The Chart
The case notes, written down.
Long-form articles on federal benefits — readable, accurate, and plain-spoken. New entries land in The Chart most weeks.
FERS RetirementJun 9, 2026
The three biggest mistakes feds make in the 18 months before retirement.
Most of the damage that gets done to a federal retirement isn't done in the year after — it's done in the 18 months before. Here's what to watch for.
By K. Shawn McCoy8 min read
FEHB & MedicareJun 8, 2026
The 60-day window: the most expensive deadline in federal benefits.
After you retire, you have a narrow window to make permanent decisions about FEHB, Medicare and dental/vision. Miss it and the cost lasts the rest of your life.
By K. Shawn McCoy7 min read
TSPJun 7, 2026
L Fund or self-directed? A diagnosis-first framework for the last 5 years.
In your last five years before retirement, the TSP allocation question stops being theoretical. Here's how I think about it.
By K. Shawn McCoy9 min read
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