Federal Employee Retiring Within 5 Years? Don't Miss These 5 Things

[@elainenilsson5472]

You put forth an awful lot of effort to help people. I sure hope everyone appreciates it. I know I do.

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Glad it is helpful Elaine! Have a great day!

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

I certainly do. This account will make all the difference in my retirement

[@susanconnahan4931]

Sixth thing. Set aside 5 months of income to live on while you wait for OPM and SSA to process your payments.

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Great point!

[@parler8698]

Amen

[@itguru2037]

More like one year

[@jeanneguynes6110]

I've gotten more information from you than I have my agency. Thank you very much!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Happy to help!

[@nonawolf7495]

Make sure you SCD (service computation date) and RSCD (retirement service computation date) are both correct. When I bought back my military time, my SCD was updated automatically - but my RSCD was not. Once I noticed the discrepancy, it took months to correct. Get on that now, before you retire.

[@itguru2037]

I agree. I tried to buy back my military time and my employer the did not have all of my SF50’s but my SCD date was correct. They said that they need the SF50’s in order for me to buy back my military time and the VA can’t find my DD214. It’s a mess. Let me guess wolf, you work for the VA

[@theglobalvagabond3074]

Since the federal long term care plan is on hold, retirees need to consider how they will fund LTC if they need it. It's getting more expensive everyday. If you think your kids are going to take care of you...think again.

[@peghagan9080]

Just a FYI. Although it will be applicable to very few, it is worth disseminating here for the few that may have some exceptional reasons for not carrying health insurance in the last 5 years of their employment. I did not carry my health insurance the entire 5 years before retiring (only 3 years) and had been part of the FEHB during some of my prior 41 years of service. I was told by anyone and everyone prior to retirement I had to have been covered those last 5 years prior no ifs and or buts! I searched the laws/statutes covering this only to discover that OPM can WAIVE this requirement. OPM told me I would have to submit the request to them at the time I submitted my retirement papers. This was a large gamble on my part had they denied my request for a waiver but felt I could then back out of my retirement request, albeit it would be a pain but an option. I was pretty sure my situation (not revealing online as it is personal) would reveal to OPM a very good reason and good chance of being waived. It was, and the requirement was waived in my instance. For this reason, people should be aware of this WAIVER availability on an individual basis. As I said above, I was told by everyone prior to retirement I had to have been covered those 5 years prior to exceptions and this waiver was never mentioned until I researched the statute and found it myself.

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Thanks for sharing Peg, Great thoughts!

[@AD-ui2pz]

save up the most annual leave you can to get that large lump sum payment for it - you can carry over 240 hrs and if you get paid biweekly and go maybe in July you should try and wrack up way more like 300 hrs of AL, if you have to take leave try to use your SL instead. You will get a nice upfront payment for your annual leave that could be maybe a $13-15K payment after taxes upfront so that’s a nice chunk while OPM works on figuring out your pension monthly payments to begin that are an estimate to start with too whenever that month it starts

[@justtalkbynikkiau3169]

Thank you for your sharing! The most stretch forward, precise, and wealthy retirement information!! I am a VA nurse and still have a long way toward retirement. But it is better to prepare and be knowledgeable. 👍🙇

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Great to hear! Have a great day!

[@karenhillblom7131]

Less than 2 years to retirement at 34 years. I’m so freaking exited.

[@scottgold1054]

Yep agree with you !!! I am 2 years also and will be going.

[@bleebu5448]

Less than 2 years at 20 years, I'm so freaking freaked.

[@christopherlynch3314]

So happy to hear this. Enjoy! I love hearing stories of folks retiring well.

[@karenhillblom7131]

⁠Well 2 years have past and I graduated to retirement and I freaking love it.

[@BMyers1147]

Happy Retirement 🎉

[@angietrotter3736]

5 more years I will be 62 with 35 years I’m out

[@rosarodgers7539]

Picking a retirement date would be best at the end of a pay-period that also falls on the last day of the month. Thanks for the info- very helpful!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Thanks for sharing! Have a great day!

[@kevind814]

Can you elaborate on the reasons that scenario is best?

[@chesshead3943]

This is an entire topic in itself. Dallen has other videos on this.

[@rogerdoger9939]

@@kevind814 did you find the reasons?

[@jenzanoni9305]

I never met anyone not happy about retiring ..Jan 2027 for me woo hoo

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Congrats!

