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Articles by Dallen Haws
Is $1 Million in TSP Enough for a Comfortable Retirement?
Today we are answering literally the million-dollar question. Is $1,000,000 in the Thrift Savings Plan, or wherever you might have it as a federal employee, enough? We see federal employees reading all kinds of stuff on the internet claiming you need $5,000,000 to retire. But what most feds do not understand is that the principles that make sense for federal employees are simply different than for the average American because your benefits are simply unique.
Withdrawing from One TSP Fund to Avoid Locking in Losses
When equity markets drop, submitting an interfund transfer shortly after a withdrawal neutralizes the proportional distribution mechanic. Image: larry1235/Shutterstock.com When federal employees retire and begin drawing income from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a critical administrative rule often takes them by surprise. By default, the TSP executes all recurring and one-time withdrawals proportionally across all investment funds in your account.
Pay Freeze, Reduced FERS COLA and Rising FEHB Premiums in 2027
The compensation figures shaping the financial future of federal civil servants and retirees are virtually finalized. While ongoing legislative debates could still alter these projections, current proposals point toward significant challenges. Active federal employees face stagnant base pay, while retirees confront pension adjustments that fail to match inflation rates. Understanding these mechanics is essential for maintaining long-term financial stability.
Using FEHB as a Bridge to Medicare Without Double-Paying
As federal employees approach age 65, the same question comes up all the time. They see their retiring colleagues entering the Medicare system and wonder why they should make a change. Having strong health coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program makes the transition seem unnecessary. Many workers question whether paying for extra insurance makes financial sense. For the majority of civil servants, coordinating these options yields substantial long-term benefits.
The Social Security Survivor Benefit Federal Retirees Overlook
Most couples approach Social Security as two separate claiming decisions. In reality, it’s one joint decision because when one spouse dies, the survivor doesn’t keep both checks. Understanding which spouse’s benefit to protect and which to spend down early can add tens of thousands of dollars in lifetime household income. The dynamics are entirely different for the lower-earning spouse. The lower earner’s benefit is destined to disappear upon the death of the higher earner.
Applying for FERS Disability Retirement: A Complete Guide
The vast majority of federal civil servants perform their duties each day unaware of the robust safety net backing their careers. While private sector workers often navigate precarious third-party policies, civil service personnel possess a specialized framework. Under the Federal Employees Retirement System, this protection ensures financial security if an unexpected health decline affects your ability to serve. Understanding these provisions transforms how you plan for life’s uncertainties.
TSP Mutual Fund Window: Pros, Cons and Hidden Risks
While having thousands of outside investment choices sounds appealing, the core plan offers a cleaner, lower-cost, and far more reliable path toward achieving long-term retirement security. Image: Godlikeart/Shutterstock.com The Thrift Savings Plan offers federal employees a straightforward pathway to save for retirement. While the core plan provides access to essential low-cost index funds, the mutual fund window introduces an expanded marketplace of outside investment choices.
Buying Back Military Time: A Guide to a Bigger FERS Pension
If you performed active military service before taking on a civilian position within the federal government, those service years represent a massive financial asset. Federal Employees Retirement System participants often do not realize that past military service does not transfer automatically into civilian retirement accounts. To convert active duty time into credited civilian service, you must pay a specific deposit.
The Hidden Dangers of Outdated TSP Beneficiary Forms
Federal employees spend decades of their professional lives diligently contributing to the Thrift Savings Plan. This effort is driven by the desire to secure a comfortable and stable retirement. Every paycheck represents a commitment to future financial independence. However, many employees overlook a critical administrative detail that can jeopardize their entire legacy. A simple oversight on a beneficiary form can lead to unintended consequences for your heirs and your hard-earned savings.
What Counts in Your FERS High-3 — and How to Boost It
Understanding your Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension begins with mastering the high-3 salary calculation. This specific metric directly determines your guaranteed monthly checks for life. Because the high-3 amount is multiplied by your total years of service and your specific pension multiplier, even a modest raise can add thousands of dollars to your lifetime retirement income.
