Stoplight's Retirement Story (FERS, Gap in Service, Military Buy-Back)

[Dutchy]

Dutchy,

My Self-Directed IRA is with USAA...although they don't have many local offices, I'll give them a call and see how this TSP paperwork needs to be done...they're pretty good at this kind of stuff !!!

Stoplight...

You can't go wrong with that... Call or visit to get direction.. I hope that the ETF trading fees are not to expensive... As you know that I-T System can flip buy/sell every 3-6 days.. Good Luck!

 

[Stoplight]

You can't go wrong with that... Call or visit to get direction.. I hope that the ETF trading fees are not to expensive... As you know that I-T System can flip buy/sell every 3-6 days.. Good Luck!

Dutchy,

Thanks !!! Right now, my and the Wife's USAA IRA balance is SO (relatively) LOW...they're charging us $8.95/trade :worried: ! I figure, once my 6 figure TSP balance hits my account, they'll be back-pedalling to make me happy ! They've already started to pitch their "Management Account", where I let them manage my investments...for a 1% fee ! Tempting, but I'll wing it myself at first...

Stoplight...

 

[Stoplight]

Did an IFT today to shift my small C and S into G, in preparation for rolling over the majority to my IRA.

Stoplight...

 

[Dutchy]

Dutchy,

Thanks !!! Right now, my and the Wife's USAA IRA balance is SO (relatively) LOW...they're charging us $8.95/trade :worried: ! I figure, once my 6 figure TSP balance hits my account, they'll be back-pedalling to make me happy ! They've already started to pitch their "Management Account", where I let them manage my investments...for a 1% fee ! Tempting, but I'll wing it myself at first...

Stoplight...

Good Luck! I'm happy with $7 trades at Scott Trade but know that there are other better deals out there but they all have "catches"... My wife has her retirement accounts with Ameritrade. I just remarried and when I told them my returns with Intrepid Timer System, they were dumbfounded and would'nt believe it... They pitched me their "Mgnt accounts" too for my TSP/IRA 's but I said no thanks, I'm good... The man was polite, but I know he thought I was a crazy rube or something, but I don't care... I'm gently working on my wife to manage some of her accounts...

 

[Stoplight]

Logged into the OPM web site today, just to see if there's anything new I need to see. Lo and behold, there's a new option on the left side that I don't recall seeing before : "View the status of your case" or words to that effect !

Now, maybe that's been there before, but I don't think so...the link takes you to a page that shows info like the date you were put in interim pay status, and the date they received your application package from your Agency.

The bad news (for me !) ??? There's a block for "assigned to specialist", and another block for "case finalized", both of which are blank. I guess my app is sitting in a stack somewhere, and hasn't made it to a real person's desk yet.

Nasa...do you have a similar link on your OPM page ? Any farther along than me ?


Stoplight...

 

[Dutchy]

Logged into the OPM web site today, just to see if there's anything new I need to see. Lo and behold, there's a new option on the left side that I don't recall seeing before : "View the status of your case" or words to that effect !

Now, maybe that's been there before, but I don't think so...the link takes you to a page that shows info like the date you were put in interim pay status, and the date they received your application package from your Agency.

The bad news (for me !) ??? There's a block for "assigned to specialist", and another block for "case finalized", both of which are blank. I guess my app is sitting in a stack somewhere, and hasn't made it to a real person's desk yet.

Nasa...do you have a similar link on your OPM page ? Any farther along than me ?


Thank you for posting this..... I have to check it out. Retired 2/29/12 and still waiting for my full annuity..

 

[nasa1974]

Logged into the OPM web site today, just to see if there's anything new I need to see. Lo and behold, there's a new option on the left side that I don't recall seeing before : "View the status of your case" or words to that effect !

Now, maybe that's been there before, but I don't think so...the link takes you to a page that shows info like the date you were put in interim pay status, and the date they received your application package from your Agency.

The bad news (for me !) ??? There's a block for "assigned to specialist", and another block for "case finalized", both of which are blank. I guess my app is sitting in a stack somewhere, and hasn't made it to a real person's desk yet.

