The Federal Benefit Gap

Your federal career comes with one of the most valuable benefits packages in America. So why do so many federal employees reach retirement without fully taking advantage of what they've earned? The Federal Benefit Gap is the space between having valuable federal benefits and understanding how to make them work together. It's where missed opportunities and seemingly small decisions can have lasting financial consequences. Inside, you'll learn how to:Choose retirement timing with your pension and benefits in mind Coordinate FERS, TSP, and Social Security effectively Avoid costly FEHB, FEGLI, and survivor-benefit mistakes Understand choices that shape your retirement income Ask better questions before key retirement decisions Whether you're three years from retirement or twenty-three, the earlier you understand your benefits, the more options you have. Your service earned you this retirement. This book helps you make the most of it. "In my years focused on fiscal responsibility and retirement security, I've seen how many of the biggest retirement mistakes relate to taxes, and federal employees are rarely warned about them. This book fills that gap. It's clear and candid about how to coordinate your pension, TSP, and Social Security so you keep more of what you've earned. Federal employees should read it before they retire." -Hon. David M. Walker Former U.S. Comptroller General and Public Trustee for Social Security and Medicare