Watch Out: Possible Drawbacks of Early Retirement for Federal Employees!

by | May 8, 2024 | Spousal IRA | 10 comments




Are you a Federal Employee who is considering early retirement? Do you know all of the potential downsides to this decision and how it can impact your overall FERS annuity? We aren’t telling you not to, but we are suggesting that you at least understand the impacts of your decision! In this video, we break down what those impacts can be and how they will affect your FERS annuity.

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Leave us a comment below if you have any questions about the potential downsides Federal Employees could face if they decide to retire early!
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Retiring early may seem like a dream come true for many federal employees. After years of dedicated service, the thought of enjoying more free time and relaxation is certainly appealing. However, it’s important to consider the potential downsides of retiring early as a federal employee.

One of the biggest concerns for federal employees who retire early is the impact on their retirement benefits. The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) offers a pension benefit based on the number of years worked and the highest average salary earned. Retiring early means receiving a reduced pension, as the calculation is based on how many years you have worked and your age at retirement. This could result in lower monthly payments and a decreased overall retirement income.

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Additionally, federal employees who retire early may face financial challenges in terms of their healthcare benefits. Federal employees are eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, which provides access to affordable health insurance options. However, retiring before reaching the age of 65 may mean having to pay higher premiums for health insurance until becoming eligible for Medicare. This can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs for retirees.

Another potential downside of early retirement for federal employees is the impact on their Social Security benefits. While federal employees do not participate in the Social Security system, many retirees may have worked in other jobs where they paid into Social Security. Retiring early can result in a reduced Social Security benefit, as the amount is based on the age at which you start receiving benefits.

Furthermore, early retirement may also limit the opportunities for federal employees to continue growing their retirement savings. With fewer years to contribute to retirement accounts, such as the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), retirees may not have as much saved up for their golden years. This could lead to financial strain in the future and may require retirees to make adjustments to their spending habits.

In conclusion, while early retirement may seem like a tempting option for federal employees, it’s important to carefully consider the potential downsides. Lower pension benefits, higher healthcare costs, reduced Social Security benefits, and limited opportunities for retirement savings growth are all factors that retirees must take into account. It’s crucial to weigh these drawbacks against the desire for early retirement and make a decision that best aligns with your financial goals and needs. Consulting with a financial advisor or retirement specialist can also help federal employees make informed decisions about their retirement plans.

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10 Comments

  1. @itguru2037

    What happens if I’m forced to leave my federal job because I lose my clearance? I’m 56.5 with 18 years of service

  2. @matthewkendall8544

    I don’t understand. What happens cola wise if I don’t have the full 30 years at age 57?

  3. @targetguy777

    unless fers people have 30 yrs in social security they are penilized for each year under 30 yrs. This is why i ended up collecting ss at 67 and made sure i had 30 yrs ss paid into and that has to be 30 substantial yrs meaning about 24000 a yr or more paid into ss.

  4. @conniemartin9468

    Question; I want to retire at 60 years old; which is next year. I have 28.5 years. Im confused i meet Mira; 60 years + >20 yrs of service. But I’m not sure if i will have a penalty because i want to leave before 62 years old.?? Could you please clarify this. Thank you

  5. @commonsenseisntcommon1776

    FERS is SH!T, i'm getting what I can and going elsewhere! 1% of earnings? screw that! CSRS was the only decent system!

  6. @mrjumbly2338

    Why do all the vids I want to watch you guys have the crappy annoying music. I can't handle it

  7. @jeff8883

    Did u answer if we dont get a cola from 57 to 62?
    I understand what happens after 62

  8. @rogermasadi8856

    Diet COLA, you coined perfectly. Awesome video. Many Thanks.

  9. @gummo3q524

    I’m a special provision employee started at age 24, And I know that to be eligible, I have to complete 20 years of service at age 50 or 25 years and retire at anytime. What if I don’t meet the age and do my 20 years and want to retire at age 44 for example. Will I still get the 34%(1.7%@20 years) and what age will I start to receive pension, Will I get SRS and if so, when?

  10. @lincorey

    What about special category employee like myself DOD firefighter who has to retire at 57? What tsp/pension and social Security penalties will I need to worry about?

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