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Month: July 2024

Federal Agency News FEDLIFE Podcast The FEDZONE

 The FedLife Podcast: Federal Retirement and Military Service Credits Part Two

Jul 31, 2024 STWS

Discover the military deposit rules and regulations to enhance your retirement benefits under FERS or CSRS.

Federal Agency News Podcast The Fed15 Podcast

 The Fed15 Podcast: MSPB Backlog and TSP Funds update

Jul 30, 2024 STWS

Dan and Katelyn delve into the backlog at the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), suggesting proactive measures while efforts are underway to address the caseload. They also provide an…

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

The State of the Future of Remote Work for Federal Employees

Jul 30, 2024 Benefits Ben

The discussion surrounding remote work for federal employees is intensifying, with new legislative initiatives seeking to redefine its place within federal agencies. As telework becomes a focal point of policy…

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

Making the Most of Your FERS: Deferred vs. Postponed Retirement Explained

Jul 28, 2024 Benefits Ben

We speak with thousands of Feds each year during our complimentary Serving Those Who Serve webinars about the various retirement options available to federal employees.

Federal Agency News The FEDZONE

How to Get a Medicare Part B Premium Refunded After the Death of a Loved One

Jul 26, 2024 Ed Zurndorfer

When a Medicare Part B beneficiary dies, his or her estate or surviving family members may be entitled to a refund or monthly Medicare Part B premiums previously paid. This…

Federal Agency News Podcast The Fed15 Podcast

 The Fed15 Podcast: Understanding Federal Aviation Retirement & FEGLI vs. Private Life Insurance

Jul 25, 2024 STWS

Dan and Katelyn discuss potential adjustments to mandatory retirement ages for Federal air traffic controllers and pilots, explaining the rationale and potential outcomes. They also compare FEGLI with private life…

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

Part-Time Work and the Impact on Federal Retirement Benefits

Jul 24, 2024 Benefits Ben

As a full-time federal government employee, you’re entitled to a retirement pension if you meet age and “years-of-career” criteria.

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

Navigating Your First Year as a Federal Employee

Jul 22, 2024 Benefits Ben

Completing the initial probationary period is a key milestone for Feds. This final assessment allows agencies to ensure new hires have the necessary skills, abilities, and knowledge to succeed in…

Federal Agency News The FEDZONE

What Federal Retirees Can Do to Minimize Medicare Part B IRMAA

Jul 20, 2024 Ed Zurndorfer

Most federal retirees are eligible to receive a monthly Social Security retirement benefit, starting as early as age 62.

Federal Agency News FEDLIFE Podcast The FEDZONE

 The FedLife Podcast: Federal Retirement and Military Service Credits

Jul 19, 2024 STWS

The rules for making a military deposit to boost your FERS or CSRS pension from a civilian federal position.

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Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
Recent Posts
  • A Guide to Private Sector Jobs for Federal Employees
  • Managing the Stress of Returning to In-Office Work: A Guide for Federal Employees
  • FedLife Podcast: Medicare Enrollment Deadlines and What Feds Need to Know
  • The Fed15 Podcast: Navigating Return-to-Office Costs and CFPB Uncertainty
  • Departing Employees Need to Consider What Happens to Their HCFSAs and HSAs
Upcoming Webinars
Understanding Your Social Security Benefits
Understanding Your Social Security Benefits
14 May 25
Understanding Your FEHB & Medicare Benefits
Understanding Your FEHB & Medicare Benefits
21 May 25
TSP Planning With Ed Zurndorfer
TSP Planning With Ed Zurndorfer
22 May 25
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

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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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.

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”).