Three Hidden Factors That Can Reduce Your FERS Pension
As a federal employee, your Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension is an incredible tool to ensure you have consistent, reliable income throughout your golden years. It represents security for your dedicated civil service. However, three elements consistently surprise individuals by reducing their final annuity. If you are not fully aware of how these factors work, you might be in for an unwelcome shock when you officially transition into retirement.
How to Bridge the Gap – Using your TSP to Delay Social Security
Delaying Social Security until age 70 can meaningfully increase your lifetime, inflation-protected income — but only if you have a reliable way to cover expenses in the meantime. Image: Steve Heap/Shutterstock.com If you’re a federal employee getting ready to retire under FERS, you’ve probably heard the advice that waiting until age 70 to start Social Security is one of the smartest moves you can make. What you may not have heard is exactly how to pay your bills in the meantime.
The Biggest TSP Mistakes Feds Make in the Last 5 Years Before Retirement
The Thrift Savings Plan is one of the most critical tools for a comfortable retirement. While you have little control over the exact calculation of your federal pension or Social Security benefits, you have immense control over your TSP. Your investment choices directly dictate how your nest egg performs over time. Unfortunately, many federal employees make critical errors during their final five years of service. These mistakes can permanently degrade the performance of their portfolios.
Beyond the TSP’s 5 Core Funds: L Funds, Mutual Fund Window
The Mutual Fund Window serves as an option for niche strategies, but its high cost structure limits its practical utility. Image: Montri Nipitvittaya/Shutterstock.com Federal employees frequently hear about the TSP’s core options: the G, F, C, S, and I Funds. These five core funds form the bedrock of federal retirement savings. However, many investors wonder if additional choices exist within the platform to enhance their long-term growth. The answer is yes.
What to Do When Your TSP Loses Money (And What NEVER to Do)
Here’s the deal: throughout your retirement, there are going to be down markets multiple times. That’s just how it works. Every few years, there’s going to be a fairly significant one, and every ten years, there’s going to be a really big one. That’s just how it has happened over the last decade. It’s not a matter of trying to avoid a down market in retirement because you’re not going to. If your retirement is any length at all, you will experience them.
Retiring at Year-End vs. January: What Federal Employees Need to Know
Your federal career is a marathon, and picking a date to retire is the final leg. The last thing you want is to trip right before the finish line. To ensure a smooth transition into retirement, it is crucial to understand the financial implications of your chosen retirement date. Today, we will compare the pros and cons of retiring at the end of the year versus the beginning of the next year, as this decision can result in swings of $10,000 or more depending on how you structure it.
How Federal Employees Can Tap Their TSP Early Without IRS Penalties
Your Thrift Savings Plan is an incredible asset for your future as a federal employee. It offers a powerful combination of tax advantages, low fees, and agency matching that makes building long-term wealth straightforward. However, like most tax-deferred retirement accounts, the standard rule dictates that you must wait until age 59½ to draw from your balance penalty-free. Tapping into your TSP funds before that threshold usually triggers a costly 10% early withdrawal penalty from the IRS.
The TSP Roth Conversion Mistake That Could Cost You $50,000
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) introduced a highly anticipated feature: the ability to execute an in-plan Roth conversion. For the first time, federal employees and uniformed service members can move existing pre-tax traditional TSP funds directly into a Roth TSP account. While this new flexibility is a welcome addition to retirement planning, it comes with a major catch. Moving funds between these accounts is a taxable event.
What Types of Annuities Does the TSP Offer?
For the vast majority of federal employees, the FERS pension and Social Security provide more than enough fixed income. Image: Garun .Prdt/Shutterstock.com While you are working, managing your TSP is relatively straightforward: you contribute money, pick your funds, and let it grow over time. However, once you reach retirement, the game changes entirely. Deciding how to withdraw and manage your money becomes much more nuanced.