Nasa...do you have a similar link on your OPM page ? Any farther along than me ?


Stoplight...

Stoplight, Just checked. I was on the website last week and don't recall seeing it because it is just above the history link and I know I clicked on that. My status is the same as yours. I will let you know if it changes. I saw a friend of mine that retired 12/31/11 and it took 7 months to get his full pay. Another friend of ours retired at the same time and she got full pay in 4 months.

nasa

 

[Stoplight]

Thank you for posting this..... I have to check it out. Retired 2/29/12 and still waiting for my full annuity..

Dutchy,

Glad you caught this on my thread ! I thought you had mentioned your annuity was being held up by some divorce paperwork, so I assumed you had spoken to a "specialist" already !!!

Let us know what your link says when you check it out, assuming you'll have this "new" info, too...curious to hear if yours shows as being on a person's desk yet or not, since you retired before either Nasa or me


Stoplight...

 

[Stoplight]

Stoplight, Just checked. I was on the website last week and don't recall seeing it because it is just above the history link and I know I clicked on that. My status is the same as yours. I will let you know if it changes. I saw a friend of mine that retired 12/31/11 and it took 7 months to get his full pay. Another friend of ours retired at the same time and she got full pay in 4 months.

nasa

Nasa,

Thanks for the feedback, and for confirming that I'm not going crazy...I'd never seen that link before, either, and I was on-line last week checking my direct deposit info

Interesting that we're both in the same boat, as far as a "specialist" goes...I'll continue to check more often, and post when anything changes...

For the record, OPM reports that they received my completed package from my Agency on 23 May...I figure that's not bad...a little over 3 weeks after I retired, for my Agency to wrap up their part of the process and get it into OPM's hands. With my military buy-back, 3 different Fed Agencies, and gap in service, I'm sure the Navy Folks were pulling their hair out, reviewing my OPF

Stoplight...

 

[Dutchy]

Dutchy,

Glad you caught this on my thread ! I thought you had mentioned your annuity was being held up by some divorce paperwork, so I assumed you had spoken to a "specialist" already !!!

Let us know what your link says when you check it out, assuming you'll have this "new" info, too...curious to hear if yours shows as being on a person's desk yet or not, since you retired before either Nasa or me

The Status site says my packet was referred to a specialist on 6/13/12. Calculation complete box is blank. Be glad if you don't have a divorce settlement gumming up your annuity calculation. Every State has different laws pertaining to how pension payments are to be distributed. I've researched New York State law and my divorce decree and have a ball park figure on how much my "ex" should get of my annuity monthly. I will ask OPM for the specifics of how they calculated my annuity when it is finished to compare to what I have. I'll stay in touch.

 

[Stoplight]

The Status site says my packet was referred to a specialist on 6/13/12. Calculation complete box is blank. Be glad if you don't have a divorce settlement gumming up your annuity calculation. Every State has different laws pertaining to how pension payments are to be distributed. I've researched New York State law and my divorce decree and have a ball park figure on how much my "ex" should get of my annuity monthly. I will ask OPM for the specifics of how they calculated my annuity when it is finished to compare to what I have. I'll stay in touch.

Dutchy,

Many thanks for the update ! Sounds like your package took a little under 4 months to hit someone's desk...that gives Nasa and I something to "target" ! Also, I don't have a "calculation complete" box even showing yet !

I DO have a divorce under my belt, too, but that occurred many years ago, before I started work as a civilian for the Feds..."childhood sweetheart" and all that nonsense It shouldn't be a factor in my calcs. I hope your planning calcs turn out pretty accurate !

Stoplight...

 

[Dutchy]

Many thanks for the update ! Sounds like your package took a little under 4 months to hit someone's desk...that gives Nasa and I something to "target" ! Also, I don't have a "calculation complete" box even showing yet !

I DO have a divorce under my belt, too, but that occurred many years ago, before I started work as a civilian for the Feds..."childhood sweetheart" and all that nonsense It shouldn't be a factor in my calcs. I hope your planning calcs turn out pretty accurate !

