Federal retirement guides
Clear, practical resources to help you understand your federal benefits and make confident decisions, without the OPM-handbook headache.
10 things to know before you retire
The ten federal retirement decisions that matter most, including several that are locked in the day you sign.
Read the guide → ChecklistFederal retirement readiness checklist
What to confirm 12 months out, 6 months out, 90 days out, and in your final weeks, so nothing slips through.
Open the checklist → GuideThe FERS supplement, explained
Who qualifies, how it is calculated, the earnings test that can reduce it, and when it ends at 62.
Read the guide → GuideTaxes in federal retirement
How your pension, TSP, and Social Security are taxed, and how coordinating them can lower your lifetime tax bill.
Read the guide → GuideCommon federal retirement mistakes
The costly, avoidable errors, from FEHB and survivor elections to the TSP and taxes, and how to sidestep each.
Read the guide → Reference2026 federal benefits numbers
TSP limits, FERS figures, Social Security, Medicare, FEHB, and taxes, all the 2026 numbers in one place.
See the numbers → ExplainersBenefit-by-benefit explainers
Short, plain-English breakdowns of FERS, TSP, FEGLI, FEHB, Social Security, and Medicare.
Explore federal benefits → WatchOn-demand webinars
Watch a full session any time. Start with FERS Pension Explained with Ann Werts.
Watch a replay →