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Monday madness checklist

There is still time, but not much, to pick your 2012 health plan. Missing the boat could mean you'll shell out much too much money in premiums. And doing the wrong thing could translate into a $14,000 mistake, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.

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Give yourself a pay raise

Want to know a way to get more money that doesn't involve a gun, mask or duct tape? It can be done if you take action before quitting time on Monday, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.

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Hate-your-mate health tip

You can save a lot of money on health insurance premiums if you live the good life and hate your wife...or husband. Senior Correspondent Mike Causey gives some unorthodox tips for navigating through the health insurance open season, which closes next Monday.

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FEHBP help (plus a warning!)

Senior Correspondent Mike Causey's got some health plan hunting advice today, plus an important warning about groups that are fishing for your Social Security number using the Open Season as the entry portal.

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Inertia + FEHBP = Financial Problems

The health insurance hunting season ends next Monday. Sticking with your current plan, without doing any shopping, is probably OK. But if 2012 is a bad medical year for you and yours — ignorance is not bliss, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.

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Buy low, sell high. Repeat as necessary

Timing the market — buying low and selling high — is the fastest way to make money in your Thrift Savings Plan. The concept is simple. The only problem is the timing part, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.

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New survival kit for feds

Are federal workers going to need a new kind of survival kit to replace the one's that were issued after the 9/11 attacks. Senior Correspondent Mike Causey has a suggestion as to what should go in it.

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Mixed-marriage money savers

If you are part of a couple that both works for the government, or if one of you is retired and one still working, does it matter who buys the health insurance? Short answer: Yes, it matters a lot, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.

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Couples with healthy open marriages

Would you and your spouse benefit from having a healthy open marriage? Because you have two weeks to figure it out, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey.

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Are you making a $14,000 mistake?

If you focus only on premiums next year, you could be making a $14,000 error when picking your 2012 health plan, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.

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PMS season hits government

Be careful. Be very careful. The PMS season for government workers is about to spike, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says. And you know what that means.

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The morning after ... You did what?

Did you have one of those "Morning After" moments when you got up? Having a tough time remembering what you did last night and why you are where you are this morning. Welcome to a very large club, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.

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We, who are about to eat, salute you!

This is one of those very special warm and fuzzy holidays so today Senior Correspondent Mike Causey gets about as warm and fuzzy as you would like. And don't worry, it's okay if the kids see this column.

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FEHBP Best Buys

Over the next few days you should stuff yourself with good food and knowledge. You've got the eating part right and we can help with good ideas, especially while you are shopping for your 2012 health plan, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.

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Godzilla's gonna get you ... or not

Admit it, have you been losing sleep over the activities of the congressional supercommittee? If not, you may be on the right track, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.

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The lull before Thanksgiving

Most federal workers and retirees aren't going to spend a lot of time this week worrying about their 2012 health plan. But next week, after the guilt of Thankgiving, you should get serious about what could be the most important financial decision you will make this year, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says.

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When dull is good

If you are a long time federal or postal worker you may have noticed this is the dullest health insurance open season in decades. But Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says that's a good thing...

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Dump day delayed?

Today, according to some folks, is Dump Day. It's the deadline for either calling it quits with your spouse, partner, betrothed or significant other or sticking with them at least until next year. Fortunately for feds, the D-day decision for your health plan is not until mid-December.

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The dating game: government style

What's the most romantic, sexy thing a federal worker can say to a private sector type? It's a simple five-letter word, Senior Correspondent Mike Causey says: I've got FEHBP

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Congressional leadership gets in mix of supercommittee negotiations

Emily Pierce is Senate editor at Roll Call.

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