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Return to Article: A Little Lower

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  I believe you example about Danny and his FERS Supplement is a little misleading. Danny would get his full annuity Supplement in the calender year he retired. His Supplement would be reduced or eliminated the second year and subsequent years. Your example might dissuade a 60 year old from seeking immediate second employment at retirement.

  derek day Posted January 10, 2008 10:25 AM
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  Dear Tammy, as much as I appreciate your columns and look forward to your tabular analyses, I've noticed that you very consistently include information or predicate the notion that the retiree will, should, could, or might get another job. I've often wondered about this as I've always held that when one retires, one prefers to not HAVE to work. If one does seek additional employment, it is hopefully to be a labor of love, working at something you like to do rather than need to do.

  Well, I've been reading "Lawmakers urge Pentagon to hold off on new pay policy" and the rants and raves or an outraged population and I suppose I'm starting to see why you always address the issue that way. It looks like we're all going to need the additional employment AND income under NSPS.

  Tip off Posted October 22, 2007 4:01 PM
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  Dear Tammy, if I may be so bold...

  Mr. Stallman, while I can only speak from my own experience, I must say that Tammy has exhibited great patience and attention in her columns for all us. At first I did wonder as to the focus of her columns with salaries so high being used in the calculations. Since statistics tell us the "average" civil servant is a GS 7, step 9, I had trouble with what seemed to me to be exorbitant salaries being constantly used as examples; but I was quite gentle reminded that this new service was originally intended for the Government Executive.

  Regardless of its intended target population, over the years of my readership, I've noticed that more and more folks from the lower grades are discovering this information source and, with this article, it seems that Tammy and her co-staff are adjusting for the wider readership. Any lack of coverage or consideration I must attribute to their initial charter.

  It is quite something to say that a news letter like this is being passed around the office, from supervisors to workers; all finding value in it. It's even better to say that they recognize this fact and are "adjusting and firing for effect." I write this NOT because I wish to receive recompense, but for another selfish reason. My wife is one of those lower GS, CSRS workers approaching her retirement and I hope to encourage more consideration for that target population. Despite the rumors that ALL civil servants are vastly over paid, there are HUGE numbers of lower income workers, many female and single heads-of-household that are approaching that same grand landmark, retirement. I have a great fear for a widening gap of the have's and have not's in the community of retired civilians. Tammy, please consider the impact your column has, and the breath of the audience it reaches. Stores such as Sears target them for their purchasing power, you can help them keep that power.

  Thank you as always, Tammy, and PLEASE keep up the good work.

  Tip off Posted October 17, 2007 3:00 PM
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  I have prior NAF service as well as prior GS service. I bought back the GS service and as of Dec 07 will have 31 yrs, 3 mos combined service. I used portability to become GS so my 12 years MWR time has been merged with my GS time. I have money in the NAF retirement system that will net me about $250 a month. I would like to retire 12/31/08 at age 58 (59 on 1/19/09) with combined service of 32 year and 3 months of which 20 years and 9 months is paid up GS time. I've been divorced for 18 years and do not owe my ex-husband any of my retirement benefits as we have each waived the rights to the other's benefits. I'm sure I will have to work once I'm retired but can you help me figure out what I will receive so I know if I need a full or part time job. I am a GS-12, step 10 and have been there for two years. My locality is 24.3%

  Sandy Caputo Posted October 12, 2007 7:43 PM
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  Hi Tammy, I strated working for the goverment at age 27 under FERS, and my MRA is age 57. My question is if I retire at age 57 and wait until age 62 to apply for social security will I be penalized for retiring so early, or would it be more of a benifit to me to keep working until age 62, and then apply for social security. Thank you.

  Katrita Gould Posted October 12, 2007 2:14 PM
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  I am a FERS step 5-7 with an annual gross salery of $33,671. I have just completed 25 years including military. I just hope to be near $40, in five years. Will another 5 to 7 years with a high three income around $40.000 make much difference? In order to captilize on my wife's degree and still be able to raise our children I worked part time for 14 years. This did not provide much to put into a 401K and I am now putting all that I can into it. Its about 70,000 at the moment. Frankly I am beginng to feel as though I will have to work untill they carry me out in a body bag (this job is already starting to make feel old and tired ). I would like to leave as soon as possible so that I can change my life style to one that is more healthy. It seems that you focus on the higher income groups but ignore those of us that are in lower income levels. Is that a reflection of how we are valued?

  DAVID STALLMAN Posted October 12, 2007 12:53 PM
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  I am 66 yrs of age and make a little over $43,000.00. I have been here 8 yrs and intend to work until I am 70. How will this affect employees under my simular situation. Please give us a schedule to with no second income

  helen Posted October 12, 2007 12:01 PM
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  Thanks for all you do to help us Government folks understand what to expect as we prepare for retirement. If you would, please provide some examples like this (also best dates to retire, retirement estimate details, Redeposits, etc.) for those of us who are in the CSRS Offset system. I keep getting told by my HR folks that it is "the best of both worlds" but they don't seem to provide any information about it and how it works. There are many individuals here at NASA who are X-TVA employees and have been placed in this system who have a lot of questions about it. I'm about 5 years away from retirement and beginning to dig in to what I need to do to get ready. Any information or suggestions on where to find it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

  Bobby Hubbard Posted October 12, 2007 10:34 AM
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  Tammy, can you please do a few examples for people covered under special coverage? I'm a LEO under FERS, 32 years service, age 50, high 3 of 107,000. Thanks !

  John Posted October 12, 2007 10:08 AM
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  I'm 63 with 33 years of government service under CSRS. My wife is 63 with 40 years under Social Security. We'd both like to retire. Where can I turn for information and advice tailored to my specific situation? I've tried a couple of recommended sources, but in the end they wanted to sell insurance or annuities.

  Bernie Van Wormer Posted October 12, 2007 9:16 AM
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  Hi, I would like to know if you could do the same senario for an employee without the second income. For instance, my current income is about 56,000 a year. Say I will be 58 and intend to retire in four years under CSRS with 30 years of service. I still owe a balance on my first mortgage. I have a little savings in TSP but not much. How would my retirement figures look in four years? Will I definitely need a second income to manage a balanced life style.

  Johnnie Mae James Posted October 12, 2007 8:23 AM
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  We all appreciate your columns and example scenarios that you provide. I would like to add that most people under CSRS will have quite a few years and thus a higher percentage of pay (2% per year over 10 years)if they still are in the service without having the finacial strain of social security deductions and the worrisome game of guessing if this antiquated supplemental intended retirement system will be forever lasting without drastic modifications. The purpose of early retirement is to enjoy yourself (travel, relax, volunteer, etc.) without having to worry about starting another career. This can be one of your most fulfilling times of your new life while you are healthy, hopefully budgetary minded, and wise. I have 10 more years left in my CSRS career and constantly oversee my retirement expectations I suggest that everyone prudently do the same.

  robert zon Posted October 12, 2007 6:28 AM