FERS RETIREMENT BLOG
Federal Retirement Tips, Facts & Guides
Expert articles to help federal employees understand FERS retirement, maximize benefits, and plan with confidence.
The FERS Supplement: Who Gets It, How Much, and When It Ends
A deep dive into the FERS Annuity Supplement (SRS) — eligibility rules, how to calculate your monthly amount, the earnings test, and what happens at age 62.
How to Calculate Your FERS Pension: Step-by-Step with Examples
A step-by-step walkthrough of the FERS pension calculation formula with real examples, sick leave credit, the 1.1% multiplier rule, and what to watch out for.
What is FERS? The Complete Guide for Federal Employees
Everything you need to know about the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) — how it works, how your pension is calculated, and how the three pillars work together.
FERS Retirement Checklist: 10 Things to Do Before You Retire
A practical, actionable 10-step checklist for federal employees approaching retirement — from service history verification to FEHB enrollment and TSP withdrawals.
Survivor Benefits: Do You Need Them? The Cost vs. Protection Analysis
A clear breakdown of FERS survivor benefits — what they cost, how much they pay, who needs them, and the key decisions to make before you retire.
TSP Contribution Limits 2025 and the 5% Match You Should Never Miss
2025 TSP contribution limits, catch-up limits, how the government match works, and why failing to contribute at least 5% of your pay is one of the most expensive mistakes a federal employee can make.
The Best Dates to Retire as a Federal Employee (Month, Day and Year)
Strategic timing can add thousands of dollars to your federal retirement. Learn the best month, day, and year to retire under FERS — and why it matters more than most employees realize.
FERS vs CSRS: Key Differences (and Why It Still Matters in 2025)
Comparing FERS and CSRS retirement systems — pension formulas, Social Security coverage, COLA adjustments, TSP matching, and who is still on CSRS today.
High-3 Salary: What It Is and How to Maximize It Before Retirement
Understand exactly what the High-3 average salary is, how it is calculated, and proven strategies to maximize your High-3 — including timing promotions, locality pay moves, and overtime.
What is the GS Pay Scale? Grades, Steps and Locality Pay Explained
A plain-English guide to the General Schedule (GS) pay scale — how grades and steps work, what locality pay is, and how your GS salary determines your FERS retirement pension.
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