Stoplight's Account Talk

[DreamboatAnnie]

Stoplight, I retired under FERS in 2012 at age 57 as FED LEO.. I just received a COLA of 1.7% (EST.,) for 2015 for my pension.
I don't know about not getting COLA until age 62.. Could it be because I was LEO ?? Just adding to the discussion.

Hi Dutchy, Your right...Law Enforcement Officers get different rates. I believe there are lots of differences. On the retirement thread someone posted there is an unofficial FERS Retirement and Benefits guide for LEO (series 1811), reportedly easy to read. Used to be free but this year, Dan Jamison, name of now retired LEO who gave it out free for many years, started charging $10 for it. He also answers questions for subscribers ($10) and provides services for retirement divorce settlements..expert at computing fair values.

See unofficial Retirement & Benefits Guide:
Unofficial Retirement & Benefits Guide

This site includes both 1811 and regular FERS!!

However, a friend of mine sent one (think its regular FERS) from the prior year that was free. Not sure if anything has changed since then, but I will post a link as soon as I find it.

 

[DreamboatAnnie]

Stoplight, I retired under FERS in 2012 at age 57 as FED LEO.. I just received a COLA of 1.7% (EST.,) for 2015 for my pension.
I don't know about not getting COLA until age 62.. Could it be because I was LEO ?? Just adding to the discussion.

Hi Dutchy, Your right...Law Enforcement Officers get different rates. I believe there are lots of differences. On the retirement thread someone posted there is an unofficial FERS Retirement and Benefits guide for LEO (series 1811), reportedly easy to read. Used to be free but this year, Dan Jamison, name of now retired LEO who gave it out free for many years, started charging $10 for it. He also answers questions for subscribers ($10) and provides services for retirement divorce settlements..expert at computing fair values.

See unofficial Retirement & Benefits Guide:
Unofficial Retirement & Benefits Guide

This site includes both 1811 and regular FERS!!

However, a friend of mine sent one (think its regular FERS) from the prior year that was free. Not sure if anything has changed since then, but I will post a link as soon as I find it.

I found them online. These are updated only through 2013 even though called 2014 guide. He gives permission to use it as you see by reading first page. Seems like a very smart and just awesome and generous person!! Just like many on our site. He does sell the updated 2015 for only $10! I should say it would be well worth it to buy one. I just placed my order to assure I have the latest info. Use link above for that.

FERS GUIDE FEDERAL-AGENTv8

FERS GUIDE-NONAGENTv8

 

[Frixxxx]

I found them online. These are updated only through 2013 even though called 2014 guide. He gives permission to use it as you see by reading first page. Seems like a very smart and just awesome and generous person!! Just like many on our site. He does sell the updated 2015 for only $10! I should say it would be well worth it to buy one. I just placed my order to assure I have the latest info. Use link above for that.

FERS GUIDE FEDERAL-AGENTv8

FERS GUIDE-NONAGENTv8

I posted the information to get these guides before. I use them for informational purposes all the time. They are awesome.

 

[Stoplight]

All,

So there ya go !!! LEO's and CSRS get the COLA ; straight FERS, under age 62, like me, don't, until we lose the supplemental annuity, and pick up SS (if desired !) at age 62 !

Thanks, all, for the discussion !!!


Stoplight...

 

[konakathy]

Hey, Stoplight. Did the grandniece go over to Peru? How did she like it, if so?

 

[Stoplight]

Hey, Stoplight. Did the grandniece go over to Peru? How did she like it, if so?

KK,

Kinda creepy you should ask !!! Today, mulling over what I can post here, in my little TSPTalk "home" !!!

She's coming here to North FL next Sunday...spends some time with her new Boyfriend, and us, (mostly the new Boyfriend, I suspect !!!) and then leaves for Peru on 25 Feb !!!

Thanks SO MUCH for asking !!! You're the Greatest !!! See next post !

Stoplight...

 

[Stoplight]

All,

Okay...so I've mentioned the Grand-Niece, Sonja, on the Forum, every now and then...what can I say ? The Wife and I have no Kids (by choice), but this Kid has become near and dear to us over the last 4 years !!!

