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, 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 your account has already taken a loss

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 figure this out for yourself) An overlooked element of the SRS earnings test that can be your...

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 retirement assets

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, 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 penalty like this has on your TSP account

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

Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, discusses the new guidance just released by the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with respect to the withdrawals and the loan options for participants affected by COVID-19.  Is taking money out of your TSP account under these rules advantageous for you?  Or, are there some hang-ups that you haven't considered?

Federal benefits expert Chris Kowalik discusses the financial impact recent proposed changes to federal pay, benefits and retirement will have on both federal employees and retirees.   Chris provides insight on the likelihood of whether each of the proposed changes may (or may not) happen -- plus some practical examples of how costly they could be if implemented.

Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, shares the advantages and disadvantages of the Lifecycle Funds (L Funds) within the Thrift Savings Plan .   Key take-ways: What are the Lifecycle Funds -- and how are they different than the other funds in the Thrift Savings Plan? Some important challenges of the L Funds How the mixture of investments in the L Funds changes over time What rate of return investors in the L Funds can expect How L Funds work in the Traditional TSP and Roth TSP ...

Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, provides some practical insight on how federal employees can prepare for income taxes in retirement.  

Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, brings some clarity on an often-confusing special type of federal retirement -- deferred retirement -- and some potential significant drawbacks to it.

Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, breaks down how the survivor benefit plan works for federal employee who wish to protect income for someone other than a spouse in retirement.