Posted on Friday, 17th April 2026 by Dennis Damp

Taxes are a conundrum that creates widespread confusion due to constant changes and the sheer volume of regulations governing every aspect of completing our tax returns.  I’ve used TurboTax since its inception, and that has calmed the waters for my family to a point. Yet every time you turn around, another taxing challenge rears its […]

Tags: Capital Gains, CSRS, Daily Brief, Dividends, Estimated Quarterly Taxes, FERS, Medicare, Pensions, Social Security, Tax Rates
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• ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY
• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• ESTATE PLANNING
• FINANCE / TIP
• General Information
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Friday, 13th March 2026 by Dennis Damp

When a loved one passes away, the emotional toll is often accompanied by financial uncertainty. For spouses of federal employees or retirees, survivor’s benefits can provide essential stability during a difficult transition. These benefits—administered through federal retirement systems and Social Security—are designed to ensure that a surviving spouse continues to receive income after the worker’s […]

Tags: CSRS, Daily Brief, Federal Employee Spousal Benefits, FERS, GPO, Master Retiree Contact List, Social Security, Survivor's Annuity, Survivor's Benefits
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• ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY
• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• ESTATE PLANNING
• FINANCE / TIP
• General Information
• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• OPM UPDATES
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Thursday, 19th February 2026 by Dennis Damp

Federal retirement planning comes with its own rulebook. Between FERS calculations, TSP strategies, and benefit elections, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the complexity. But here’s the good news: with the right checklist and timeline, you can navigate this process confidently and avoid costly mistakes. This detailed checklist complements and expands on our abbreviated “Ultimate […]

Tags: 1 Year Before Retirement, 2026 Retirement Checklistd, 5 Year Plan, Daily Brief, Early Retirement, Federal Employees Timeline, FERS Retirement, Key Benefit Elections, Medicare, OPM's Processing Timeline, Social Security, Three Retirement Pillars
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• ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY
• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• ESTATE PLANNING
• FINANCE / TIP
• General Information
• OPM UPDATES
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Monday, 20th October 2025 by Dennis Damp

Taking this 30-second check will help you navigate the often-complex federal retirement system. PARCO’s easy-to-use, free platform enables all Federal Employees (FERS, CSRS, Special FERS, and FSPS) to view their benefits and optimize their federal retirement. PARCO’s Free Platform is used by thousands of FERS and CSRS employees across the country and around the world.   […]

Tags: CSRS, FEDVIP, FEGLI, FEHB, FERS, Medicare, PSHB, Retirement Planning, Social Security
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• ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY
• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS
• ESTATE PLANNING
• FINANCE / TIP
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Thursday, 12th June 2025 by Dennis Damp

This year’s 2.5% COLA for Social Security and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and 2.0% for Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) decreased from the 2024 COLA of 3.2% % CSRS and 3% FERS. The 2023 COLA was the highest in over 40 years at 8.8% for CSRS and 7.7% for FERS employees. Even though […]

Tags: 2026 COLA Projections, COLA, CSRS, Daily Brief, Federal Retirement Projections, FERS, Social Security
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• ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY
• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• ESTATE PLANNING
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Friday, 25th April 2025 by Dennis Damp

The hiring freeze has been extended to July 1, 2025, and applies to all executive departments and agencies regardless of their operational and funding sources. This freeze prohibits filling vacant federal civilian positions or creating new ones, with exceptions for immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety. When the hiring freeze ends, agencies can hire […]

Tags: Daily Brief, Hiring Freeze, Illegal Immigrants, Schedule F Employees, Social Security
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• ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY
• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS
• LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Thursday, 13th February 2025 by Dennis Damp

Approximately 50% of retirees pay taxes on their Social Security benefits, compared to less than 10% in 1984! Thomas Massie (R-KY) reintroduced H.R. 1040, the Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act. It was referred 02/06/2025 to the House Committee on Ways and Means. This bill assists seniors by eliminating the double tax on Social Security benefits. […]

Tags: Social Security, Social Security Tax Elimination, Social Security Taxes on Income, Taxes, Taxes on Social Security
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• ANNUITIES / ELIGIBILITY
• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• ESTATE PLANNING
• FINANCE / TIP
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION

Posted on Friday, 24th January 2025 by Dennis Damp

For those planning their retirement, it’s a good time to assess where you are financially long before filing your retirement paperwork. Federal employees received an overall 2 percent pay raise, factoring in locality pay. The 2025 pay charts are available for your review. Sign up for a complimentary retirement planning session and a FREE retirement planning […]

Tags: 1099 R Forms, Annuity Statements, Benefits Blue Book, COLA, Medicare Premiums, Social Security
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• BENEFITS / INSURANCE
• ESTATE PLANNING
• FINANCE / TIP
• RETIREMENT CONCERNS
• SOCIAL SECURITY / MEDICARE
• SURVIVOR INFORMATION