[@lonnirenee7645]

I love your channel. This is right on time. I’m planning to retire in 6 years. 2028. I will have 28 years in. I’m leaving at 60.

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Great to hear! Have a great day!

[@ddddddno24]

So, it's not best to have 30 years? Or is it 30 yrs OR eligible retirement age in order to get your money right away?

[@lonnirenee7645]

@@ddddddno24 I’m not chasing a dollar. I could leave in 30 year for an extra money. My health is more important. That’s problem with America. We chase the dollar and drop dead.

[@ddddddno24]

@@lonnirenee7645 I understand your point with all my heart. I was just trying to understand if a person needed 30 years and retirement age to get the money right away or just the age. Congrats on your achievement and all the best.

[@lonnirenee7645]

@@ddddddno24 As long as you have the required age and time, you are qualified for a pension. If you do 30 years, that’s an added point to your pension. You get more money.

[@NT-fz9zp]

Can I retire at 63 years old with 39 years of service and collect Social security at 66 and 10 months? I want to use my TSP until I start collecting social security. Will my social security benefits decrease?

[@chesshead3943]

I think the answer to your first question is yes. For your second question, ask the Social Security Administration. It probably depends on your full retirement age, which you did not specify. I'm not a financial planner.

[@FlyFishingRealtor]

Planning to retire early in the year I turn 55 with 20 years. Ideally I would be offered a Vera but never heard of a mail carrier getting that. So I’ll save my money and use the rule of 55 in case of emergencies and get on the ACA for healthcare. This is my plan so far. I’ll continue to sell real estate for extra income but more as a hobby.

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chesshead3943]

Why not continue your FEHB medical plan into retirement?

[@FlyFishingRealtor]

@@chesshead3943 because I would need to work until 57 and take an immediate pension which would be reduced by 5% per year under age 60 equaling a reduction of 15% for life. So not only do I have to work longer but I would get less per month for the rest of my life. If I defer my pension until 60, no reduction. My ACA premiums would be similar to my FEHB since I would have low income. Then at 65 I will have Medicare regardless of which route I went.

[@maresagold6421]

8 short years, I will be 62 with 30 years. On or about November 1, 2030!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Thanks for sharing!

[@l.l.5274]

Can you do a video about how to rollover to both taxable and non-texable to external Traditional & Roth IRA?

[@captpat02]

Love your videos, thanks for taking the time to share this info.

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

My pleasure, Have a great day!

[@jryan969]

Please discuss REDUX for military retirees and if it’s better to buy back my 20 year and forfeit my military retirement, since Redux reduces COLA by 1% but military retirement is not taxed. My government pay is over $100k. I would like to retire in 5 years at my MRA which is 56 and 10 months.

[@davidpickrel523]

Great information. You are awesome and I Thank you for taking the time to educate us.. I'm a GS employee, 56 years old and plan to retire 2030ish for about 23 years in the FERS system. I have been heavy investing in the L2040 but am considering the C-fund for my future investments although I know it is riskier, I like the idea of buying right now while everything is down. With the same thought process, Should I move my current invested funds out of L2040 into the C-fund? I know not to move it into the G-fund so I don't "lock" my losses, but what about moving into the C-fund? I do have a military retirement and VA compensation as well so I think I can wait for a better return if the market is down as I get ready for retirement.

[@lensnart1303]

I'm 57 y/o, have $254,000 in my TSP and with 22 years served. Thinking of buying my military time back . Served 4 years active duty, and 7 in the reserves.

[@DivineElementsDesign]

Definitely buy back the time. You’ll have to pay interest, but it’s still very much worth it.

[@itguru2037]

Did you buy back the time?

[@lensnart1303]

@@itguru2037 Not yet. Going to check it out soon though.

[@russsharp3767]

As I get closer to retirement(34-years-plus of service, less than 3 months from age 60), a lot of questions arise about when I should retire. I didn't get married until 9 years after I began my federal career right out of graduate school...so only one of my two children has graduated from high school and college. The younger one would finish 4 years of a college journey a few months after I turn 64. My day-to-day health is good, but I am dogged by a couple of health issues that might hit me again at any time, though it has been almost 18 years since the most recent episode. I don't expect either of them to keep me from working until after my younger child has graduated from college, but who knows? Should I continue my career past age 62? I have actually seen something recently that leads me to believe that my Medicare monthly premiums will become more expensive if I delay retirement past my 65th birthday. Is this true? If so, would my unused sick leave push me past my goal of 40 years federal service credit? How long can we expect the current crash of TSP's C Fund to last? There is so much unknown about the next 5-years-plus, so I want to "chip away" at the mountain of unknowns as much as I can. Any ideas on any of these issues? Thank you VERY much! Your videos have helped so much already. At least now I have a place to fire off these questions to.

