Q. I worked for the federal government under CSRS from 1979 to 1989. When I left, I took out my money. I returned to federal service in 2011 and was erroneously placed in FERS. Now I have a decision to remain in FERS or the CSRS Offset. If I don’t pay back the money I owe and plan to retire in eight years at the age of 62, which is the better option for me?
A. You are asking for an opinion, which I can’t provide. You need to meet with the folks in your personnel office and have them describe the pluses and minuses of each possibility. Then you need to review the cost and benefit information and decide which option makes the best sense to you.