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Month: December 2024

Federal Agency News Podcast The Fed15 Podcast

The Fed15 Podcast: 2025 IRMAA Brackets & TSP Contribution Limits Explained.

Dec 17, 2024 STWS

Dan and Katelyn review the updated IRMAA brackets and TSP contribution limits for 2025, covering the new thresholds and breaking down contribution limits by age group.

Federal Agency News The FEDZONE

Understanding the Problematic Consequences of Roth IRA Conversions 

Dec 13, 2024 Ed Zurndorfer

Roth IRAs have been available since 1998. In spite of their being advertised as a financial panacea, Roth IRAs may not be financially suitable for all individuals. At this time…

Federal Agency News

Will WEP and GPO Be Repealed? What Federal Employees Should Know

Dec 10, 2024 Benefits Ben

For many federal employees and public servants who fall under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) have put a strain…

Federal Agency News Podcast The Fed15 Podcast

The Fed15 Podcast: Maximizing Military Service Buyback & Harnessing the Power of HSAs

Dec 6, 2024 STWS

Dan and Katelyn discuss military buyback, including deposit percentages for CSRS and FERS, timing, and benefits like higher annuity payments, as well as Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), covering their advantages,…

Federal Agency News The FEDZONE

Summary of Medicare Enrollment Options for Federal Retirees

Dec 6, 2024 Ed Zurndorfer

Several previous FEDZONE columns have discussed Medicare enrollment options for federal retirees once they become eligible to enroll in Medicare at age 65.

Federal Agency News Podcast The Fed15 Podcast

The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Benefits for Same-Sex Couples and the Social Security Fairness Act

Dec 5, 2024 STWS

Dan and Katelyn discuss updates on federal benefits for same-sex couples, including retroactive survivor benefits and key topics like FEGLI, TSP, and estate planning. They also cover the Social Security…

Federal Agency News Podcast The Fed15 Podcast

The Fed15: Navigating PSHB & Retirement—Insights for Postal Employees and Women Nearing Retirement

Dec 5, 2024 STWS

Dan and Katelyn discuss the PSHB program, designed for Postal Service employees, retirees, and their eligible family members. They outline the program's key features and Maximus's role in supporting its…

Federal Agency News Podcast The Fed15 Podcast

The Fed15 Podcast: Mid-Career Retirement Planning for Women and the Benefits of Donor-Advised Funds

Dec 5, 2024 STWS

Katelyn and Chelsea discuss mid-career retirement planning for women, offering strategies to support a successful retirement during various life events, including after career breaks. They also explore Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)…

Federal Agency News FEDLIFE Podcast The FEDZONE

FedLife Podcast: Understanding How Original Medicare Works: Coverage, Benefits, and More

Dec 5, 2024 STWS

Ed and Dan explore essential Original Medicare topics, including the Hospital Insurance Tax, how income impacts Part B premiums, and the benefits of enrolling in Original Medicare.

Federal Agency News FEDLIFE Podcast The FEDZONE

FedLife Podcast: Navigating FEHB Open Season: Plan Options and Key Considerations for 2025

Dec 5, 2024 STWS

With open season underway, Ed and Dan review the different FEHB health plan types and options. They delve into PPOs, PPOs with FFS, HMOs, HDHPs with HSAs, and CDHPs with…

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Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
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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

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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”).