[@summitt9311]

This is me, I am a military retiree and I'm buying my time back, because of my CRSC designation, and I will retire with MRA plus 30. Thank you.

[@rogerdoger9939]

It is possible that buying back your military time is not a good idea. Please run the numbers before proceeding. If you are in a high civilian pay grade It may be a good idea. If you are in a lower pay grade, maybe not.

[@jryan969]

I’m on the fence, how much was the buy back? I’ll retire again in 5 years as a GS-13 step 6 at 57, was planning on deferment but since I took REDUX at my 15 year mark I think buying in and retiring at 31 years would be an additional $200 years or so plus my COLA would no longer be reduced by 1%. However, my retirement pay is not taxed in WV so have to consider that as well.

[@danieljustdaniel9550]

When they ran my military retirement numbers it wasn't worth it to me, I enjoy getting all 4 of my checks, Army,VA,OPM,SS.

[@tiffanyhoward9935]

@@danieljustdaniel9550 Hi Daniel. I’m retired Army too. Did you retire with regular FERS retirement? I’m on the fence.

[@danieljustdaniel8875]

@@tiffanyhoward9935 I retired under the special provision thing, got the supplement up to age 62. Had to retire at age 60 do to age restrictions.

[@Viking_triking_coasty]

6-30-2026 retirement day!!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Congrats!

[@karenvanorden8206]

2/5/2027

[@bleebu5448]

You talked about mistakes. I have been a step 8 for about 18 months. For some reason, (for about 2 days) There was an sf-50 that changed me to a step 7. then another one that made me step 8 made me step 8 again. No idea why. Just hope it doesn't effect my step 9.

[@rhondaharp1902]

If you've been a step 8 for about 18 months, your waiting period (i.e., 3 years) for step 9 should be established in your personnel system. Sounds like a Correction action ( i.e., Nature of Action code 002) was recently processed on the action that showed you as step 7, since another SF-50 shows you as step 8 again. Check your next Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) to make sure it reflects step 8. Since you did have an SF-50 that incorrectly showed you as step 7, I would recommend you check with your Human Resources point of contact to ensure your waiting period for step 9 is reflecting correctly in the personnel data system. It is possible the recent activity may have taken you off track in the personnel data system. Even if your LES correctly shows step 8, ask the HR POC to confirm the Date of Last Equivalent Increase (DLEI), Due Date, and Pay Date are all correct in the personnel data system. Note what the step 9 Due Date is and follow up with you HR POC if you do not see the step 9 reflected on your LES within two pay periods following that step 9 Due Date. Hope this is helpful to you.

[@flu38]

In FEHB, can I just have single coverage, but then when retired, I elect to have self+1. My wife has a great coverage through her work, but does not carry into her retirement.

[@taxi317]

Dallen, I'd like to hear this answer too!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Yes, you can change to self+1 in retirement if you'd like

[@williamcass68]

Excellent information! Thanks so much for sharing! I’m eligible in about 4 years…so many things to consider.

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

My pleasure, gd

[@donacortinovis9912]

I retired at64.8 yrs old//7.2 years.. got Fed pension and SS.. after 5 yrs and 70yrs old ..went back to same job. Working PT.. how does this affect my Federal pension

[@davidpippin3460]

If only our HR reps weren't completely incompetent I would feel really good in 5 years when I retire. Hopefully new folks get in there and can add simple math.

[@angelbrigg]

This seems to be a common thing amongst agencies.

[@barano9729]

Where nepotism and cronyism is the name of the game, I don’t expect much.

[@forestfrost9676]

This is good to bring focus to the near future. One question I have is, is there a time requirement for bringing a non- federal spouse onto your FEHB? I have to be on 5 years, but how long do they have to be on before I retire?

[@melindabooth9806]

That's my question as well...

[@exvan3571]

I'm from the future and David Pippin is still right.

[@GaryDZ]

What happens if I get married after retiring? Can I add them for the survivor benefit? Same question about Insurance.

