Ralph R. Smith

Author: Ralph R. Smith

Ralph Smith has several decades of experience working with federal human resources issues. He has written extensively on a full range of human resources topics in books and newsletters and is a co-founder of two companies and several newsletters on federal human resources. Follow Ralph on Twitter: @RalphSmith47

Exposing Long-Term TSP Investors to Risks They Did Not Anticipate

A recent notice in the Federal Register is the latest step by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to clamp down on frequent trading in TSP funds. The notice makes the argument that the restrictions are necessary to protect the interests of the majority of TSP investors whose financial investments are being put at risk by the actions of those trying to time the market and forcing all TSP participants to accept additional financial risk they did not anticipate. A press release from a group opposed to the changes states that the cost of trading for each TSP shareholder has declined despite the market timing activities of some TSP participants.

How the Air Force Protects Its Employees from Harmful Opinions and Info

When telephones were invented, the federal bureaucracy was flustered: How can federal employees be trusted with this new device? The issue today is the Internet. The regulators in the Air Force trust people to fly and maintain sophisticated technology–but the cyber command is determined to keep personnel from having access to “dangerous information” delivered by the new technology.

Taxing Retirees: Some States Will Give You a Break (And Some Won’t)

Where is the best state for a federal retiree to live? It’s a complex question with many considerations (such as family and friends) based solely on personal preferences. Some states will give you a tax break to encourage you to move there; others will get as much from your pocket as possible. Here is a list of some of the best (and worst) states for living after retirement.

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