2026-01-30T19:00:00-05:00 - Serving Those Who Serve

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 139: C Fund Concentration Risk + Use-or-Lose Leave Planning

February 24, 2026 STWS

Katelyn breaks down the risks of an all–C Fund TSP strategy, explaining why valuation and diversification matter—especially near retirement. She also covers the federal “use or lose” annual leave rules,…

Federal Agency News

From Target to Tactics: Making Your Retirement Number Real

February 22, 2026 Benefits Ben

Most retirement plans start with understanding your “number” — the amount you’ll need to save before you can stop working. Many Feds begin with a rough estimate, aiming to replace…

Federal Agency News

Delay or Don’t: Social Security Choices for Federal Workers

February 17, 2026 Benefits Ben

You've spent decades in federal service. Now you're 67, and Social Security is sitting there waiting. Do you file now or hold off? Filing at full retirement age gets you…

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 | Ep. 162: Roth TSP In-Plan Conversions

February 17, 2026 STWS

In this episode, Ed and Dan explain the newest Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) option: Roth TSP in-plan conversions, starting January 28, 2026. Federal employees, retirees, and spouse beneficiaries can now…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 138: TSP Annuities vs. Flexibility + Understanding Lifecycle Funds

February 17, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn break down how a TSP life annuity works—including payout options, permanence, and who it may fit best—while comparing guaranteed income to alternatives like monthly TSP withdrawals and…

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

Individuals Have Until April 15,2026 to Recharacterize 2025 Roth IRA Contributions

February 17, 2026 Ed Zurndorfer

Through the years, individuals have contributed to the different types of Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). These different types of IRAs include deductible and nondeductible traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs. In…

Federal Agency News

2026 Social Security Update: Plan Smarter, Avoid Surprises

February 15, 2026 Benefits Ben

The Social Security changes in 2026 aren't making big news, but they'll hit your retirement income. Federal employees need to think about how this fits with the Federal Employees Retirement…

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

Understanding the “Five-Year Rule” with Respect to Roth TSP In-Plan Conversions

February 11, 2026 Ed Zurndorfer

A recent STWS column, TSP Announces Start of Roth TSP In-Plan Conversions (https://stwserve.com/tsp-announces-start-of-roth-tsp-in-plan-conversions/) presents information regarding the start of Roth TSP in-plan conversions on January 28, 2026. This column discusses…

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

Understanding the Vitally Important IRS Form 5498

February 10, 2026 Ed Zurndorfer

IRS Form 5498 (IRA Contribution Information) is vitally important for individuals who own any type of Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA). The Form 5498 is completed by every IRA custodian meaning…

Federal Agency News

2026 FEHB Changes: Planning If Gender-Affirming Care Isn’t Covered

February 10, 2026 Benefits Ben

Now that we're into the 2026 plan year, you're likely noticing changes to your Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage. FEHB 2026 gender-affirming care coverage now includes exclusions for certain…

Month: February 2026