[@cliffart7398]

we are still working, both at GS-15 level and started paying Medicare part B which we are required to have for Tricare for Life. Both over 65. Medicare part B is based on our income so we pay a total of $1100 per month. our retirement will bring that down significantly.

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Thanks for sharing!

[@chesshead3943]

@@PlanYourFederalBenefits this would be another good topic for a video. I think military retirees who are federal employees may be able to wait to file for Medicare until they retire even after the age of 65. And then after they file for Medicare then their Tricare for life coverage would also start. Is that correct? Can you point us to any references on that question?

[@chesshead3943]

Great video, thank you!!!

[@michaelvadney5803]

Excellent. Hopefully I'm set. Thanks!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Great to hear!

[@aec062859]

No one, but no one presents all aspects of federal retirement better that you do Sir. THANK YOU

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

I appreciate that

[@xman740]

This dude is awesome!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Thanks for sharing :)

[@tbk1801]

May 31, 2022 6C… retired!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Great to hear! Congrats!

[@gradosa8272]

❤60/20 I’m out. 🎉🎉🎉

[@jeffpadilla9891]

I use GRB retirement calculator, how accurate is that?

[@robertlee4767]

I'm single and I will have a combined 40 years of federal service 8 years military which I already bought back and a little of 32 years of active USPS. My question is can I use my daughter as my survivor benefit and leave it to her after I pass on???

[@Fedupgarbageguy]

I think what you're looking for is Insurable Interest Survivor Benefit, but there could be hefty restrictions.

[@dustinerickson153]

Dallen thanks so much for the wealth of information you provide. I'm approximately 8 years away from retirement and have been doing an HSA for myself since I don't go to the doctor that much. My kids are under my wife's insurance plan and will be teenagers when we retire. Do I need to be under a plan that has a cheaper family plan (like blue cross blue shield) for 5 years or does my HSA count for the 5 year rule and we can change it to a family plan and eventually self plus one as needed as we will be using my insurance in retirement.

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

As long as you are covered under a some sort of FEHB plan for the 5 years before retirement then it doesn't matter what type of plan

[@lynntrippel8373]

Can you do a video on federal apprenticeship? What happens of you leave before you before the 2yr graduate date if it's not working? Do they really make you pay all the $ back?

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

I'll put that on the list :)

[@algeils9789]

Great info as always, thanks!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Our pleasure, Have a great day!

[@davidcarter1492]

If I do a postponed retirement, can I re-enroll in dental insurance once I begin to receive my pension?

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

yes

[@oki1966]

Should you worry about health insurance if you qualify for Tricare at 60?

[@chesshead3943]

I would like to see a good video on this topic! And then also considering FEHB and Medicare and Tricare for Life After retirement.

[@whatwhome6914]

I am planning to retire at 63 in 3 years for a total of 29 1/2 years of service. However, I am going to delay my SS for one year to get a higher SS payment. So, my SS will be based on age 64.

[@lonnirenee7645]

Do a full 30 for higher pension. You might as well stay for that extra six months.

[@rogerdoger9939]

@@lonnirenee7645 Once you reach age 62 with 20 years of service, your pension is based on 1.1% instead of 1%. If the numbers work, retire at 62 and start SS later.

[@lonnirenee7645]

@@rogerdoger9939 Thank you

[@whatwhome6914]

@@rogerdoger9939 by waiting till 63, I get more federal pension plus one more year of higher salary and TSP matching funds. For a fed employee, each additional year makes a big difference. However, I have been working since I was 10 years old, so I have to get out at 63. Also, by working one extra year, I do not have to use as much of my own investments to make up the gap while I delay my SS.

[@whatwhome6914]

@@lonnirenee7645 what you say is true. But, that logic never ends. One could keep working longer and longer with no end to it. No point in working longer than I need to. There is nothing special about the number 30. Also, the FERS annuity is calculated down to the month. So, I do not have to finish off that year.

[@SuperScottschannel]

I'm retiring in 1 year at 56 1/2 with 32 years. Will I be able to change my insurance option in retirement during open season ?

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Yes, you can change FEHB in retirement during open season

[@tz8662]

You can also change your insurance when you are retiring, when you on the phone with the person, you are allowed to change once.

[@sukhjitraju2912]

I am planning to retire in after 6 months or so how much I have have spousal benefits in order to carry health insurance.thank u you are great.

[@rogerdoger9939]

Your question is confusing.

