Financial Reality Post-retirement: Federal Retirees

This qualitative study explores the financial perspectives of federal employees who retired within the past five years, with a focus on the factors influencing their retirement decisions, financial preparedness, and the role of federal retirement benefits. Using a phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with recent retirees to examine the key elements that influenced their timing of retirement, the adequacy of their retirement benefits, including the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS), the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and pension options, and any financial challenges or barriers they faced during the decision-making process. The study also investigates retirees' financial adjustments post-retirement and their overall satisfaction with their federal benefits. Findings from this research sheds light on gaps in federal retirement systems and provides actionable recommendations for policy improvements. Additionally, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how federal employees assess their financial readiness for retirement and the ways in which retirement planning resources can be enhanced to better prepare future retirees for a financially secure transition. The results inform both federal retirement policy and the development of financial planning resources for federal employees.

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Griggs, Elizabeth, D.

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Martin, James, R.
• Zoppi Rodriguez, Irene, M.

• Federal retirement
• Financial Planning
• Post-retirement adjustment
• Retirement Income Diversification
• Retirement Preparedness

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://cdr.creighton.edu/handle/10504/165647

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/165647