The Most Tax Friendly States for Retirement in 2026
Evaluate the total cost of living, remember that federal taxes still apply, and prioritize being in a place where you actually want to spend your golden years. Image: Alexander Lukatskiy / Shutterstock.com When planning for retirement, federal employees often spend years analyzing their FERS pension, TSP balances, and Social Security estimates. However, one of the most significant factors that will determine how far that money goes is often overlooked: where you choose to live.
Understanding the FERS Annuity Supplement: Bridging the Gap to Social Security
The FERS Annuity Supplement is essentially bonus money on top of your federal pension that you can receive before Social Security kicks in. Often called the “bridge payment” or “special annuity supplement,” it is designed to bridge the gap between your retirement date and age 62, when you become eligible for Social Security. Because Social Security is a core income source for federal employees, retiring at age 57 can leave a significant income gap.
Unlocking the Hidden Wealth Potential of Health Savings Accounts
Health Savings Accounts, often referred to as HSAs, are frequently misunderstood as simple short-term savings tools for annual medical bills. In reality, they represent one of the most powerful wealth-building vehicles available in the modern financial landscape. By looking past immediate healthcare costs and treating the account as a long-term investment, you can build a robust, tax-sheltered nest egg specifically earmarked for your future.
How to Survive the OPM Retirement Backlog in 2026
It is no secret that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)—which essentially serves as the human resources department for the federal retirement system—is incredibly backed up. It is notoriously slow to process pension and retirement applications when you retire as a federal employee. In practice, this means if you retire today, you may not receive your full pension check for six months or even longer depending on your situation.
The IRMAA Trap: How Retirement Income Drives Up Medicare Premiums
Most people understand that if they have spikes in income, it may spike where their income lands in their tax bracket. A sudden influx of cash from a bonus, a property sale, or a large retirement account withdrawal can easily push you into a higher marginal percentage. However, what most retirees fail to realize is that a spike in income can also significantly increase how much you have to pay in Medicare premiums.
Will You Lose Your FERS Supplement?
The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuity supplement is a vital financial bridge for many dedicated civil servants. This extra money is paid on top of your standard regular pension if you meet the specific requirements to retire before the age of 62. Essentially, the supplement acts as a temporary placeholder for Social Security benefits.
What Social Security’s 2032 Shortfall Really Means for Your Retirement
There has been constant chatter about Social Security going bankrupt and the trust fund running out of money, and it is getting federal retirees incredibly nervous. Today, we are going to talk about what is actually going on, not just what the news has in the headlines, which most of the time is misleading. Headlines often maximize panic to drive clicks, leaving federal employees wondering if their hard-earned retirement foundation is about to completely vanish beneath them.
Managing Your TSP and Benefits After a Reduction in Force
The term Reduction in Force, commonly referred to as a RIF, can be one of the most stressful phrases a federal employee hears. It signifies that the federal government is eliminating positions, and for those affected, it means their current role is going away. Unlike being fired for cause, a RIF is a structural change. When this happens, your primary concern likely shifts to the stability of your future.
OPM’s Proposed RIF Rules: What Federal Employees Must Know Now
The landscape of federal employment is facing a significant shift. Early in 2026, the Office of Personnel Management proposed severe changes to how reductions in force are executed within federal agencies. Long story short, if a federal agency wants or needs to downsize, the process they go through will be dramatically different. This means the rules governing which federal employees are protected from layoffs are shifting beneath our feet, altering long-standing civil service norms.
The Right Way to Use the G Fund: Avoiding Common Retirement Mistakes
I am a huge fan of the G Fund in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). It is a great fund, but unfortunately, we see so many people approach retirement and abuse the G Fund in a way that just doesn’t make any sense. Depending on how you use it, you could end up doing much worse over time. Today, we are going to talk about the right way to use the G Fund to actually maximize your retirement and ensure you are not being too conservative or too aggressive.
TSP Withdrawal Workaround: How to Pull From One Fund Without Affecting the Other
If you prefer to keep your money inside the TSP, there is a two-step workaround you can use to mimic a single-fund withdrawal. Image: Gannvector/Shutterstock.com When you reach retirement and finally begin drawing down your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), you might assume you have complete control over where that money comes from. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Under current TSP rules, whenever you take a withdrawal, the money is pulled proportionally from every fund you are invested in.
