Choosing the Correct Survivor Annuity
Retirement and life insurance aren’t commonly thought of together, yet that is exactly what the survivor annuity is. The FERS survivor annuity (SA) is an option
Let's Be Real About What Advisors Actually Do
I receive emails weekly asking what I do and how I get paid for writing these blog posts. Others contact me under the belief that I am a federal employee who
How Retirement Income is Different Than Your Paycheck
Money is just money, right? Well, not exactly when it comes to retirement income. It’s not as straightforward as you would think. There are a number of things different about retirement income
A Taxable Account Makes Sense
Ask a high income earner what their biggest financial concern is and they’ll likely say that taxes are one of their biggest financial concerns. Accounts like a Traditional IRA, 401k, 403b, deferred comp and
The #1 Mistake Parents Make in the College Search
Searching for the right college for your children is a very overwhelming task. There are many things to consider and address when looking for the right college for your kids
The Impact of New Tax Law Changes
I have had a number of questions recently from federal employees and middle-class families wondering how they will be affected by the new tax law
Should You Invest in Roth TSP?
The Roth Thrift Savings Plan was introduced in 2012 for federal employees. Many federal employees have considered whether or not they should invest in Roth TSP and what the advantages are, yet I have seen very few
Should You Take a TSP Annuity
A common question for federal employees to ask me is, "so what's this annuity option in my Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)?" There is a lot of misunderstanding around what annuity
Big Changes to TSP
One of the worst parts of the Thrift Savings Plan in retirement has changed for the better. A new law recently went into effect that will
A Good Advisor Will Tell You "No"
The customer is always right has to be one of the most dangerous catch phrases in business. Nobody wants to argue, but an advisor that always says yes to clients is doing them a disservice
Retirement Isn't All About Income
Most people I talk to about retirement are primarily concerned with retirement income, and justifiably so, since many want to retire in the near future. I believe that we get too focused on the
The Stealth IRA
Are you taking advantage of all your tax-sheltered accounts? Most people contribute to their 403b or Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and may even consider a Roth IRA if they are eligible