Plain-language perspectives on retirement, pension planning, and other financial questions.
November 2026
What an FDNY Tier 3 firefighter may need to save in Deferred Comp to match a Tier 2 retirement under current law, with the Chapter 692 and Chapter 58 changes, pending bills and charts.
Read more →November 2026
The Maximum Retirement Allowance pays the largest check, but it stops when you die. Your choice locks once you receive your first full, finalized pension check.
Read more →Updated November 2026
The Maximum Retirement Allowance pays the largest monthly check, but payments stop when you die. Tier 3 members under Article 14 choose from the Maximum plus Options 1 through 5.
Read more →October 2026
Retiring before 59½? The NYC 457 lets you withdraw penalty-free after you leave city service. 2026 limits, Roth vs. pre-tax, and mistakes to avoid.
Read more →October 2026
NY doesn't tax city, state or federal pensions or Social Security. See what is taxed, how the $20,000 exclusion works, and how 457 withdrawals are treated.
Read more →October 2026
A short walk through retirement contributions, required minimum distributions, your tax picture, beneficiaries and health coverage, with the December 31 deadlines first.
Read more →October 2026
Where the monthly income comes from, what you will spend, how you will cover health care, when to claim Social Security, and what taxes look like.
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