How Long Do I Have to be Married for My Spouse to Get Social Security Benefits
It is crucial to distinguish between spousal benefits and survivor benefits, as they are two entirely different programs. Image: zimmytws/Shutterstock.com Social Security is often thought of as an individual benefit, earned through decades of paying taxes into the system. However, the Social Security Administration also provides a powerful safety net for spouses.
The Best Time to Start Social Security as a Federal Employee
There is no one-size-fits-all age to take Social Security benefits. It is up to you to find the strategy that best aligns with your goals. Image: larry1235/Shutterstock.com Deciding when to take Social Security is a huge decision that can easily add/deduct $100,000s worth of lifetime benefits from your retirement. The earliest you can begin benefits is at age 62 and the latest you should begin benefits is at age 70. So, is there a perfect time to start social security as a federal employee?
Early Retirement for Federal Employees: How to Leave Without Losing Benefits
If you are a federal employee getting the itch to retire and wanting to leave as soon as possible, you might be wondering how to retire early without losing all of your hard-earned benefits. Things like keeping your health insurance and getting a healthy, unreduced pension right away do not automatically apply to everyone who has worked for the federal government. You must meet specific criteria, and certain types of early retirement simply do not qualify for these benefits.
How to Get the Six Month Lump Sum Social Security Payment
This option includes a permanent reduction in your monthly benefit, so choose carefully. Image: Visuals6x / Shutterstock.com When most federal employees think about filing for Social Security, they picture a steady, predictable monthly check arriving for the rest of their lives. However, under certain circumstances, the Social Security Administration offers a unique and lesser-known option: the ability to receive a six-month lump sum payment immediately upon filing.
Thinking of Using Your TSP to Pay Off Your Home Loan? Think Again
Before you do any strategy with your TSP make sure you understand the long-term ramifications. Image: Watchara Ritjan/Shutterstock.com People love not having a mortgage in retirement. It simply feels great to own your home free and clear. And no mortgage payment makes it easier to be able to afford to retire in the first place. But if your home isn’t paid off by retirement, is it worth tapping your TSP to pay it off in one fell swoop?
Fortifying Your Retirement: A Federal Employee’s Guide to Managing Healthcare Costs
Retirement brings many certainties—a pension, more time with family, and freedom from the daily commute. What it does not bring is certainty about your health. Medical costs in retirement are, by their very nature, unpredictable. You cannot know exactly what conditions will arise or what treatments you will need. But while you cannot predict the storm, you can absolutely build a fortress.
How Part-Time Federal Service Impacts Your Pension and Retirement
If you have part-time service within your federal career — whether a lot or a little — it is going to impact how your pension is calculated. Understanding exactly how that works is essential so you know what your retirement will look like before you get there. The short answer is no. Part-time years do not count for less than a full year when it comes to retirement eligibility.
Do FERS Special Provisions Get Bigger COLAs on Their Pensions?
Because of the demanding and highly physical nature of their jobs, Special Provisions employees are eligible to retire much earlier than traditional feds—often at age 50, or even earlier with 25 years of service. Image: The Bold Bureau / Shutterstock.com Inflation is a silent threat to any retirement plan. If your income remains flat while the cost of groceries, healthcare, and housing continues to rise, the actual buying power of your money will steadily erode over time.
Maximizing Roth Conversions for Federal Employees: A Strategic Guide
For many federal employees, the introduction of Roth conversions within the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) sparked significant excitement. It represented a new frontier for tax-free growth and more flexibility in retirement. However, there is a substantial difference between simply having access to a Roth account and knowing how to use it effectively. Moving money into a Roth account does not automatically equate to tax savings.
Will My Beneficiaries Be Subject to RMDs?
Many federal employees consider Roth conversions during their retirement—paying the taxes at their own lower tax rate so they can pass tax-free money to their heirs. Image: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock.com When planning your federal retirement, you likely spend a lot of time thinking about how you will use your TSP during your own lifetime. However, it is equally important to understand what happens to those funds when you pass away.
