Benchmark Financial Group Blog

Survey highlights gender differences in long-term care perceptions (BPT) - Apparently "in sickness and in health" can mean different things to men and women. As the population ages and the need for extended health care increases, a recent nationwide omnibus survey of 1,005 American adults shows that men and women approach the issue of long-term...

By Robert F. Benson For FedSmith Until late last year, FERS employees in the twilight of their careers were faced with a dilemma: "What should I do about my sick leave?" If I use it up ("burn it") during the year or so prior to retirement, I will be cheating. But if I am honest about it, then I will lose something of real value—the sick leave...

By John Grobe for FedSmith Your MRA, or Minimum Retirement Age, is based on the year in which you were born. A FERS retiree who was born before 1948 would have a MRA of 55. However, if born in 1970 or later, the MRA would be 57. Here is a chart that demonstrates how this works: Minimum Retirement Age + 10 Year of Birth MRA Before 1948 55 1948 55...

By John Grobe for FedSmith What Happens to Your Benefits if You Die While Still Working? This is a question we do not want to ponder, as we all plan on living long after we retire. When it comes to Ben Franklin's quote, "Plan like you'll live forever; pray like you'll die tomorrow", we all tend to focus on the first part. However, it is helpful...

By Robert F. Benson for FedSmith The only thing 100% clear about the FERS annuity supplement is that it ends at age 62, which is when the retiree first becomes eligible for Social Security. For retirees under age 62, some get the supplement and others do not.  Some are subject to the “earnings test” while the rest are exempt.  Some receiving the...