Forum members have responded when I reached out...For instance, JPCavin met us all for dinner in Pensacola ; Sensei sent along his detailed comments about teaching overseas...info appreciated from everyone !!!

Sooo...the Wife and I are not particularly "religious", but she's about to embark on an exciting "adventure", doing school teaching and mission work in Lima, Peru !!!

She's set up a web site/blog to document her experiences...she's a good writer, and I suspect she'll keep it up-to-date ! If you want to "meet" Sonja, see a pic of her, and follow her experiences, check out her web site, and sign up for her newsletter ! :

Grace Reaching | Without Borders

...and while you're there, if you decide to toss in a few bucks to support her life choice, that would be MOST APPRECIATED, too !!! I'm thinking...this post is for "crowd funding" from my TSPTalk Friends !!!

Thanks for reading, y'all !!!


Stoplight...

 

[Stoplight]

All,

Just want to say "Thanks !" to all y'all for reading about the Kid, and the positive feedback ! Trust me...it means a LOT to her (and to me !!!)


Stoplight...

 

[felixthecat]

I found them online. These are updated only through 2013 even though called 2014 guide. He gives permission to use it as you see by reading first page. Seems like a very smart and just awesome and generous person!! Just like many on our site. He does sell the updated 2015 for only $10! I should say it would be well worth it to buy one. I just placed my order to assure I have the latest info. Use link above for that.

FERS GUIDE FEDERAL-AGENTv8

FERS GUIDE-NONAGENTv8

Very good read I'm sure. Will look at these. Thanks for the links! Great post. :smile:

 

[weatherweenie]

All,

Okay...so I've mentioned the Grand-Niece, Sonja, on the Forum, every now and then...what can I say ? The Wife and I have no Kids (by choice), but this Kid has become near and dear to us over the last 4 years !!!

Forum members have responded when I reached out...For instance, JPCavin met us all for dinner in Pensacola ; Sensei sent along his detailed comments about teaching overseas...info appreciated from everyone !!!

Sooo...the Wife and I are not particularly "religious", but she's about to embark on an exciting "adventure", doing school teaching and mission work in Lima, Peru !!!

She's set up a web site/blog to document her experiences...she's a good writer, and I suspect she'll keep it up-to-date ! If you want to "meet" Sonja, see a pic of her, and follow her experiences, check out her web site, and sign up for her newsletter ! :

Grace Reaching | Without Borders

...and while you're there, if you decide to toss in a few bucks to support her life choice, that would be MOST APPRECIATED, too !!! I'm thinking...this post is for "crowd funding" from my TSPTalk Friends !!!

Thanks for reading, y'all !!!


Stoplight...

Better keep her away from Burro. ;-)

We are going to Peru this year and were looking for a place to contribute some money to. This might be a great cause for us to contribute to.

 

[burrocrat]

Better keep her away from Burro. ;-)

We are going to Peru this year and were looking for a place to contribute some money to. This might be a great cause for us to contribute to.

oh no, no worries there. i have total respect for service to the lord and to those who give their talents to assist others on the journey. everyone has their own way to serve. i hope and pray that young woman is safe and effective at her calling. word.

i read the blog and the only thing i could think is 'wow, what a commitment that young lady must have'.

 

[Sensei]

Great to hear about your niece, Stoplight! I'm sure she'll have lots of amazing experiences in Peru.

 

[Stoplight]

We are going to Peru this year and were looking for a place to contribute some money to. This might be a great cause for us to contribute to.

Thanks for your post, WW !!!

The Wife and I are also planning on making a trip down there, sometime this year, to see her, AND Peru !!! Fits right in with being "retired" !!! We'll pick Kona and Sonja's brains (once she gets there !), to see what we should "see" !!!

Luckily, I pulled our passports out, and found they expired in January !!! Sent in the renewal forms, pictures, and check...check's been cashed, so we should have 'em back before we plan to go !!!

ANY contribution to her "cause" would be MORE than appreciated !!! Thanks, Friend !!!


Stoplight...

 

[Stoplight]

Better keep her away from Burro. ;-)

WW,

LOL !!! Although Burro has posted some stuff around the Board that I find "questionable", (I really don't want to know about his new underwear ! ), I suspect he's a "Good Man" ! Just see his post, later in this thread !!!