Thanks.... I'll keep an eye on the Message Board and keep you up to date.

 

[nasa1974]

stoplight, I just checked OPM and I have been assigned a specialist as of the 21st. How about you??????

Marty

 

[Stoplight]

stoplight, I just checked OPM and I have been assigned a specialist as of the 21st. How about you??????

Dang, Nasa ! You CSRS Guys get all the luck

I checked this morning when I saw your question, and again this afternoon, and I'm not showing any change.

If I can copy and paste my dates like you did in your thread, I'll post mine...

Stoplight...

 

[Stoplight]

Okay, here's what my OPM Case Status page is showing :

The Status Viewer page displays where your case is in the retirement process.



Current Status: OPM authorized your retirement to be placed into interim pay. You will continue to receive interim pay until your retirement case is processed.

​

[TABLE="width: 760"]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
Notification of Retirement Received

OPM has been notified of your retirement. Once we receive your retirement application, your retirement case can be processed.​

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]5/9/2012[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
Retirement Application Received

OPM has received your retirement application package from your agency.​

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]5/23/2012[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
Interim Pay Issued

OPM authorized your retirement to be placed into interim pay. You will continue to receive interim pay until your retirement case is processed.​

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]5/9/2012[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
Assigned to Specialist


[/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
Case Finalized


[/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
​

If you have any questions, you can either call 1-888-767-6738 or email retire@opm.gov.


I'll keep an eye on the page to see when I'm assigned to a specialist ! I also noted the OPM web site now lists this "case status" feature as a "What's New" item...

Stoplight...

 

[nasa1974]

stoplight, sorry you haven't been assigned a specialist yet. Maybe next week.

 

[Stoplight]

Unexpected Benefit of Retirement

This one dawned on me the other day...for most "projects", when you start one around the house, you don't have to finish it that day !

My epiphany ? Here in western Florida, we had to go through all the hurricane preps for Isaac, which meant moving everything off our pool deck and into the garage. We were blessed, and Isaac moved much further west than they originally thought, but now we have to move everything back ! HOWEVER...with the concrete deck empty, we realize how the weeds have taken over our landscaping (it's been a wet year !) and how cruddy the concrete looks. Before we move anything back, we want to do some "maintenance". We were out pulling and digging up weeds, and it was hot and muggy ! I said : "Wait a minute...this doesn't have to be done TODAY...We're retired !!"

When we were working, we always thought subconsciously in terms of "we gotta get this done Saturday or Sunday, or we'll be doing it NEXT weekend, and/or the weekend after that !" Now ? It dawned on me that we can take our time !

When the light bulb went off, I said to the Wife : "Well, I'm sweating like a pig...I've had enough for today...
let's jump in the pool and finish this whenever !"...and we did !

Another example is "Laundry Day"...having no kids, our Laundry Day was always Sunday...Now ? It's whenever we're getting low on clean underwear

I'm posting this NOT to thumb my nose at those of you who are still working...just to share what you have to look forward to, and see if other recent retirees have had the same thought !!

On a technical note : My retirement app is still showing that it hasn't been assigned to a specialist yet. I received my Sept retirement direct deposit on 30 August. That was earlier than I expected ; posted
details, and my theory, in Nasa's thread !


Stoplight...

 

[nnuut]

Unexpected Benefit of Retirement

This one dawned on me the other day...for most "projects", when you start one around the house, you don't have to finish it that day !

My epiphany ? Here in western Florida, we had to go through all the hurricane preps for Isaac, which meant moving everything off our pool deck and into the garage. We were blessed, and Isaac moved much further west than they originally thought, but now we have to move everything back ! HOWEVER...with the concrete deck empty, we realize how the weeds have taken over our landscaping (it's been a wet year !) and how cruddy the concrete looks. Before we move anything back, we want to do some "maintenance". We were out pulling and digging up weeds, and it was hot and muggy ! I said : "Wait a minute...this doesn't have to be done TODAY...We're retired !!"

