Federal Benefits Made Simple - January 2026

DITCH THE QUICK FIX

Energize Naturally with Simple Daily Habits It’s 3 p.m., and you’ve hit the dreaded midday slump. For many Americans, coffee or an energy drink may fuel their second wind. When tired, we tend to turn to external sources for a boost, but it’s just a temporary fix. We will encounter the same issue the next day and the day after that. Instead, we need to look internally and make changes to improve overall well-being for the long haul. This way, a healthier, more consistent way to increase energy is possible! Do you stay up late every night? Do you use your phone right before you fall asleep? Do you have trouble waking up in the morning? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to give your sleep a facelift. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, ideally around 9 or 10 p.m. Put your phone away at least an hour before bed. If this is difficult, practice meditation whenever you feel tempted to grab your phone. Your diet may also need adjustments. If you skip meals, eat junk food, or snack right before bed, you’ll likely feel it later. During the

day, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods instead. Make time for every meal — mindful eating — and step away from your work while you eat. If you do not get enough nutrients, supplement your diet with vitamins. Consider your daily movement as well. It might sound counterproductive, but exercise can substantially boost our energy. Exercise improves oxygen and nutrient circulation while allowing better sleep. You don’t have to go through life lacking energy. Make adjustments today for a more energized tomorrow.

What You Need to Know About Your 2026 TSP Contribution Supercharge Your Savings

The new year is upon us and many federal employees are reviewing their retirement strategies to consider how to maximize benefits. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contribution limits will increase in 2026, giving employees at different stages of their careers an opportunity to save even more for retirement. Understanding how these updated limits apply can help you start the new year with clarity and confidence. Standard Contribution Limit Federal employees under age 50 will now be able to contribute a maximum of $24,500 to their TSP next year, up from last year’s limit of $23,500. Catch-Up Contribution Employees 50 and older will also have the standard limit of $24,500, but can add an additional $8,000 catch-up contribution on

top of that. This increase from last year’s $7,500 catch-up limit means employees in this age bracket can contribute a total of $32,000 to their TSP savings for 2026. Because employees over 50 are closer to retirement, the government allows them to save a higher dollar amount. Super Age Catch-Up Contribution Workers who are between the ages of 60 and 63 can save an even larger amount, thanks to provisions set by the SECURE Act 2.0. Instead of $8,000, they can add an additional $11,250, for a total contribution of $35,750. Traditional or Roth Contributions Employees can allocate these TSP dollars to either a traditional IRA or a Roth. TSP contributions are pretax, which can reduce your current taxable income and help

pay for withdrawals during retirement. If you think you may have lower taxes or that tax rates will be more favorable later in your life, this choice can have some major benefits. You will pay taxes when depositing the funds if you contribute to a Roth in your TSP. While you will not see an immediate tax deduction, this option is beneficial if you want to pay minimal taxes in the future because your withdrawal will not incur taxation. You can put 100% of your contribution into one (Roth or traditional) or any combination. As you enter the new year, if you’re considering adjusting your allocation of your TSP or want to maximize your contributions, please reach out to us at 303-922-4304 to schedule a complimentary meeting. We would love to help you prepare for 2026.

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