Bump and Retreat Explained: Protecting Grade During a RIF
When agencies reorganize or cut positions, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reduction in force (RIF) rules determine who stays and who moves. These rules can feel complex, but they…
What Federal Employees Planning to Retire in 2026 Need to Consider During Current FEHB Program Open Season
While in federal service, federal employees are privileged to have an important fringe benefit in the form of group health insurance. Employees enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)…
What We’re Thankful for this Thanksgiving:A Special Message from the STWS Team
We know 2025 has been a challenging year for the federal community. Between RIFs, hiring freezes, and uncertainty across agencies, many of you have faced hard choices and heavy burdens,…
Proposed Shutdown Relief: Credit Protection and Cash Options
New proposals in Congress aim to limit credit damage and ease access to cash for federal employees and contractors affected by government shutdowns. These federal shutdown financial relief bills seek…
Court Halts Federal Layoffs: What Feds Should Do Next
A federal judge temporarily blocked most agency RIF layoffs, pausing thousands of pending separations while the case proceeds. For now, that means time — time to confirm your status, gather…
The Fed15 Podcast: A Career Shift with Flavor — Former Fed Kevin Gash’s Sausage Journey
Dan and Katelyn sit down with Kevin Gash, founder of Maryland Brat & Butcher Co. (formerly Plan B Sausages) and former federal employee of more than 20 years. After being…
New 2026 TSP and IRA Contribution Limits: What Feds Need to Know
At long last, the IRS has released its inflation adjustments for tax-advantaged retirement accounts for 2026! Typically, these figures are released in late-October/early-November each year, so the team here at…
Federal Benefits Open Season Highlights for the 2026 Plan Year
The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, which includes the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program, provides health insurance benefits to approximately 8.2 million federal employees, U.S. Postal Service employees,…
FedLife Podcast: Understanding TSP RMD Rules for Spousal Beneficiary Accounts
In this episode, Dan and Ed break down how TSP beneficiary rules and RMD requirements affect federal employees and their families. They explain the importance of properly naming a TSP…
Weathering Market Swings: Smart TSP Moves During Volatility
Market volatility has been making headlines lately and creating anxiety among some of the Feds who have noticed sharp swings in their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) balances. While this uncertainty…