When we were working, we always thought subconsciously in terms of "we gotta get this done Saturday or Sunday, or we'll be doing it NEXT weekend, and/or the weekend after that !" Now ? It dawned on me that we can take our time !

When the light bulb went off, I said to the Wife : "Well, I'm sweating like a pig...I've had enough for today...
let's jump in the pool and finish this whenever !"...and we did !

Another example is "Laundry Day"...having no kids, our Laundry Day was always Sunday...Now ? It's whenever we're getting low on clean underwear

I'm posting this NOT to thumb my nose at those of you who are still working...just to share what you have to look forward to, and see if other recent retirees have had the same thought !!

On a technical note : My retirement app is still showing that it hasn't been assigned to a specialist yet. I received my Sept retirement direct deposit on 30 August. That was earlier than I expected ; posted
details, and my theory, in Nasa's thread !


Stoplight...

Now you've got it stoplight, I continually forget what day it is, don't care if it's Monday, Friday, never set the alarm it's all one long weekend it don't get any better!

 

[nasa1974]

Unexpected Benefit of Retirement

This one dawned on me the other day...for most "projects", when you start one around the house, you don't have to finish it that day !

My epiphany ? Here in western Florida, we had to go through all the hurricane preps for Isaac, which meant moving everything off our pool deck and into the garage. We were blessed, and Isaac moved much further west than they originally thought, but now we have to move everything back ! HOWEVER...with the concrete deck empty, we realize how the weeds have taken over our landscaping (it's been a wet year !) and how cruddy the concrete looks. Before we move anything back, we want to do some "maintenance". We were out pulling and digging up weeds, and it was hot and muggy ! I said : "Wait a minute...this doesn't have to be done TODAY...We're retired !!"

When we were working, we always thought subconsciously in terms of "we gotta get this done Saturday or Sunday, or we'll be doing it NEXT weekend, and/or the weekend after that !" Now ? It dawned on me that we can take our time !

When the light bulb went off, I said to the Wife : "Well, I'm sweating like a pig...I've had enough for today...
let's jump in the pool and finish this whenever !"...and we did !

Another example is "Laundry Day"...having no kids, our Laundry Day was always Sunday...Now ? It's whenever we're getting low on clean underwear

I'm posting this NOT to thumb my nose at those of you who are still working...just to share what you have to look forward to, and see if other recent retirees have had the same thought !!

On a technical note : My retirement app is still showing that it hasn't been assigned to a specialist yet. I received my Sept retirement direct deposit on 30 August. That was earlier than I expected ; posted
details, and my theory, in Nasa's thread !


Stoplight...

Wish I had a pool to jump into. :nuts: Stoplight I agree. Even though I still work part time at Best Buy I don't worry about getting something done over the weekend. I can plan things out for the week and take it a little slower. just put together another list for around the house. :nuts: Again this isn't pointing a finger at those still working because this will be your future.

 

[Stoplight]

Progress !

Although Nasa (CSRS) beat me (FERS) to the "final number finish line", I CAN report some progress...I now have a specialist assigned !

The Status Viewer page displays where your case is in the retirement process.


Current Status: Your retirement application has been assigned to an OPM retirement specialist for calculation of your annuity benefit.

​

[TABLE="width: 760"]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
Notification of Retirement Received

OPM has been notified of your retirement. Once we receive your retirement application, your retirement case can be processed.​

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]5/9/2012[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
Retirement Application Received

OPM has received your retirement application package from your agency.​

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]5/23/2012[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
Interim Pay Issued

OPM authorized your retirement to be placed into interim pay. You will continue to receive interim pay until your retirement case is processed.​

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]5/9/2012[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
Assigned to Specialist

Your retirement application has been assigned to an OPM retirement specialist for calculation of your annuity benefit.​

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]9/13/2012[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: center"]

[/TD]
[TD="align: center"]
Case Finalized


[/TD]
[TD="align: center"] [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
​

If you have any questions, you can either call 1-888-767-6738 or email retire@opm.gov.


Hope my calcs go as quickly as Nasa's did


Stoplight...