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Month: January 2022

Federal Employee Benefits

2023 Federal Pay Raise Update: FAIR Act Suggests 5.1%, + New Minimum Wage

Jan 31, 2022 Benefits Ben

The FAIR Act was introduced on Capitol Hill, giving the first indication to feds for what next year’s raise will be. Also, the president raised the minimum wage for federal…

Federal Employee Benefits

TSP Takes Hit After Stock Market Enters Correction Territory

Jan 27, 2022 Benefits Ben

The stock funds in the Thrift Saving Plan (TSP) have been rattled by the stock market’s volatile month.

The FEDZONE

Contributing to 401k & TSP: How to Avoid Excess Deferrals

Jan 26, 2022 Ed Zurndorfer

Learn about "excess deferrals" for those who contributed to both a TSP account and another qualified retirement account last year.

The FEDZONE

CSRS VCP: Voluntary Contribution Program – Part IV

Jan 25, 2022 Ed Zurndorfer

CSRS VCP: Voluntary Contribution Program - Part IV of IV by Ed Zurndorfer

Federal Agency News

Recap of Busy Month for Federal Employees

Jan 24, 2022 Benefits Ben

An update on the 2023 Federal Pay Raise, vaccination mandate stalled by injunction, stock market volatility, and NASA prepares for Artemis program’s first launch.

The FEDZONE

CSRS VCP: Voluntary Contribution Program – Part III

Jan 21, 2022 Ed Zurndorfer

CSRS VCP: Voluntary Contribution Program - Part III

The FEDZONE

Remedies for Feds Who Made Excess Contributions to IRAs During 2021

Jan 19, 2022 Ed Zurndorfer

Put too much in your IRA last year? Ed goes over what remedies are available to federal employees.

Federal Employee Benefits

The S-Fund in the TSP: How Small Is It?

Jan 18, 2022 Benefits Ben

The S-Fund is one of three stock funds in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Read how it works to boost your retirement savings.

The FEDZONE

VCP: The CSRS Voluntary Contribution Program – Part II

Jan 14, 2022 Ed Zurndorfer

Eligible Employees Should Consider the CSRS Voluntary Contribution Program (VCP)- Part II

Federal Employee Benefits

Why You Shouldn’t Overlook Umbrella Insurance

Jan 13, 2022 Benefits Ben

An overview of umbrella insurance. Learn why you’ll be thankful you’re covered, should you ever need it.

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Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
Recent Posts
  • Security Clearances at Risk? How Political Turmoil Affects Your Clearance Status
  • Federal Employees and Retirees May Have Forgotten About Retirement Accounts from Previous Employers
  • The Fed15 Podcast: Career Crossroads – In-Office Realities and Private Sector Moves
  • The Privatization Playbook: Is Federal Employment About to Be Dismantled?
  • FedLife Podcast: How Social Security Changes and Lump-Sum Payments Impact Your Taxes
Upcoming Webinars
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
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
12 Jun 25
TSP Planning With Ed Zurndorfer
TSP Planning With Ed Zurndorfer
18 Jun 25
Understanding Your Survivor Benefits
Understanding Your Survivor Benefits
24 Jun 25
Financial Planning For Federal Employees
Financial Planning For Federal Employees
26 Jun 25

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Lee Sipe and Associates DBA Serving Those Who Serve.

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.

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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”).