u/Stunning_Metal_7038

I am a federal employee that was called back on orders for a 5 year period. So I was on ML/LWOP for 5 years. I am struggling to see the benefit of buying this time back. Will it add to my FERS or pension? If it doesn't reduce my retirement date, what is the point?

Has anyone experienced this? Most posts here are from veterans who were not already FED employees buying their time back. I understand the benefit of that one, but my situation falls into a double-dip scenario I believe. Would love to hear from someone who had this same situation and what they did.

I have ~$168,000 invested with only $56,000 of it as my cash. ~$78,000 is margin lending invested. I know that’s high. my return is about $33,000 (59%) right now. Total equity about $86,000. Most of the gains are in the last 3 weeks, 20% to 59%. it’s a heavily diversified portfolio with about 42 different companies. Heavy in technology, then split among oil, construction, medical, and various other companies.

I am worried about the risk of maintaining the margin investing lending amount and losing it all if a crash happens and it’s called in to cover the loans. I am in the 22% tax bracket and considering taking the loss to at least secure my gains. I can offset some of it with a few stocks that are down (–$9,000). I understand the most I can offer is $3000 thought?

any insight into this would be helpful. I have never had gains like this and so heavy in margin lending invested. need someone who has experienced this before to give me some insight so I can make an informed decision.

thanks.