NARFE Request

[FogSailing]

I just resubmitted my request to NARFE to look into more flexibility for Feds using the TSP. Here's what I submitted:

About a month ago I wrote requesting that NARFE please consider contacting the TSP Board and working for changes to the antiquated TSP system. Because of the limitations set by the Board (i.e. 2 IFTs per month and all IFT's must be completed by 11am EST) many folks have taken a bath in the current market. It was so bad that the TSP website wasn't working when folks tried to bail out of stocks recently. The TSP needs to make the system work for Feds, not support huge losses in their accounts because the system is TOO SLOW and LACKS FLEXIBILITY and ISNT CUSTOMER ORIENTED.

I would appreciate it NARFE would work on the behalf of Feds (retired and working) to bring about policy changes that provide more flexibility. Something in the order of 5-6 IFTs per month that must be completed by 4:00pm EST would provide a great deal more flexibility.

I would like some acknowledgement that you received this.

Thanks.

I have no idea if they will act, but the request doesn't hurt and if any of you have similar thoughts I recommend you advise either your union rep if you have one, or contact NARFE and make a similar request. I've sent numerous request to the TSP Board which are simply ignored. We could all use more flexibility.

FS

 

[2moryrs]

The NARFE National convention is coming up in Reno, NV in August. I will take this suggestion with me and try and get a feel to see if they can add this to their agenda. NARFE is losing members for a number of reasons, and we are starting to feel it in how Congress perceives our requests. Numbers do matter. Congress will listen to us again if we have a surge in membership. imho.

2moryrs-not retired 2008.

 

[FogSailing]

I've been a member since I retired. I consider it a duty. I agree with you 2MY. Membership does matter and numbers matter. Best of luck to you and enjoy the convention.

FS

 

[2moryrs]

Welcome to the new NARFE! One member one vote. Every member now has a voice in the future of NARFE. We will still have 10 Regions, we will have optional chapter membership. Do not know how this will affect NARFE in the short run, but it will make changes to the future of NARFE.

Will no longer need delegates for conventions. Will no longer need conventions. They will be replaced with something else. Check out narfe.org for how to join and have a voice in protecting your earned benefits as current employees and retirees and annuitants.

FogSailing,
Now that the dust has settled on the changes to NARFE, I will ask if NARFE can add your concern to their list of items to pursue with the next legislative agenda.
TMY

 

[2moryrs]

I can not understand how retirees are not flocking to join NARFE. NARFE is the only organization with its finger on the pulse of Congress regarding your EARNED benefits. Congress can rewrite the rules and break the promises that they made to all members of the Federal family, both current employees and retirees. When you sign up for automatic payment of your dues, you save 15% of $40; which makes your dues $34.00 per year or $2.83 per month from your pension. And NARFE is not a union. They partner with other Federal organizations to protect what the Federal family has been promised for working in the public sector. They have been fighting to not throw the USPS retirees under the bus. USPS retirees will be required to pay for Medicare part B in order to keep their FEHB health coverage. If that current legislation passes, it won't take long for Congress to come after retirees of other agencies (CSRS retirees). How much do you have to lose before you say enough is enough? Please logon to the NARFE website (there are areas you can look at without being a member) and look at the legislative issues concerning Federal retirees and current employees.

Thank you,
2moryrs-not

 

[justjeff]

I can not understand how retirees are not flocking to join NARFE. NARFE is the only organization with its finger on the pulse of Congress regarding your EARNED benefits. Congress can rewrite the rules and break the promises that they made to all members of the Federal family, both current employees and retirees. When you sign up for automatic payment of your dues, you save 15% of $40; which makes your dues $34.00 per year or $2.83 per month from your pension. And NARFE is not a union. They partner with other Federal organizations to protect what the Federal family has been promised for working in the public sector. They have been fighting to not throw the USPS retirees under the bus. USPS retirees will be required to pay for Medicare part B in order to keep their FEHB health coverage. If that current legislation passes, it won't take long for Congress to come after retirees of other agencies (CSRS retirees). How much do you have to lose before you say enough is enough? Please logon to the NARFE website (there are areas you can look at without being a member) and look at the legislative issues concerning Federal retirees and current employees.

Thank you,
2moryrs-not

I agree totally with everything that you mentioned above. I have 4 more years to go until retirement, however I have been a member of NARFE for at least 10 years thanks to my Uncle making a suggestion that my wife and I join. I find it a very valuable resource to read the monthly magazine where I learn of bills that have been introduced that will impact my future. We learned of the potential cutbacks along with the proposed changes to our retirement system a few months ago(ie: doing away with the FERS supplement). The question/answer section always has something valuable to me. If you are reading this, please do yourself a favor and join.

 

[FogSailing]

Having a voice in the room is sometimes the only thing that helps us avoid cuts. NARFE does that and works to create relationships with the Congress on both sides of the aisle. Have always been thankful for their work for the Feds.

FS