If there is one thing that will make me crazy, it is someone who doesn't have any situational awareness. It could be my child, who has zoned out and has no idea that we've just had an entire … [Read more...]
Don’t Go: TSP Apple App
March 13, 2013 | KateIt seems that the Apple Store is offering an enticing app called TSP Funds, that is supposed to help you manage your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account. Please be aware that this app is NOT designed … [Read more...]
Military Saves Week: Want To Stop Working Someday? Start Planning Now
February 28, 2013 | KateThursday of Military Saves Week 2013 is Saving for Retirement day. If you've spent any time around The Paycheck Chronicles, you'll know that I am a huge believer in planning for retirement. I am … [Read more...]
The Saver’s Tax Credit
February 20, 2013 | KateMost Americans are somewhere in the tax return filing process right now, and many of us are trying to calculate ways to save money on our taxes for 2013. If your adjust gross income (AGI) is less … [Read more...]
Federal Paper Checks Ending
February 08, 2013 | KateEffective 1 March 2013, paper checks will no longer be issued for any federal benefits, including military retirement pay, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, or Social Security. If you … [Read more...]
Retiree 1099R Tax Statements
January 26, 2013 | KateI get an amazing number of emails from retirees, asking me to send them their 1099R tax statements. I wish I could do this for these readers, but I can not. I am not affiliated with the Defense … [Read more...]
Check Your TSP Contributions
January 24, 2013 | KateJust a heads up to all my friends - you might want to log on to MyPay and double-check your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contribution selections. My husband changed his in December, and the … [Read more...]
2013 TSP Contribution Limits
November 25, 2012 | KatePlanning ahead? You know I am always planning ahead, at least when it comes to finances. (Don't look in my laundry room.) The 2013 Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contribution limits have been … [Read more...]
When MyPay Doesn’t Work
October 27, 2012 | KateHaving trouble accessing the MyPay system to check your statements and make changes to your pay account? It seems to be a common problem lately, especially if you've had changes to your personal … [Read more...]
2013 Retiree COLA Announced
October 19, 2012 | KateThe 2013 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all military retirement pay, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities, Social Security benefits, and Veterans Affairs disability and survivor benefits has … [Read more...]
From The Mailbag: Survivor Benefit Plan
October 17, 2012 | KateOne of the many great benefits of military retirement is eligibility to sign up for the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP.) Unfortunately, the program has lots of rules and regulations, and many retirees … [Read more...]
From The Mailbag: Overseas Retiree Wonders About COLA
September 27, 2012 | KateThe transition from active duty to retiree is full of changes, including pay changes. Knowing what you will receive helps eliminate surprises. Kate: Just retired this past Dec 31......Ireceived … [Read more...]
Active Duty to Retirement: Pay Issues
August 17, 2012 | KateThe move from active duty to retirement is a big, with all sorts of issues, but the biggest issue is pay. Not only will your retired pay be significantly lower than your active duty pay, but the … [Read more...]
Preparing for Life After The Military
August 11, 2012 | KateIt might be hard to imagine, but someday you will have a life after the military. Early thought, careful planning, and ongoing preparation will help make the transition easier. In my opinion, it … [Read more...]
