Why Every FERS Employee Needs a Will (and Maybe a Trust Too!)

August is Make a Will Month—and if you’re a federal or postal employee, it’s the perfect reminder that planning for retirement doesn’t start or stop with just your pension.

Here’s the real talk: An estate plan, with a will and trust  is one of the most loving, powerful things you can create for the people you care about. It protects your hard-earned benefits and gives your family peace of mind if something unexpected happens. Yes, even single people with assets may want or need a trust! 

Let’s break it down together—step by simple step.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Will?

Imagine this:
You’ve worked 30+ years in federal service. You’ve earned your FERS pension, saved in your TSP, paid into FEGLI. You’ve done everything right.

But then you pass away suddenly… without a will.

Now your family is left to:

• Navigate probate court (which can take months or even years)
  
  

• Guess what you would’ve wanted (Most people never document or discuss their final wishes.)
  
  

• Possibly face legal disputes or delays over your TSP, pension, or life insurance
  
  

👵 Real story: One widow waited 14 months to access her husband’s TSP because he didn’t have a will. She was heartbroken—and stuck dealing with paperwork while grieving.

A will helps prevent that. It gives clear instructions so your benefits, belongings, and wishes are followed quickly and smoothly. A trust takes it a step further by keeping everything private. 

What Should Be in a FERS Employee Will?

Your will should go way beyond who gets your car or your wedding ring. It’s your federal benefit blueprint.

Here’s what to include:
✅ Private life insurance wishes
✅ Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) instructions
✅ FEGLI life insurance wishes
✅ Care plans for minor kids or special needs dependents
✅ Who you want to manage your estate and make decisions

Think of it like a financial GPS. Without it, your loved ones are stuck asking, “Now what?”

“But I Already Named My Beneficiaries…”

Awesome! That’s a great first step. But here’s what many folks miss:

🛑 Beneficiary forms don’t replace a will.

If your will says one thing and your TSP form says another? The TSP form usually wins. So they need to work together.

Melinda’s Tip: Review your TSP, FEGLI, and retirement forms every 3–5 years, or after any major life change—like marriage, divorce, a new baby, or a move.

Power of Attorney: The Most Overlooked Step

Making a will often comes with choosing a Power of Attorney (POA)—someone who can speak for you if you’re ever unable.

Why this matters for FERS employees:

• Your spouse or child might need to access your TSP or OPM records
  
  

• A health issue could temporarily freeze your accounts
  
  

• A POA helps avoid court fights or financial confusion
  
  

A POA gives your trusted person the power to step in without a legal battle. Big peace of mind for a small piece of paper.

What About a Trust? Do You Need One?

Here’s something more and more people are asking lately:

“Should I create a trust too?”

The easy answer? Maybe.

Trusts are becoming popular because they help:

• Keep things private (no public probate court)
  
  

• Transfer assets faster—especially real estate and non-retirement accounts
  
  

• Make sure blended families or minor children are protected
  
  

• Allow you to manage money for loved ones over time (instead of giving it all at once)
  
  

For many FERS employees, your will might be enough. But if you own property, have a second marriage, or want more control over how your money is used after you’re gone—a trust can be a smart add-on.

Not sure if a trust fits your life? Let’s talk it out on a Discovery Call—I’ll help you figure it out without the overwhelm.

A Will Isn’t Just for the Retired

Here’s something I say all the time:
“If you love someone or own something, you need a will.”

Whether you’re 28 or 68, your FERS benefits—like your TSP, FEGLI, and pension—are real assets. Don’t leave them up in the air.

Where to Start

Here’s your simple checklist to create a basic estate plan:
📝 List all your assets: TSP, FEGLI, pension, bank accounts, home, savings
👨‍👩‍👧 Name your beneficiaries and double-check those federal forms
🤝 Assign Power of Attorney and medical directive
🔒 Store it safely—and tell someone where it is

Want someone to walk you through this? I’ve helped dozens of federal employees build a will and estate plan that actually fits their life. I have an easy platform to walk you through every step of the way based on your personal family dynamic and wishes. 

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Your will isn’t just a document—it’s a gift to the people you love. 💛

If you’re not sure where to start, or you’ve got questions about trusts, survivor benefits, or how all this fits into your FERS benefit and retirement plans—Just Call Melinda. I’m here to help you protect your people, your pension, and your peace of mind.

📲 Text me at 813-686-2208 or visit JustCallMelinda.com to book your free Discovery Call.

You’ve got this. And I’ve got your back.

—Melinda 😊