If you could pick any historical event to relive, it probably wouldn't be the maiden voyage of the Titanic — that didn't go well. And now, 100 years later, federal, military and Social Security retirees are just becoming aware of a political iceberg that could punch a hole in their future benefits, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
As part of the special series, FERS: 25 Years Later, Federal News Radio welcomed to its studios a retired federal couple, Neil Schiff and Linda Habenstreit who represent the federal retirement divide. When Schiff retired from the FBI's Office of Public Affairs, he was a FERS enrollee. His wife, a long-time public affairs specialist in the Agriculture Department's Foreign Agricultural Service, was covered by CSRS.
In the 25 years since the Federal Employees Retirement System went into effect, much has changed when it comes to federal retirement. Tom Trabucco, the former longtime director of external affairs at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, and Judy Park, the former legislative director of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Association, joined Your Turn with Mike Causey for a look back at the creation of FERS and how it has evolved over the years.
Arthur Stein, a financial planner and former federal manager, told The Federal Drive with Tom Temin and Emily Kopp Wednesday that FERS has been a boon for feds, both young and old.
The new Federal Employees Retirement System is suddenly not so new. It turned 25 this year. And next to Social Security, it is the dominant federal retirement program. So how did FERS happen, and why? Check out Senior Correspondent Mike Causey's column.
Tom Trabucco, the former long-time director of external affairs for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, said legislative changes to the federal retirement system made by Congress a quarter-century ago actually succeeded in achieving its goals and serve as a reminder of what can be accomplished when something big needs to be done and key leaders step up to the line.
The Thrift Savings Plan, the federal-employee 401(k), rolled out in 1987. Through the years, it's picked up some new fund options. In this interactive chart, track annual returns of all 10 TSP funds since their inception.
The Federal Employees Retirement System, which overhauled federal pensions, turned 25 years old this year. But, the history of the federal retirement structure extends farther back than that. In this timeline, follow the key events that led to the creation of FERS.
The Office of Personnel Management received fewer retirement claims in November than in any month since February this year, according to new data from the agency. But this is likely just the calm before the storm, according to OPM projections, which anticipate a wave of retirement claims in January.
Did you hear about the secret retirement- incentive plan in Congress? It would give you a cash buyout, and add five years to your age and years of service in order to boost your annuity. It is perfect in its simplicity except for one vexing detail - it's not true, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.
Walton Francis, author of the Consumer's Checkbook Guide to Federal Health Plans, will provide tips on what to look for when choosing your health benefits. November 28, 2012
Under temporary rules issued by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, feds can continue to contribute to their Thrift Savings Plan. FRTIB will waive a rule that prevents contributions for six months after taking a hardship withdrawal.
Benefits consultants Walton Francis and Ed Zurndorfer offer top tips for federal employees considering a new health plan. Open Season runs from Nov. 12 to Dec. 10.
Federal-employee groups and veterans organizations say a legislative proposal that would result in lower cost-of-living adjustments for federal and Social Security retirees is a non-starter. Moving to a "Chained" Consumer Price Index method of calculating inflation would curtail future benefits for Social Security retirees, including federal employees and veterans, opponents of the proposal say.
NARFE's David Snell joins host Mike Causey to talk about best health care buys for federal retirees. Sean Reilly from the Federal Times will discuss the presidential election and its impact on feds. November 7, 2012