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Federal Employees Face Challenges in Retirement Benefits Division During Divorce

Federal Employees Face Challenges in Retirement Benefits Division During Divorce

Federal employees often encounter misunderstandings regarding the division of retirement benefits during divorce proceedings. Dan Jamison, a CPA and retired FBI special agent, highlights common issues such as the lack of clarity in awarding survivor annuities to former spouses. Many employees are unaware that a survivor annuity must be explicitly defined in divorce agreements, leading to potential financial complications post-retirement. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) interprets undefined survivor annuities as full benefits, which can affect the financial planning of both the retiree and their current spouse. Additionally, employees must ensure that court orders dividing retirement benefits are properly filed with the relevant agencies to avoid delays or errors in benefit distribution.
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Federal Employee Morale Declines Amid Trump Administration Reforms, Gallup Survey Shows

Federal Employee Morale Declines Amid Trump Administration Reforms, Gallup Survey Shows

A Gallup survey has revealed a decline in federal employee morale following President Trump's reforms to the civil service. The survey indicates that federal workers experienced decreases in engagement and job satisfaction, alongside increases in burnout and job-search activity. These shifts were more pronounced among federal employees compared to their state and local government counterparts. The analysis, which compared federal employee engagement metrics with those of state and local civil servants, found that the percentage of 'engaged' federal employees decreased significantly in 2025. Despite some rebound in metrics by the end of the year, federal employees remained less satisfied and more burnt out than their peers in other sectors.
Curious Chronicles Curious Chronicles
Senior Living Communities by Cost Across US States in 2026

Senior Living Communities by Cost Across US States in 2026

Planning for senior living means understanding the financial landscape, which is constantly shifting. By 2026, national average costs for various senior living options are projected to increase by over 10% from 2023 levels. This rise impacts everything from independent living to specialized memory care. Your location in the US plays a huge role, with some states costing thousands more per month than others for similar services. Ignoring these state-by-state differences could significantly drain retirement savings faster than anticipated. We'll explore these variations and strategies to navigate them.
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Homeowners Face Challenges Using Home Equity as Sole Retirement Strategy Amid Rising Costs

Homeowners Face Challenges Using Home Equity as Sole Retirement Strategy Amid Rising Costs

Homeowners Face Challenges Using Home Equity as Sole Retirement Strategy Amid Rising Costs
TheStreet TheStreet
Fidelity flags major Medicare concern

Fidelity flags major Medicare concern

Medicare is the federal program that helps older adults manage hospital and medical expenses — yet its rules, deadlines, and penalties can overwhelm even confident planners. The challenge is sharper for those retiring early who must secure coverage before eligibility begins at 65. This complexity ...
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AARP sounds alarm on major 401(k), Social Security change

AARP sounds alarm on major 401(k), Social Security change

Retirement planning is entering a period of major transition, and Americans mapping out their financial futures will need to keep a close eye on what’s coming. Several SECURE 2.0 Act provisions are now reshaping 401(k) rules, potentially affecting how workers save and withdraw from their accounts. ...
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Goldman Sachs Report Highlights Rising Retirement Costs and Home Equity Limitations

Goldman Sachs Report Highlights Rising Retirement Costs and Home Equity Limitations

Goldman Sachs Report Highlights Rising Retirement Costs and Home Equity Limitations
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Goldman Sachs Report Highlights Rising Retirement Costs, Home Equity as Insufficient Safety Net

Goldman Sachs Report Highlights Rising Retirement Costs, Home Equity as Insufficient Safety Net

Goldman Sachs Report Highlights Rising Retirement Costs, Home Equity as Insufficient Safety Net
Curious Chronicles Curious Chronicles
Why Choosing the Wrong Senior Living Option Can Cost Families Tens of Thousands

Why Choosing the Wrong Senior Living Option Can Cost Families Tens of Thousands

For many American families, the decision of where a parent or loved one will live as they age is one of the most significant and emotional choices they’ll ever face. It’s not just about comfort; it's a financial crossroads. Making the wrong senior living choice can easily cost families tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes even more, draining savings meant to last for years. This isn't just about the monthly rent. We're talking about hidden fees, unexpected changes in care levels, and the enormous expense of having to move someone multiple times. A rushed or uninformed decision can create a cascade of financial and emotional burdens that most families are simply not prepared for.
TheStreet TheStreet
Fidelity exposes 403(b) oversight limiting retirements

Fidelity exposes 403(b) oversight limiting retirements

If you teach at a public school, work at a hospital, or spend your career at a nonprofit, your retirement plan likely carries a different label than the 401(k) that headlines most financial conversations.  The 403(b) operates under its own IRS rules, which include layered contribution limits, ...
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401(k) catch-up contributions just got more expensive for high earners

401(k) catch-up contributions just got more expensive for high earners

For years, the 401(k) catch-up contribution gave workers over 50 a straightforward way to lower their tax bill while padding their retirement savings. That arrangement changed on January 1, 2026, when the SECURE 2.0 Act’s Roth catch-up provision went into effect and upended the tax treatment of ...
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Goldman Sachs Survey Predicts $2.5 Million Retirement Cost by 2043, Raises Concerns Over Home Equity as Sole Safety Net

Goldman Sachs Survey Predicts $2.5 Million Retirement Cost by 2043, Raises Concerns Over Home Equity as Sole Safety Net

Goldman Sachs Survey Predicts $2.5 Million Retirement Cost by 2043, Raises Concerns Over Home Equity as Sole Safety Net