

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MA Plans and the Prescription Drug Plan – Continued

Posted on Friday, 1st December 2023 by Dennis Damp

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I’ve spent most of my time evaluating our health care options this past two months. This year’s focus was on the new Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offered by GEHA and the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (MPDP) offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield and 16 other providers. So much to consider and research before staying […]

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Comparing FEHB Plans to their Medicare Advantage (MA) Option

Posted on Friday, 24th November 2023 by Dennis Damp

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This article compares the Government Employees Health Association (GEHA) Standard Plan to their new MA Option. You will have to review the specific plan of interest to ensure it covers the services you need for the upcoming year.   Open season closes December 11, we have less than two weeks to decide whether to stay […]

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