[@tracy4316]

I believe the minimum spousal benefit is 25% of your pension, at a cost to you of 5% of your pension. If you elect this minimum, your spouse will be eligible to continue with your health insurance after your passing.

[@sukhjitraju2912]

@@tracy4316 thank you Tracy that's what I meant. 🙏

[@bryansmith2824]

I have a roth IRA and now work for the VA. Should I roll over my IRA into the TSP roth? Or keep going wth both

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Unfortunately you can't roll a Roth IRA into the Roth TSP.

[@bryansmith2824]

@@PlanYourFederalBenefits would you advise maxing out my tsp or mine and my wifes Roths?

[@freddyhollingsworth5945]

2:06 "you have to be covered under YOUR federal health insurance for 5 years" meaning you can't change FEHB plans in this 5 year period, or you can be under any of the FEHB plans and swap plans in the 5 years, like say from BCBS to United, etc? Thank you!!!!

[@conniep5243]

You can swap providers like in open season, but you must receive healthcare through your employer for 5 years leading into retirement

[@danieljustdaniel9550]

So has a retiree , were do you folks believe your money should be now in the TSP to keep it from sinking lower?

[@seagraverider]

How many years do you have to be married before you retire for your spouse to be eligible for your fed benefits

[@noway5976]

Dallen, really valuable content in this one. Thanks!

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Great to hear!

[@mrkh77]

If I pass away before I retire, is my wife able to get my pension since I would not have selected survivor benefits? I want to make sure she is able to get it. Thank you for your videos they are very informative. I'm hoping to retire in 6 years at 57 with 34 years

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Great question. Your spouse will not get your pension if you did not select survivor benefits.

[@Fedupgarbageguy]

I actually think your wife can, depending on your length of marriage. See www.opm.gov/retirement-center/fers-information/survivors/

[@kalel282012]

Thank you 🙏🏼 I appreciate YOU ❤

[@robertomiller.7574]

appreciate your time explaining federal benefits

[@bleebu5448]

My wife passed away. If I don't choose survivors benefit now, can I change my selection if I remarry?

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Good question, here is more info on that: www.opm.gov/support/retirement/faq/survivor-benefits/index.html#:~:text=If%20you%20get%20married%20after,survivor%20annuity%20for%20your%20spouse.&text=Under%20the%20Federal%20Employees%20Retirement%20System%20(FERS)%2C%20a%20full,your%20unreduced%20annual%20basic%20annuity.

[@tomahawktom7595]

TSP? Oohhh yea, let’s not talk about that..

[@fessit]

I love your video. Thanks for your time. What happens concerning retirement payments if the survivor does not survive past you?

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Thanks for watching! Feel free to submit your question here: hawsfederaladvisors.com/question-submission-page/ This is where we get topics for future videos.

[@debdeb5893]

Hi im 59 years old , I just started with the post office and got in to tsp ,what should i do to start my retirement saving and what should i do. Could you help thanks

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Congratulations with the new job! That's a fantastic question. If you want to know which TSP fund to invest in here's a great video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGnbop-rmNybias&ab_channel=HawsFederalAdvisors And if you want to know general information about the TSP, here is a link to all my videos about the TSP: hawsfederaladvisors.com/tsp-investing-articles/

[@enbrij]

Ok so I as the government employee need to have my health insurance for 5 years before I retire on me! But can I add my husband after I retire and after ONLY I AM covered for the 5 years. And after he retires and loses his insurance can I then add him to mine?

[@Fedupgarbageguy]

As far as I understand, if you have 5 years of FEHB before retirement and then carry that into retirement, you can switch to Self Plus One/Self and Family during Open Season. Not sure if your husband resigns/retires and loses his insurance whether you can add him outside of Open Season. Also, for your information, heaven forbid something were to happen to you before you retire AND your husband was not part of your FEHB coverage, he'll lose access to FEHB forever.

[@cr8blitz22]

I am considering not keeping my FEHB since I will have access to the V.A healthcare system. I will be 56 when I retire, will SSI be available to me until I reach 62?

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

If you have at least 30 years of service

[@cr8blitz22]

@@PlanYourFederalBenefits Awesome! I currently have 31 Years of service.

[@cr8blitz22]

@@PlanYourFederalBenefits Thank you so much for responding and more importantly sharing this valuable information.

[@jenzanoni9305]

Is there survivor benefits for kids or just life insurance ?

