2013/08/072013/10/08 A New Chapter for GubMints Sorry the GubMints posts have been a bit sparse over the last week or so- I’ve just accepted a new job in Industry, and I’m fully engaged trying to ‘Get a sip of water from the Fire Hose’ as I learn the ropes at the new job. GubMints posts will be focused on my experiences separating from Federal Service for the next month or so, as I wade my way through the following events: How to weigh a private sector job offer (total compensation) and compare it with your present Fed job. (Subset of above) Knowing where you sit (pecking order) on your Command/Agency “RIF Register”- This affects who will get RIF’ed first if-and-when Federal RIFs commence. (Another Subset of above) – Evaluating what your FERS pension will be worth as a FERS Deferred Retiree. Notifying your Command/Agency of your resignation and generating your final Personnel Action (SF-50) form. I’ve already learned some interesting lessons here. How long each of your federal benefits last, and what generates the start/finish date. How to time commencement of benefits with your ‘new’ employer. Land Mines to avoid if you are switching out of an HSA-eligible health plan as you switch jobs. How Uncle Sugar runs the equivalent of COBRA- It’s referred to as “Temporary Continuing Coverage” (TCC). This will keep the GubMints blog plenty busy for the next few months, as I found very little information during the separation process from OPM regarding resigning/separating from Federal Employment under you own will. For those concerned about the long term of the blog, don’t worry- I owe you and my readers a lot. I will still keep my ear to the ground about federal employee benefits and personal finance as it affects Feds, as: Federal Topics will continue to affect my livelihood, and I intend to keep a significant portion of my Retirement savings in the TSP, and Most news about current active federal benefits affects retiree benefits as well. In the meantime, consider this post as a ‘Teaser Trailer’, or a ‘Reverse Pillar Post’, if you will. I will fill in the details from bookmarked items 1-6 above as future posts. Subscribe to GubMints: via RSS: via Email: Related Career Federal Employee Benefits Thrift Savings Plan FERS BenefitsSequestrationThrift Savings PlanThrift Savings Plan Withdrawals