Benchmark Financial Group Blog

Federal employees enjoy one of the most comprehensive retirement plans in the country. But along with that great plan come many complex decisions. As you continue planning for your eventual retirement, you should pass these milestones along the way. Attend your agency’s informational retirement seminar. If your agency offers this opportunity,...

If you tell the average American that they’re one of the wealthiest people in the world, you might earn a chuckle. Surely that can’t be true? Actually, it is. The Global Rich List, drawing upon data from the World Bank and global wealth statistics, has determined that an American worker earning an annual salary of $75,000 is among the top .11...

In several ways, the retirement plan offered to federal employees is more comprehensive than the plans enjoyed by many workers in the private sector. You have the opportunity to enjoy income from three different sources in retirement, so you might be feeling more optimistic about retirement than the average person. Still, we all face risks, and...

A good credit score is often the ticket to lower interest rates, more attractive insurance premiums, and the best credit card rewards programs. With particular regard to interest rates, having a good credit score can save you thousands over the long run. But what if you miss the minimum credit score for certain programs or benefits, by just a...

Once you retire, you will rely upon a combination of Social Security benefits, your pension, and your own savings. After paying taxes on your income all of your life, it might surprise you to learn that your Social Security benefits can be taxed too! But that’s exactly the situation many retirees face. Here are some ways to minimize those taxes....