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

The survivor benefit is for spouses 98% of the time

[@michaelroy925]

Is it better to retire at the beginning of the month? Or end of the month? Or does it matter?

[@DanielPetersen288]

Retire as close as you can to the end of the month. Your retirement annuity starts on the first day of the month after you retire. Fewer days between retirement and the first day of the next month means fewer days that you are not getting paid. You also accrue more annual leave and sick leave with the completion of more pay periods (you don't get either annual or sick leave for a partly completed pay period). He did another video more completely addressing this at kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKWniIh4d5V0rZI

[@itguru2037]

I’m within 5 years if I retire at 62

[@wildzeke]

I am planning to retire this year at the end of December. When do you recommend I put in my request to HR for retirement.

[@rhondaharp1902]

At my agency, I was advised to submit the retirement application no sooner than 120 days before my selected retirement effective date. You should be able to obtain local agency guidance regarding specific time frames as to how soon you are allowed to submit the application. The end of December is a really popular time for retirements -- my agency works them in order of receipt on a first in first out basis. As a minimum, they strongly recommended application submissions no later than 30 days prior to the effective date. If I could do it over again, I would have submitted mine as soon as I was allowed to do so.

[@susanconnahan4931]

I put in request August 11th and the HRC was still scrambling on Dec 28th for December 31 retirement. Depending on your agency even 120 days may not be enough lead time.

[@conner1354]

Health Insurance for Federal Employees is very expensive.

[@bevbry7590]

For personal reasons, I plan to retire at 61. I would like to know if I can postpone receiving pension to until I turn 62 so that my average high-3 will be times 1.1% instead of 1% if I were to start collecting at 61.

[@FlyFishingRealtor]

Did you already retire? If you just need to stretch it out 1 more year, perhaps you could use annual for a few months and then take fmla for up to 6 months. You can use sick or LWOP. You can be off for 6 months per calendar year without and loss to retirement but if you plan to maintain fehb you must be able to pay the premiums while out.

[@bevbry7590]

@@FlyFishingRealtor I will be 61 in February, and retire end May 2023. Just need to see how to go until February 2024 without receiving pension. I hope to talk with retirement counselor soon to see how to go about this if it is at all possible. I only have about one month of sick leave and just a little less than 240 hours of annual leave.

[@FlyFishingRealtor]

@@bevbry7590 if you officially retire before you qualify for the extra .1 % then you won’t get it. You have to stay on the books as employed. Now you will get the supplement up until you turn 62 and you can also claim your SS at 62 along with you pension. But you can only get the extra .1 if you stay technically employed until 62. Many do take 6 months of LWOP. It just depends if you need to maintain your fehb.

[@FlyFishingRealtor]

@@bevbry7590 are you in the Fb group for federal retirees?

[@bevbry7590]

@@FlyFishingRealtor No...not familiar with that site.

[@SeanKmath]

Thanks

[@ruthodum4656]

Excellent advice.

[@PlanYourFederalBenefits]

Thanks for being part of the community!

[@russsharp3767]

As I get closer to retirement(34-years-plus of service, less than 3 months from age 60), a lot of questions arise about when I should retire. I didn't get married until 9 years after I began my federal career right out of graduate school...so only one of my two children has graduated from high school and college. The younger one would finish 4 years of a college journey a few months after I turn 64. My day-to-day health is good, but I am dogged by a couple of health issues that might hit me again at any time, though it has been almost 18 years since the most recent episode. I don't expect either of them to keep me from working until after my younger child has graduated from college, but who knows? Should I continue my career past age 62? I have actually seen something recently that leads me to believe that my Medicare monthly premiums will become more expensive if I delay retirement past my 65th birthday. Is this true? If so, would my unused sick leave push me past my goal of 40 years federal service credit? How long can we expect the current crash of TSP's C Fund to last? There is so much unknown about the next 5-years-plus, so I want to "chip away" at the mountain of unknowns as much as I can. Any ideas on any of these issues? Thank you VERY much! Your videos have helped so much already. At least now I have a place to fire off these questions to.

[@chesshead3943]

Russ, I believe your medicare premiums will not get more expensive even past the age of 65 as long as you keep employer health care insurance in place. Your federal health care plan would qualify. You would need to enroll in Medicare within maybe 6 or 8 months after you retire. I am not a financial planner and do not take this as gospel. You should be able to verify this by calling Medicare or doing web searches.