Federal Resources for the Administration Transition
Practical resources to help Federal employees navigate changes based on the new presidential administration.
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With recent changes happening in the Federal government, Feds are facing decisions regarding their next chapter. At WAEPA, we want to provide useful resources that offer practical information for whatever life may bring next, including financial wellness and retirement planning.
Stay up to date with administration transition news with Federal News Network.
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WAEPA Financial Planning Program
Ernst & Young (EY) is a recognized leader in helping both current and former Civilian Federal Employees manage day-to-day finances and building a comprehensive retirement plan. In collaboration with EY, WAEPA’s Financial Planning Program provides guidance from financial planners and online resources. Members can view finances, develop good money habits, and tackle goals one step at a time at no additional cost.
If you’d like to speak with an EY Financial Planner, please call (844) 685-3676.
Resources for Feds
WAEPA has a library of resources, designed with Feds in mind. These resources contain information around retirement planning, financial wellness, estate planning, Federal benefits, and more.
Financial Wellness Resources for Feds
It’s important to set yourself up to successfully navigate changes ahead with a long-term financial plan. Our free financial wellness resources are designed to empower you to establish positive financial planning habits and achieve financial wellness.
What Does It Mean to Be Financially Well?
To be considered financially well, you should:
- Be in Control of Your Day-to-Day (and Month-to-Month) Finances.
- Be in a Place Where You Could Absorb a Financial Shock. This Could Include a Hefty Car Repair, Medical Emergency, or Any Other Unexpected Expense.
- Determine Your Financial Goals and Stay On Track to Meet Them.
- Have the Financial Freedom to Make Choices that Allow You to Enjoy Life.
Battling Burnout
“There’s a reason they call it work, not play.” There is truth in this often-quoted phrase. Stress is inherent in work, even if it’s a job you love. In one extreme, look at professional athletes or actors – their daily work requires a good deal of stress that actually helps them perform their job. While an accountant may not need the same adrenaline rush as a linebacker to complete an important report on a deadline, they too benefit from stress.
However, work stress can quickly cross a line from being a productivity enhancer to becoming an all-encompassing pressure that affects life outside of your 9 to 5. A survey from the Pew Research Center found that about 29 percent of workers say their job is stressful and 19 percent say it’s overwhelming all or most of the time. That feeling of overwhelm is what leads to burnout.
Recognizing Burnout
Burnout is not officially a medical diagnosis, rather it is a descriptor for a general set of feelings that can lead to medical issues including depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, nausea, and more. Burnout itself refers to being worn out physically or emotionally. This exhaustion is frequently mixed with feelings of cynicism and a reduced efficiency in getting things done.
People who have moved from stressed to burned out have trouble seeing the value of their work. They will notice changes in eating and sleeping patterns. Focus will drop and procrastination will rise. When tasks are completed, there is little feeling of satisfaction and perhaps even feelings of doubt that it was done right. Burnout can also manifest itself physically with an upset stomach, cold or clammy hands, headaches, or clenched teeth and muscles.
As with any condition, recognizing the symptoms and taking efforts to combat the root issue is critical. Here are three overarching steps to take when burnout starts showing itself:
- Identify Options
- Add in Wellness Activities
- Get Professional Help
Federal Retirement Planning Resources
As a Civilian Federal Employee, planning for retirement can seem daunting. Regardless of where you are in your planning journey, WAEPA has resources to help you navigate saving, benefits, and more.
Understanding Why Retirement Planning is Important to Do Now
Many young people and those starting their career in the federal government believe that retirement is a long way off. While it’s tempting to put off this decision for some extra pocket cash, there are many reasons why retirement planning is necessary.
- Involuntary Early Retirement
- Unforeseen Medical Expenses
- Uncertainty of Social Security Benefits
- Well-Informed Estate Planning
Explore the many reasons why early retirement planning, especially for Federal workers, is crucial.
6 Tips for Planning Your Retirement
Get a head start on planning for retirement and accomplishing your financial goals with this helpful checklist.
Federal Retirement Guide
WAEPA’s highly detailed Federal Retirement Guide gives you the ins-and-outs of your Federal retirement. It is critical to plan for retirement, and the earlier you start making plans, the more prepared you will be.
- How to Plan Your Retirement
- Federal Retirement Benefits and Eligibility
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- How to Apply for Retirement
- Information for New Retirees
- Leaving Government Service Before Retirement
- Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset
This highly detailed guide gives you the ins-and-outs of your Federal retirement, including all of the latest Federal changes.
Take Steps Towards Your Retirement
Explore a variety of resources that can help you gauge your current retirement preparedness and get you started on the right path.
For Feds, By Feds
For more than 80 years, WAEPA has supported Feds through life’s biggest moments. WAEPA was founded in 1943 and since then, we have seen many positive changes in the Federal workforce, as well as a number of changes.
We commend the dedication of the public servants who continue to work day-in and day-out to support the American people.
WAEPA has been there through the last eight decades, and we’ll be there for you, whatever this next chapter holds.