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The December CPI and Fixed Income Updates

Posted on Saturday, 14th January 2023 by Dennis Damp

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The December 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropped .1%, the first drop in the CPI since December of 2020. A sign that inflation may be improving slightly. However, year over year inflation was 6.5%, still high by any standard. Wages, consumer goods, food, and housing remain high. The Federal Reserve is expected to continue increasing […]

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The Current State of Affairs and Reflections 2022

Posted on Friday, 6th January 2023 by Dennis Damp

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Forward this to others that may find this information helpful. They can sign-up to receive my free Retirement Planning Newsletter. According to Gallup, three-quarters of Americans, including majorities of all party groups, are dissatisfied with the nation’s direction. The Current State of Affairs Many reading my column are seniors or those fast approaching that milestone. Everyone, […]

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Preparing for the New Year – 2024 Updates

Posted on Thursday, 5th January 2023 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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RMDs, Annuity Statements and 1099Rs Are on Their Way

Posted on Friday, 16th December 2022 by Dennis Damp

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Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Clause. This time of year, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) sends out participant’s Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), and in early January our annuity statements will arrive reflecting an 8.7% for CSRS and 7.7% FERS COLA increase. RMDs The first year you are 72 or older and separated from service […]

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FEHB Medicare Advantage Plans – What You Need to Know

Posted on Friday, 2nd December 2022 by Dennis Damp

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For most federal annuitants, FEHB Medicare Advantage (MA) plans will be the cheapest option next year. They combine low out-of-pocket healthcare expenses—sometimes $0 besides prescription drugs— with a Part B premium reduction. We’ll cover how they work, how much money you can save switching from popular FEHB plans, and who shouldn’t join an FEHB MA […]

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The FEHB Open Season Conundrum, Selecting the Best Plan

Posted on Friday, 25th November 2022 by Dennis Damp

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Please forward this to all federal employees, annuitants, and survivors Each year we publish numerous articles about the current open season’s (FEHBs) available plans, and we send out an updated “Open Season Selection Guide.” We also publish various FEHB plan comparisons, point out coverage concerns, new plan features, and relay the concerns of our readers […]

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Blue Cross Blue Shield Basic to GEHA Standard Plan Comparison – 2023

Posted on Thursday, 17th November 2022 by Dennis Damp

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Please forward this article to others that may find this information useful. This summary compares the 2023 Self + One Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Basic plan to the GEHA Standard plan for those who are 65 or older. BCBS has the most subscribers and GEHA has one of the lowest premiums for their standard […]

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2023 FEHB Plan Selection Guide

Posted on Friday, 11th November 2022 by Dennis Damp

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Forward this article to others that can use this “Open Season” information. Open season runs from November 14th through December 12th.  Our Federal Employee’s Health Benefit (FEHB) plan premiums increased an average of 7.2%! There are tools available to evaluate provider options, compare costs, select your 2023 plan, and submit changes to OPM. Use the […]

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