Federal Retirement Academy

Learn how to get the most out of your retirement, whether you’re leaving public service tomorrow or planning for the future.


  • Intro to Year 2: Retirement planning in the new era of public service
    Intro to Year 2: Retirement planning in the new era of public service

    Ann Vanderslice, a registered financial consultant, outlines the information to be found in Year 2 of the Federal Retirement Academy to help you better understand your federal benefits and plan for your retirement.

  • Pay attention to the big stuff
    Pay attention to the big stuff

    With the end of another calendar year approaching, it’s a good time to reflect on the events of the past year and to formulate strategy for the year ahead.

  • Welcome to FRU
    Welcome to FRU

    Welcome to the Federal Retirement University, a Federal Times resource for federal employees mulling investment decisions to promote financial stability into the future.

  • Introducing the Federal Retirement University
    Introducing the Federal Retirement University

    Federal employees face many decisions as they plan retirement, and the options are not always easy to understand.

  • How to find an honest financial adviser
    How to find an honest financial adviser

    There is no easy way to vet a financial adviser, but there are some things you should look for when making a decision. A good adviser:

  • Who is entitled to your survivor benefits?
    Who is entitled to your survivor benefits?

    While you can designate anyone to receive the proceeds of your TSP account, the rules are much stricter about who cab get a survivor annuity.

  • Traditional versus Roth TSP contributions
    Traditional versus Roth TSP contributions

    The “pay now and not later” approach offered by the Roth account is inherently appealing to many TSP participants — but it might not be right.