FedImpact: Candid Insights for Your Federal Retirement

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, addresses federal employees who are close to being eligible to retire, but don't meet the requirements for an Early Out (VERA).   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Who falls into this category What are the consequences of taking this resignation offer How are other benefits like FEHB, FEGLI, the Supplement & TSP affected   Additional resources: Link to OPM announcement:  OPM.gov/fork...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, discusses how the Deferred Resignation applies to federal employees who are already fully-eligible to retire (and what to do if you've already filed for retirement)!   KEY TAKEAWAYS: How to know if you are fully-eligible to retire What steps need to be taken to accept the resignation offer How to change your retirement date to reflect 9/30 How your pension will chan...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, discusses how the Deferred Resignation applies to federal employees who have met their Minimum Retirement Age, but don't have the years of service necessary to be fully-eligible to retire.   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Who qualifies for an MRA+10 retirement What effect does this have on your pension  How can you avoid penalties to your pension How are other benefits like FEHB, F...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, discusses the new twist added by OPM just days before federal employees decide if they stay or go.  This change includes relaxed eligibility standards through the Early Out (VERA) option for those who qualify. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Who qualifies for an Early Out  How does it change this decision for many people What effect does this have on your pension How are other benef...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, identifies 10 important questions that federal employees should ask of their agency's HR department before they resign.   KEY TAKEAWAYS: Documents you need to get Actions that need to be taken Expectations moving forward   Additional resources: Link to OPM announcement:  OPM.gov/fork Link to OPM FAQs:  OPM.gov/fork/faq   Local workshop locations and dates:  FedImpac...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, discusses the concerns of the legitimacy of the "Deferred Resignation" offer that expires on February 6th – and why distrust and uncertainty are running high among federal workers.    KEY TAKEAWAYS: The unorthodox method in which this offer was made The uncertainty of many important details The general distrust among the federal workforce The concerns about "what's...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, unpacks why most New Year's resolutions fail and how federal employees can reframe their mindset to get what they really want.    KEY TAKEAWAYS: The key behind why most New Year's resolutions fail The power of incremental changes  The breakdown of effective goal-setting The reward of meaningful resolutions Additional resources: Local workshop locations and dates: Fe...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, reveals the real truth behind why so many federal employees take advice from the "self-appointed office experts" at the proverbial water cooler.    KEY TAKEAWAYS: Why water cooler experts can be dangerous (and sometimes helpful) What to do when you are getting advice about money from a co-worker Why you might feel compelled to take their advice What to do once you h...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, lays out the 8 planning principles that can help federal employees take control of their financial future Key takeaways: The timing of when you're taking action The decision making process (and what happens if you don't make decisions) Taking ownership of your future

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, shares a behind-the-scenes look at the recent updates ProFeds has made to its website and resources for federal employees. Key takeaways: We have a bigger message to share with federal employees preparing to retire, We embrace growth and change, so we continue to bring you helpful tools and resources, We want to give federal employees a first-class experience.

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, shares Super Bowl insights and what that has to do with your retirement from federal service. Key takeaways: What to do when you find yourself as the "underdog" How to keep your head in the game and be "In it to Win it?" When your play calling becomes a crucial element of your game strategy Who to rely on for guidance and leadership when the stakes are high Why to a...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, shares how taking these steps early can help you to retire with financial confidence. Key takeaways: NUMBERS: what facts and figures need to be on your radar TIMELINE: what does your retirement countdown look like ADVANTAGES: what unique decisions are available to you to give you an unfair advantage over your peers MINDSET: what shifts may need to be made to your th...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, talks about three areas where federal employees need to pay special attention to when they're requesting and reviewing the retirement estimate from their agency: ACCURATE: are the numbers right? COMPLETE: are all the numbers and options there (even just for your federal benefits)? ENOUGH: is the information presented enough to make a full decision?

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, discusses how your mindset may shift on you when the TSP takes a tumble. Key takeaways: Different stages of your investment journey (and how it changes your perspective on loss) Assessing your risk tolerance as it relates to your TSP How long it takes to recoup your money after a down market Highlights the #1 problem with TSP once you are retired What to do now if y...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, discusses how playing both offense and defense can help federal employees to retire ready. OFFENSE: Increasing the money you have to live the retirement you want DEFENSE: Protecting that money from others who want to take it from you BIG QUESTION: Are you playing to win, or are you playing to not lose?

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, discusses the legitimate frustrations that federal employees have felt about the TSP's recent transition to its new platform – and how feds can protect themselves despite TSP's errors.

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, reveals the 3 key professionals federal employees should have in their corner as they prepare to retire – and how to get started.

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, reveals common "rules of thumb" and why federal employees are persuaded to follow them – and what to do instead.

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, offers insights into where federal employees should not be seeking advice from – and where to go instead. Key takeaways: The difference between "seeking information" and "seeking advice" The 5 government entities where feds should never go to for advice Where feds should go when seeking advice on strategy to maximize their financial situation

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, gives the simple formula to know if federal retirees might work themselves right out of the Special Retirement Supplement if they have a job after leaving federal service. Key takeaways: General overview of how the SRS program works The "earnings test" applied and what happens if you make too much money  We'll cover a few examples (and give you an easy formula to fi...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, reveals why high COLAs actually mean less money in the pockets of federal retirees. Key takeaways: How the Cost of Living Adjustments are calculated When COLAs are announced each year and when they go into effect Why high COLAs aren't considered "good" when you know what it actually means The real consequences of high COLAs and the spiral effect it can have on your...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, reviews FEGLI Option C coverage and what happens when you no longer have eligible family members who are covered. Key takeaways: Brief overview of FEGLI Option C What causes eligible family members to become ineligible for coverage How to get this coverage fixed with your agency How to get a refund of erroneous premiums paid

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, covers the 3 rules that federal employees must follow to be allowed to keep their health benefits (FEHB) in retirement.   Key takeaways: Focuses solely on how YOU (the fed) can keep FEHB in retirement A breakdown of the 3 rules you must meet to be eligible How feds married to other feds can switch up their plans How feds who have time under TRICARE can use that time...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, reveals the rules of the early withdrawal penalty (and how to avoid it) when taking money out of the TSP prior to age 59 1/2. Key takeaways: What the rules are for when you may take money from TSP What triggers a penalty for some federal employees taking funds prior to age 59 1/2 How to avoid the penalty based on when or how you take money The bigger impact a penalt...

ProFeds Founder, Chris Kowalik, discusses why goal setting can leave federal employees feeling frustrated and overwhelmed.  She gives real-world examples of how to break down goals into manageable steps. Key takeaways: Why most people hate new year's resolutions How to intentionally create steps into your goals to build momentum How (and from where) to measure progress