Buyout or keep working?

"...Buyouts. Career feds anywhere near retirement eligibility can rival Indiana Jones in their determination, skill and daring in hunting this treasure.

But, in reality, buyout offers are more like “Let’s Make A Deal” than “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”...

Obviously, if you were ready to retire anyway, retiring with an extra cash payment is a nice bonus. Retirement with an extra $17,000 — don’t forget that you’ll owe taxes on that $25,000 Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment — in your pocket is clearly worth more than the same retirement plan without the extra money.

However, it can be a much tougher decision, if accepting the buyout requires you to retire significantly earlier than you had otherwise planned"

Read more at federaltimes.com