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Month: February 2025

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

Life After Reduction in Force (RIF): Know the Rules Around the Reemployment Priority List for Your Agency

Feb 13, 2025 Dan Sipe

Message boards across the federal cyber world are buzzing with concerned sentiments around deferred resignation and what may follow in the form of official Reductions in Forces (RIF) and outright…

Federal Agency News

Standing with Federal Employees During Uncertain Times

Feb 12, 2025 Benefits Ben

Many of the recent conversations we've had sound familiar. While we don't have all the answers, we're here to guide you through these changes. Our role now is the same…

Federal Agency News Podcast The Fed15 Podcast

The Fed15 Podcast: Special Needs Planning & Executive Orders Impacting Federal Employees

Feb 11, 2025 STWS

Dan and Katelyn discuss special needs planning for federal families alongside the initial five executive orders recently released. They provide a thorough exploration of both topics as they relate to…

Federal Agency News

Check Your 2025 Contribution Limits for Key Accounts

Feb 10, 2025 Katelyn Murray

As we kick off a new year, it’s a great time to take a fresh look at your savings strategies. The IRS has announced increased contribution limits for several key…

Federal Agency News FEDLIFE Podcast The FEDZONE

FedLife Podcast: Unlocking HSA Benefits, Tax Advantages, and Common Mistakes

Feb 7, 2025 STWS

Ed and Dan go over the benefits of HSAs for federal employees and retirees, including how they work in conjunction with HDHPs to provide tax advantages and help cover medical…

Federal Agency News Podcast The Fed15 Podcast

The Fed15 Podcast: Navigating TSP Loans and Caregiver Resources for Federal Employees

Feb 7, 2025 STWS

Dan and Katelyn cover key TSP loan information, highlighting important details federal employees need to be aware of. They also discuss relevant policies, benefits, and resources that every caregiver should…

Federal Agency News

Surviving Policy Changes: Must-Dos for Federal Employees

Feb 6, 2025 Katelyn Murray

From the issuance of numerous executive orders calling for a return to in-person work, a hiring freeze, and enhanced accountability across all levels of the federal government to a flurry…

Federal Agency News The FEDZONE

OPM to Grant VERA Authority to Federal Agencies

Feb 5, 2025 Ed Zurndorfer

This column discusses how early retirement via a VERA can affect a federal employee’s retirement and benefits in addition to other considerations resulting from an acceptance of a VERA offer.…

Federal Agency News

A Bright Spot for Feds: The 2026 Pay Raise Update

Feb 5, 2025 Katelyn Murray

Recent headlines have brought some tough news for Feds, as policy changes continue to impact the federal workforce. However, amidst these concerns, there is a piece of good news on…

Federal Agency News The FEDZONE

QCD Tax Rules That Individuals Should Be Aware Of

Feb 3, 2025 Ed Zurndorfer

Although many individuals think of December as the best month for charitable giving in order to save on current year taxes, January and February should be the time to start…

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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

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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.

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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”).