Student Aid Index: How Federal Income Affects Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now uses the Student Aid Index (SAI), replacing the long-standing Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The goal remains the same — measure a…
FED-15 Explained (Podcast)
Federal Agency News
FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks
The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 152 Tax Diversification in Retirement + Planning for Long-Term Care Costs
Katelyn and Dan discuss how federal employees can create more tax flexibility in retirement and prepare for one of the largest potential retirement expenses: long-term care.
Why Federal Employees Are Suddenly Talking About a 2027 Pay Freeze
Federal employees rarely react to early budget signals. This year feels different. The White House budget blueprint did not include a civilian raise. House appropriators also left out a federal…
How a Married Individual’s Spouse Can Impact the Individual’s IRA
Many individuals own IRAs. IRA means one of three things, namely: (1) Individual Retirement Arrangement; (2) Individual Retirement Account; or (3) Individual Retirement Annuity. When most individuals hear IRA, they…
FED-15 Explained (Podcast)
Federal Agency News
FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks
The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 151 Catching Up on Retirement Savings After 50 + FAFSA & CSS Planning
Dan and Katelyn discuss how federal employees can accelerate retirement savings later in their careers and what parents should know about FAFSA and CSS financial aid planning.
Super Catch-Ups at 60–63: The Retirement Boost Many Feds Miss
If you’re in your early 60s, there have been recent changes to catch-up contribution provisions that may allow for increased savings opportunities.
IRS Issues Proposed Regulations on Who Can Establish a Trump Account
A recent FEDZONE column (Getting Ready for the Start of Trump Accounts in July 2026) discussed Trump Accounts which are expected to start on July 4,2026. Trump Accounts were created…
FED-15 Explained (Podcast)
Federal Agency News
FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks
The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 150 Coordinating Two Pensions + Rethinking FEGLI After 55
Katelyn and Dan discuss how federal employees can better coordinate multiple pension income streams in retirement and why FEGLI costs deserve a closer look after age 55.
First RMD Ahead? A Fed’s Guide to SECURE 2.0 Rule Changes
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are mandatory, taxable withdrawals from pre-tax retirement accounts, like a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) or traditional IRA. They’re not optional, and they can push your income…
Delaying Social Security to 70: A Fed’s Bridge Plan
Delaying Social Security past full retirement age (FRA) increases your benefit through delayed retirement credits — generally about 8% per year up to age 70. That can translate into significantly…