Where are you in your federal career?

You have time, and time is the most valuable thing in a federal retirement. Learn how the pension, the TSP and your insurance fit together now, while small changes still compound.

Your reading path

1. 1How the FERS retirement system works
2. 2TSP basics: matching, funds and contribution limits
3. 3How federal pay, steps and locality work

This is the window to pick a date and check your numbers against your records. Several decisions that cannot be undone come up in these years.

Your reading path

1. 1FERS eligibility and your minimum retirement age
2. 2How the FERS annuity is calculated
3. 3Keeping FEHB in retirement

Now it is paperwork, elections and timing. Get the application right, weigh the survivor election, and know what happens to your pay while OPM processes your file.

Your reading path

1. 1The retirement application, step by step
2. 2Survivor benefits and what the election costs
3. 3Your SF-50 and service computation date

The first year sets habits that last a career. Learn how the full TSP match works, pick your health plan with care, and keep your records from day one.

Your reading path

1. 1TSP basics and the agency match
2. 2Choosing an FEHB plan
3. 3FEGLI life insurance explained

Your retirement runs on different rules: earlier eligibility, a different formula and mandatory ages. Read the rules written for your position, not the general ones.

Your reading path

1. 1FERS special provisions retirement
2. 2The FERS supplement
3. 3How COLAs work for federal retirees

The questions change after you file: COLAs, taxes, Medicare and making sure your survivors know what to do. These guides cover life after the last paycheck.

Your reading path

1. 1How COLAs adjust your annuity
2. 2FEHB and Medicare at 65
3. 3Taxes on federal pensions and TSP withdrawals