Burro...appreciate your hugely positive comments !!! Your observation that you respect those who follow a "calling", AND that you hope and pray for her, including being effective, means a LOT to her !!! That's all she wants...

SO GLAD you followed the link, and read her blog, too !!! Thanks ! I agree...that Kid KNOWS what she wants to do !!! Kinda scary, to me !!! Can't say I agree with the doctrine she follows, but ya gotta give the Kid credit !!!


Stoplight...

 

[Stoplight]

Great to hear about your niece, Stoplight! I'm sure she'll have lots of amazing experiences in Peru.

Sensei,

The write-up you put together for us about teaching overseas made an impact with her !!! THANKS !!!

This all should be interesting !!!


Stoplight...

 

[weatherweenie]

Thanks for your post, WW !!!

The Wife and I are also planning on making a trip down there, sometime this year, to see her, AND Peru !!! Fits right in with being "retired" !!! We'll pick Kona and Sonja's brains (once she gets there !), to see what we should "see" !!!

Luckily, I pulled our passports out, and found they expired in January !!! Sent in the renewal forms, pictures, and check...check's been cashed, so we should have 'em back before we plan to go !!!

ANY contribution to her "cause" would be MORE than appreciated !!! Thanks, Friend !!!


Stoplight...

For me, I can't wait to see Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. I would love to see the Nazca lines, but won't have time.

TripAdvisor and Yelp, have been a great source for ideas about what to see.

 

[weatherweenie]

WW,

LOL !!! Although Burro has posted some stuff around the Board that I find "questionable", (I really don't want to know about his new underwear ! ), I suspect he's a "Good Man" ! Just see his post, later in this thread !!!

Burro...appreciate your hugely positive comments !!! Your observation that you respect those who follow a "calling", AND that you hope and pray for her, including being effective, means a LOT to her !!! That's all she wants...

SO GLAD you followed the link, and read her blog, too !!! Thanks ! I agree...that Kid KNOWS what she wants to do !!! Kinda scary, to me !!! Can't say I agree with the doctrine she follows, but ya gotta give the Kid credit !!!


Stoplight...

Yeah, I was kidding about burrocrat.

 

[jpcavin]

You have a wonderful niece. I can see why you and Susan are so proud of her. Thank you for the link to her blog. I will definitely follow her posts. :smile:

 

[Stoplight]

For me, I can't wait to see Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. I would love to see the Nazca lines, but won't have time.

TripAdvisor and Yelp, have been a great source for ideas about what to see.

WW,

Yeah, Machu Picchu etc are really on our list, too ! The Niece's blog post about seasons being reversed made us stop and think a little more about when we want to go down there...not sure we want to be in the mountains at mid-winter ! :smile:

We're also thinking...once she's been down there a while, she'll know what to see, and how to see it. We'd love to have her as a "Tour Guide"...

OTOH, we don't want to go when she's off from school, because she might want to fly home and visit her Family....like over Easter Break or such. Right now, I'm thinking September or October...her contract runs to December ; then she'll decide if she's going to "renew" or not. Sept would be early spring, I guess...might be pretty down there !

I know you were just kidding about Burro He's a good Guy !!!

If you saw the Niece's picture on her blog, you see she's a tall, blond Woman...great volleyball player !!! My college Friends from Cuba, who live in Miami, have traveled to Peru several times. He told me : "OMG !!! A tall blonde Woman, who speaks Spanish ?? She'll be treated like a "goddess" down there !!!"


Stoplight...

 

[Stoplight]

You have a wonderful niece. I can see why you and Susan are so proud of her. Thank you for the link to her blog. I will definitely follow her posts. :smile:

Thanks, JP !!!

Glad you got a chance to meet her, and I appreciate your kind words !!! We look forward to reading her posts, too !

On her previous blog site, she wrote a post about how her "generation" is too wrapped up in the whole technology thing...they've lost how to "Be Present" with those around you...that one blew me away, AND shed a little light on the whole "Millennial" mentality, that frankly, I don't understand !!! :nuts:


Stoplight...