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Month: July 2022

Newsletters and Quizzes

Quiz 16: Federal Employees’ Benefits – Telework, FEHB, & Beneficiary Forms

Jul 29, 2022 STWS

Take our latest quiz - stay up-to-date on Federal Benefits and News.

Federal Employee Benefits

Investment Options in the New TSP Mutual Fund Window

Jul 28, 2022 Benefits Ben

While finding a public list of the exact mutual funds available within the new TSP window is difficult, here’s what we know about the investment options in the new TSP…

The FEDZONE

After a Spouse Dies, the Surviving Spouse’s Finances Can Suffer

Jul 27, 2022 Ed Zurndorfer

The economic impact that a spouse's death can incur. Ed fills you in on what to watch out for.

Federal Employee Benefits

FLTCIP Premiums and Application Process Subject to Change

Jul 26, 2022 Benefits Ben

Per a June announcement from OPM, revisions to FLTCIP are likely – including new application periods and higher premiums.

FEDLIFE Podcast The FEDZONE

FEDLIFE Podcast:  Your Guide to The FERS Annuity Supplement

Jul 26, 2022 STWS

In this episode, Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer unpack each benefit while detailing everything you need to know about how the OPM calculates your annuity supplement.

Federal Agency News

Update on New Delivery Vehicles for USPS Employees

Jul 25, 2022 Benefits Ben

The newest USPS trucks are expected to start hitting the road next year.

Newsletters and Quizzes

Quiz 15 on Federal Employee Retirement Benefits

Jul 22, 2022 STWS

Check out this week's quiz on federal employee retirement benefits

Federal Agency News

BFS Takes Remote Program Off the Table in Negotiations with Union

Jul 21, 2022 Benefits Ben

In NTEU (National Treasury Employee Union) talks with BFS (Bureau of Fiscal Service) about remote work pilot program abruptly halted.

The FEDZONE

Rules for Survivor Annuitants to Continue FEHB Program Family Benefits

Jul 20, 2022 Ed Zurndorfer

Breaking down the rules to keep FEHB for those receiving a survivor annuity

FEDLIFE Podcast The FEDZONE

FEDLIFE PODCAST: Differences Between FERS Deferred and Postponed Retirement

Jul 19, 2022 STWS

Federal employees who are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) have several retirement options available to them.

Posts pagination

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Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
Recent Posts
  • Emergency Financial Planning for Feds: Preparing for the Unexpected
  • 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
Upcoming Webinars
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
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

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.

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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.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC

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”).