When recessions strike, companies try to cut costs, often via offering early-retirement packages to employees. The current COVID-driven recession has been particularly hard on the travel sector, so unfortunately it wasn’t a surprise when Delta… Read More
Understanding Your FERS Annuity
If you are a long-time Federal Government employee, the FERS basic benefit will be a primary source of income for you in retirement. If you’re wondering if FERS is a good retirement plan for federal… Read More
Thinking Through Risk and Investing
How We Process Risk — and How This Affects Investing Decisions When it comes to investing, there’s a direct relationship between risk and reward. In other words, the more risk you’re willing to assume in… Read More
The TSP Goes to China – An Emerging Markets Option?
If you follow your investments closely in the Thrift Savings Plan, you’ve probably read about the controversy surrounding the TSP and China. One of the few issues with the TSP has been the lack of an… Read More
Managing Portfolios – How We’re Thinking About this Downturn
Years ago, before I became a financial advisor, I had a job that required me to fly a lot. I’d routinely log a few hundred thousand air miles a year, and somewhere along the way… Read More
Fee-Only Financial Advisor: Why it Matters
If you are a long-time Clark Howard listener or you’re familiar with NAPFA, you likely understand the advantages of working with a fee-only financial advisor. However, if you’re early in your search for an advisor… Read More
How to Find a Financial Advisor
If you are wondering how to find a financial advisor, you’re not alone as the process can be challenging. The industry has long lacked consistent standards, and anyone can call themself a financial advisor. To… Read More
Don’t Buy Pork at a Nail Salon : A Lesson in Knowing What You Need
Many years ago, my wife, 6 year old cat and I made the move from Chicago to St Simons. It was a long journey – over 1,000 miles of driving – and we were exhausted… Read More
Designing Your Retirement Paycheck & Decreasing Your Stress
Not receiving a salary can be one of the most daunting transitions to make in retiring. Here’s how you can design your own retirement paycheck and reduce your stress.
In-Service Distributions from Your TSP Account
When it comes to understanding your TSP withdrawal options, it is useful to differentiate between taking a withdrawal while you are still a Federal employee versus after you have separated from service. We have covered… Read More