Episode Details

1. High-3 & step increases — a step increase only lifts your High-3 for the time you're actually in it (stay ~3 years for full credit)
2. TSP allocation — does it match your goals? Start taking risk off the table ~3 years out if you'll need the money for income
3. Buy back your military / pre-1989 temp time — file SF-3108 now; it takes 6–9 months and must be done before you retire
4. TSP catch-up & the age 60–63 super catch-up — are you on pace to max it before year-end?
5. The survivor benefit election — the one-and-done decision couples keep putting off
Plus the non-financial one most people miss: what are you retiring TO?

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We're halfway through 2026 — the moment most federal employees realize they set goals in January and haven't looked since. If you're within five years of federal retirement, this is your mid-year check: five things to review NOW, not in December, so a small move today keeps your retirement on track.

Some of these can't be fixed at the last minute — a military buyback alone takes 6–9 months. Run them at the halfway mark and you stay in control.

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FEDERAL RETIREMENT RESOURCES
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Thrift Savings Plan (Official):
https://www.tsp.gov/
OPM — Military Service Credit / Deposits (SF-3108):
https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/fers-information/creditable-service/
OPM — FERS Survivor Benefits:
https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/fers-information/survivor-benefits/

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TIMESTAMPS
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0:00 Halfway Through 2026 — Are You On Track?
0:33 #1 Step Increases & Your High-3
1:08 TSP Allocation vs. Your Goals
1:48 #2 Buy Back Your Military Time (SF-3108)
3:24 #3 The TSP Super Catch-Up (Ages 60–63)
4:40 #4 The Survivor Benefit Conversation
6:30 #5 What Are You Retiring TO?
7:28 Watch Next: You Don't Have to Work Longer

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WHO WE ARE
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CD Financial helps federal employees and retirees make smarter retirement decisions around FERS, TSP, FEHB, Medicare, survivor benefits, and retirement income planning. Our mission: help federal employees retire with more clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. Subscribe for practical federal retirement planning content — where health meets wealth.

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
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Advisory services are offered through CD Financial LLC dba CD Financial, an Investment Advisor in the State of California. Insurance products and services are offered through CD Financial & Insurance Services LLC, an affiliated company.
This video is for educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, tax, healthcare, or investment advice. TSP limits, catch-up amounts, and federal rules change yearly and depend on your individual service history. Always verify current figures at TSP.gov and OPM and consult qualified professionals before making elections.
Opinions expressed are solely those of CD Financial. Information herein is derived from sources believed reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. All ideas should be discussed with your individual adviser prior to implementation.

#FederalRetirement #FERS #TSP #SurvivorBenefit #RetirementPlanning #CDFinancial

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