The Bare Naked Truth

The worst day of my professional life was probably that time at the nudist camp near the Chesapeake Bay and the bee hive (or wasp) issue.

I was about 18 or 19. Planning a career as a writer. I was on self-directed assignment and had to blend in with the crowd. My only cover was a pair of dark sun glasses. Hence, on a self-directed assignment. No singles were allowed. I had to convince a friend that she would benefit from it too. Even then, I thought only of my craft.

Anyhow they had just finished a volleyball game and were heading for the hot dog roast. Some guy saw this gray-bag like thing hanging from a tree. He decided it would be fun poke it. We were city folk and thought that bees/wasps lived in combs. Not necessarily as it turned out!

Sorry, Vicki! Wonder what ever happened to her?

That was probably my worst day.

My third worst day was when I decided to “help” people who were preparing to retire. Many people retire from government either in December or January. So we focused on that time period.

Benefits expert Tammy Flanagan had explained that for people retiring in December and January, picking the “magic” day for each retirement system could both make and save them money. They could carry over the maximum amount of unused annual leave, and cash most of it in at the new, higher January pay scale rate. They would also save on taxes because their lump sum payment would be be pushed into the next tax year.

Tammy’s formula was resisted by many agencies which refused to pay people for leave at the higher rate. But it turned out she was correct. Since then thousands of feds have benefited from her advice which she is always kind enough to share with me. So I can share with you.

For the record, the best day in most instances for employees under the FERS system is Dec. 31. And the best day for those under the older CSRS retirement plan is between January 1 and January 3. Usually, but not always, the 3rd. But this time around the best dates are Dec. 31 (still) for FERS employees, but January 2 for CSRS employees. A one day difference. No big deal, right? Well for most people no big deal. But since that column appeared lots of folks have asked why not January 3rd? Some of them I suspect are the same people who, when it was the 3rd (as in previous years) asked why not the 2nd. Or the first.

Which comes to what may be my third worst day. Today. Most of you (I hope) will read this and heed the advice. Or take it at face value. But some, I suspect, will continue to demand to know why the 2nd this year and not the 3rd.

When it comes to benefits expertise I refuse to challenge Tammy. That would be like taking a knife to a gun fight. This is what she says: click here.

Normally the best day to retire in any year is Dec. 31 for FERS employees and between Jan. 1 and 3rd for CSRS employee. Now, Tammy has figured out that for 2010 the best date for both groups will be Dec. 31!

I feel another worst day coming on…

Nearly Useless Factoid

Barbie’s parents names are George and Margaret.

To reach me: mcausey@federalnewsradio.com

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