Month: January 2026

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 133: Retiring With Debt + Choosing the Right Retirement Date

January 13, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn break down how federal employees can retire with debt in a sustainable way, starting with a full debt inventory and mapping guaranteed income sources such as a…

Federal Agency News FEDZone: Latest Federal Employee Benefits & Retirement Updates

Financial-to-Do List Considerations for Employees at the Start of the 2026 Leave Year

January 12, 2026 Ed Zurndorfer

At most federal agencies, January 11,2026 is the beginning of the 2026 leave year. Many employees and retirees would agree that the 2025 leave year was in fact a tumultuous…

Federal Agency News FEDZone: Latest Federal Employee Benefits & Retirement Updates

The FEDZONE Vault: What Federal Employees Should Know About the Coordination of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, TriCare and Medicare

January 12, 2026 Ed Zurndorfer

A 42-page PDF from the FEDZONE Vault by Ed Zurndorfer: "What Federal Employees Should Know About the Coordination of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, TriCare and Medicare"

Federal Agency News

How Much Is Enough? Understanding — and Reaching — Federal Retirement Benchmarks

January 9, 2026 Benefits Ben

If you’re a working Fed, currently, your paycheck is likely going toward “now” expenses — think food, clothing, shelter and extras. A portion of that paycheck is also directed toward…

Federal Agency News

Planning Amid Uncertainty: A Fed’s Retirement Survival Guide

January 8, 2026 Benefits Ben

The rules keep changing. There is always some new announcement or proposal, and before long, your benefits look different than they did a year ago. A solid plan can handle…

Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks FEDLIFE for Federal Employees FEDZone: Latest Federal Employee Benefits & Retirement Updates

FedLife Podcast: Medicare Open Enrollment – What Federal Retirees Need to Know

January 7, 2026 STWS

Join Dan and Ed as they break down the Medicare Open Enrollment (Annual Election) Period and what federal retirees need to know when choosing or changing coverage. This episode explains…

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 132: Coordinating Sick & Annual Leave for Retirement + OPM’s Digital Retirement Overhaul

January 6, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn explore how sick leave and annual leave factor into federal retirement planning, including how sick leave boosts pension calculations, how unused annual leave is paid out, and…

Federal Agency News FEDZone: Latest Federal Employee Benefits & Retirement Updates

For Many IRA Inheritors, 2025 Required Minimum Distribution Deadline Rapidly Approaching

January 5, 2026 Ed Zurndorfer

During 2024, the IRS issued final guidance for individuals who inherited IRAs after December 31,2019, explaining the rules for inherited IRA required minimum distributions (RMDs). The first inherited traditional IRA…

Federal Agency News

The Complete 2026 Pros-and-Cons Guide to TSP L Funds

January 2, 2026 Benefits Ben

Your financial support is assured when you retire from Fed employment, thanks to the Federal Employee Retirement System. FERS provides the funds through its three “pillars”: the Basic Benefit, Social…

Federal Agency News

Beating Bias, Part 2: A TSP Action Plan You’ll Actually Follow

January 2, 2026 Benefits Ben

While Thrift Savings Plans (TSPs) are typically meant to be long-term investments, the constant stream of breaking news, market commentary, and conflicting opinions has left many Feds feeling the need…