When it comes to federal retirement plans, understanding the key differences between CSRS vs FERS is crucial for making informed decisions about your future. The Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) is the older of the two plans, offering a more generous pension but no Social Security benefits. On the other hand, the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) combines a smaller pension with Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), providing more flexibility. Choosing between CSRS vs FERS depends on your career stage, financial goals, and retirement needs, so it's essential to understand how each system impacts your benefits.