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Month: October 2021

FEDLIFE Podcast The FEDZONE

FEDLIFE Podcast: Reemployed Annuity Compared to Phased Retirement

Oct 29, 2021 STWS

In this episode, Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer speak about what it means to be a reemployed annuitant, and compare the difference between phased retirement focusing on FERS, CSRS, and…

The FEDZONE

Some Tax Saving Strategies to Consider Before December 31

Oct 27, 2021 Ed Zurndorfer

Here's a breakdown of some strategies that reduce taxes and increase savings

The FEDZONE

When to Start Receiving Social Security Retirement Benefits

Oct 25, 2021 Ed Zurndorfer

Understanding Your Social Security Retirement Benefits, Including When to Start Receiving Them

FEDLIFE Podcast The FEDZONE

FEDLIFE Podcast: Tax Relief for Natural Disaster Victims and FEGLI Premiums

Oct 22, 2021 STWS

Over the past months, there have been a number of changes to different tax relief programs, insurance benefits and other government programs. Staying on top of these changes can be…

The FEDZONE

What Is A Phased Retiree?

Oct 20, 2021 Ed Zurndorfer

Understanding a “Phased Retiree” and How It Differs from a Reemployed Annuitant

Federal Employee Benefits

Federal Retirement Age

Oct 19, 2021 Benefits Ben

Do you know the differences between the many types of FERS retirements? We’ll break down the requirements for immediate, reduced, early, deferred, postponed, mandatory, and disability retirements

Federal Employee Benefits

Retiring Early with a Reservist Pension

Oct 18, 2021 Benefits Ben

You may qualify for a reservist pension before age 60. Here's why it is important to make sure your healthcare coverage is affordable first.

Federal Agency News

USPS News: Postal Banking Experiment, Higher Costs, Slower Service, & More

Oct 15, 2021 Benefits Ben

4 cities are experimenting with a postal banking revival, Postmaster General’s efforts to cut costs are implemented, and a report revealed unpaid wages for mail carriers.

Federal Employee Benefits

2021 FEHB Open Season: What Feds Need to Know

Oct 14, 2021 Benefits Ben

FEHB’s annual open season is almost here. Make sure you’re prepared to choose the best plan for your healthcare needs.

The FEDZONE

Understanding the Rules for Reemployed Annuitants – FERS

Oct 13, 2021 Ed Zurndorfer

Annuitants receiving a FERS pension who are considering going back to federal service: here are the rules.

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Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
Recent Posts
  • The Future of Federal Employee Unions: Are Your Collective Bargaining Rights at Risk?
  • With the Challenges and Problems Facing the LTC Insurance Industry, Is “Self-Insuring” a Better Option?
  • How to Challenge an Unjust Security Clearance Revocation: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • FedLife Podcast: Are You Vested? What Federal Employees Need to Know About FERS & TSP
  • The Fed15 Podcast: Social Security Updates & Shutdown Survival Strategies for Feds
Upcoming Webinars
Tax Planning with Ed Zurndorfer
Tax Planning with Ed Zurndorfer
28 May 25
Early Retirement Planning (RIFs, VERA, VSIP, Discontinued Service Retirement, and more) for FERS Employees
Early Retirement Planning (RIFs, VERA, VSIP, Discontinued Service Retirement, and more) for FERS Employees
28 May 25
Understanding Your Federal Retirement Benefits: FERS
Understanding Your Federal Retirement Benefits: FERS
4 Jun 25
Tax Planning with Ed Zurndorfer
Tax Planning with Ed Zurndorfer
5 Jun 25
Estate Planning for Federal Employees
Estate Planning for Federal Employees
10 Jun 25
Understanding Your FEHB & Medicare Benefits
Understanding Your FEHB & Medicare Benefits
11 Jun 25

Checkbook’s FEHB comparison tool lets you easily compare 158 FEHB plans and helps instruct how Medicare Part B will integrate with your FEHB plan.

USE CODE “stwserve” FOR A 20% DISCOUNT for the Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees

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2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams

Best-In-StateWealth Management Teamsis based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. This ranking is based is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. This ranking is based upon the period from 6/30/2023 to 6/30/2024 and was released on 4/8/2025. Those advisors that are considered have a minimum of seven years of experience, and the algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices in their practices and approach to working with clients. Portfolio performance is not a criteria due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Out of approximately 48,944 nominations, roughly 9,722 advisors received the award. This ranking is not indicative of an advisor's future performance, is not an endorsement, and may not be representative of individual clients' experience. Neither Raymond James nor any of its Financial Advisors or RIA firms pay a fee in exchange for this award/rating. Compensation provided for using the rating. Raymond James is not affiliated with Forbes or Shook Research, LLC.

Please see https://www.forbes.com/lists/wealth-management-teams-best-in-state/ for more info.

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Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, marketed as Serving Those Who Serve (STWS). Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Serving Those Who Serve (STWS) is separately owned and operated and not independently registered as a broker-dealer or investment adviser. Raymond James financial advisors may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions for which they are properly registered. Therefore, response to a request for information may be delayed. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Investors outside of the United States are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed on this site. Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members. Contact our office for information and availability.

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STWS is owned and operated by Daniel Sipe and Tom Lee (the “Financial Advisors”). The Financial Advisors are registered financial professionals of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. (“RJFS”), a broker-dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. (“RJFSA”), an investment adviser registered with the SEC, (collectively, with their affiliates, “Raymond James”).

Mr. Zurndorfer does not pay compensation to or receive compensation from STWS in connection with Presentations hosted by Mr. Zurndorfer. However, Mr. Zurndorfer does provide similar educational presentations at certain Federal Retirement Benefits Seminars (“Seminars”) hosted by STWS, for which Mr. Zurndorfer receives compensation from STWS. All presentations, seminars, articles and videos are informational in nature and are not geared toward the circumstances or goals of any particular attendee; they are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, investment advice to anyone or a solicitation of Raymond James' services.

Mr. Zurndorfer is not affiliated with Raymond James, and is not authorized to provide investment advice on behalf of Raymond James, to solicit or refer investors to Raymond James, or to act for or bind Raymond James. The presentations, seminars, articles, videos, Mr. Zurndorfer, and the educational information provided therein are not sponsored or endorsed by Raymond James, and should in no way be considered an endorsement of, referral to, recommendation for, or offer to purchase any product or service from Raymond James or the Financial Advisors.

Federal government agencies, including the SEC, do not endorse or sponsor particular securities, issuers, products, services, professional credentials, firms, or individuals. Neither Raymond James, the Financial Advisors, STWS, nor Mr. Zurndorfer are affiliated with, endorsed by, or authorized to speak on behalf of the U.S. Government, the Federal Employee Retirement System, or any other Federal Government-sponsored benefits programs or retirement plans, including the Thrift Savings Plan (collectively, “Federal Benefits Plans”).