Question's about retirement

[NUC SHARK]

and when one does hit 62 and starts receiving COLAs, FERS retirees instead receive Diet COLAs. CSRS pension is/was by far a better deal.

[Bubba]

and when one does hit 62 and starts receiving COLAs, FERS retirees instead receive Diet COLAs. CSRS pension is/was by far a better deal.

The one thing I've learned in life is that any time they change something, they typically make it worse. On that note, my expectation is that within the next 10 years or so, FERS will be made worse (high 5 instead of 3, no more FERS supplement for those that retire before 62, make FERS equal to all other FERS types and etc.) and FEHB will include more of our money. Those proposals have been thrown around for a few years now and will likely come back (especially if we get a recession at some point). So, that's why its so important, in my opinion, to grow the TSP. That's the only thing we can really control.

Good luck to everyone!

[evilanne]

Bubba,
Those proposals have been going on for over a decade without going anywhere. Usually changes apply to new employees like when they increased the FERS contribution from 0.8% to 3.1%, or 4.4%. The cost of FEHB has always increased and covered less each year but it is still a really good deal compared to ACA or private employers. Congress critters have the same benefits we do so I don't see them making any major changes that go against their best interests.

Definitely agree with investing more & growing your TSP.