Should You Take the Federal Buyout? A Guide to VERA and VSIP in 2026
When the government wants to reduce its workforce, it often turns to Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP). These programs, commonly known as early outs and buyouts, offer federal employees the opportunity to retire sooner than they otherwise could, sometimes with a cash incentive attached. If your agency announces a VERA or VSIP offering, it can feel like a golden ticket to retirement.
Recession-Proofing Your TSP: A Federal Employee’s Guide to Retirement Security
When economic headlines begin to scream about an impending recession, many federal employees find themselves paralyzed by uncertainty. Without a concrete plan, most fall into one of two dangerous traps. They either freeze and do nothing while their account value plummets, or they panic and move their entire balance into the G Fund. Both reactions can be incredibly problematic.
Dodging the RMD Tax Trap: A Federal Employee’s Guide to Smarter Withdrawals
For decades, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has remained a silent partner in your career. They watch patiently as you diligently contribute to your traditional Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), celebrating as your balance grows through compound interest and consistent contributions. However, this patience is not without a price. Eventually, the government will demand its share of those pre-tax dollars.
The Critical Health Insurance Decisions Every Federal Retiree Must Make
Federal employees make hundreds of decisions as they approach retirement, but few have as massive an impact as how you handle your health insurance. Choosing whether to rely solely on FEHB or to add Medicare to the mix can mean the difference between saving thousands in premiums or facing devastating gaps in coverage. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding how these two systems work together is essential to getting the most out of your benefits when you need them most.
Why FERS Retirees Need More Than a Pension to Beat Inflation
Many federal employees approach retirement with a sense of security regarding their pension. They see the annual Cost of Living Adjustment, or COLA, and assume their purchasing power is permanently shielded from the rising costs of goods and services. While the federal retirement system is robust, there are specific structural nuances that can leave retirees vulnerable. Understanding these gaps is the first step toward building a truly resilient financial future.
Why Dec 31 is the Most Popular Federal Retirement Date
For most federal employees, the combination of end-of-month pension rules and end-of-year leave accrual makes December 31st the undisputed champion of retirement dates. Image: Wachiwit/Shutterstock.com When federal employees begin planning their exit from government service, one date consistently emerges as the most popular choice: December 31st. If you look around your agency toward the end of the year, you will likely notice a mass exodus of your most experienced colleagues.
Under-Living: The Hidden Risk for High-Achieving Savers
Every week, a recurring pattern emerges in the world of financial planning. It features the “TSP Millionaire”—federal employees who have spent decades diligently contributing to their Thrift Savings Plan, watching their balances climb into seven figures through discipline and compound interest. These individuals are world-class savers. Yet, when it comes time to reap the rewards of their labor, many find themselves paralyzed.
Can You Double Your TSP in 7 Years?
For many federal employees, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the crown jewel of their retirement strategy. Whether you are a young professional just starting at a GS-5 level or a seasoned veteran nearing the end of a long career, the question remains the same: how can I grow my money as fast as possible? Specifically, is the goal of doubling your account balance in just seven years a realistic one?
Is $900K the Magic Number for Federal Employee Retirement?
For many federal employees, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the crown jewel of their retirement strategy. As you approach the finish line of a long career, a specific number often starts dancing in your head. Is it $2 million? Is it $500,000? Or, as we are exploring today, is $900,000 the “magic number” that guarantees a comfortable life after 9-to-5? The short answer is: It depends. While $900,000 is a substantial sum, federal employees have a unique advantage that the “average” American does not.
Mastering the FEHB 5-Year Rule: How to Secure Health Coverage in Retirement
For many federal employees, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program is the crown jewel of their benefits package. It is one of the most robust health insurance systems in the country, and the government generally pays about 75% of the premiums. However, the value of FEHB increases exponentially as you approach retirement. Medical expenses often peak in your later years, and keeping this coverage into retirement can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
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