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Author: Benefits Ben

Federal Employee Benefits

Sick Leave: How it Works, Accumulates, and Impacts Your Retirement

Dec 12, 2022 Benefits Ben

In what situations can you use sick leave? Can you use annual leave instead if you’re sick? How is sick leave credited when calculating your FERS or CSRS pension?

Federal Employee Benefits

Federal Retirement Benefits Fixed for First Responders

Dec 9, 2022 Benefits Ben

Passing both chambers of Congress, a recent piece of legislation is set to provide a major fix to federal retirement special provisions.

Federal Employee Benefits

2023 Federal Pay Raise Update: Waiting on the White House

Dec 8, 2022 Benefits Ben

Although the 4.6% average pay raise for federal employees is pretty set – it has yet to be finalized.

Federal Agency News

Corrupt Federal Employee Sentenced to Twelve Years in Prison

Dec 5, 2022 Benefits Ben

Read about the “most corrupt” agent in DEA’s history who was just sentenced by a Federal Judge in Tampa Bay, FL.

Federal Employee Benefits

Climate Change and Your TSP Investments

Dec 1, 2022 Benefits Ben

There’s increasing outside pressure from the executive branch on the TSP’s governing body to assess potential risks due to climate change – but is there a real threat or is…

Federal Employee Benefits

Last Chance to Get FLTCIP Policy For At Least 2 Years

Nov 29, 2022 Benefits Ben

OPM will stop accepting new applications for FLTCIP for 2 years, starting December 19th.

Federal Agency News

Was Your Federal Agency’s Network Recently Infiltrated by Hackers?

Nov 23, 2022 Benefits Ben

The CISA and FBI announced that a federal agency, which they are keeping anonymous for now, was hacked by the Iranian government.

Federal Employee Benefits

What Feds Should Know About Assignment of FEGLI Coverage

Nov 22, 2022 Benefits Ben

Assigning your FEGLI coverage to another party? Here’s when you might want to consider it, and what you should know before committing.

Federal Employee Benefits

FEDVIP Information: Dental and Vision Insurance Plans for Feds

Nov 17, 2022 Benefits Ben

Information about FEDVIP plans – including eligibility, taxation of premiums, and most importantly – do you need one?

Federal Agency News

Chris Magnus Resigns from Position as Head of CBP

Nov 17, 2022 Benefits Ben

After a contentious stand-off with the White House and the DHS Secretary, Magnus submits resignation, most likely over influx of immigrants crossing the US border.

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Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
Recent Posts
  • Surviving a Hostile Work Environment: Federal Employee Rights and Protections
  • Mandatory Roth TSP “Catch-Up” Contributions Take Effect January 1, 2026
  • Security Clearances at Risk? How Political Turmoil Affects Your Clearance Status
  • Federal Employees and Retirees May Have Forgotten About Retirement Accounts from Previous Employers
  • The Fed15 Podcast: Career Crossroads – In-Office Realities and Private Sector Moves
Upcoming Webinars
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
Understanding Your Survivor Benefits
Understanding Your Survivor Benefits
24 Jun 25
Financial Planning For Federal Employees
Financial Planning For Federal Employees
26 Jun 25

Checkbook’s FEHB comparison tool lets you easily compare 158 FEHB plans and helps instruct how Medicare Part B will integrate with your FEHB plan.

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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.

Please see https://www.forbes.com/lists/wealth-management-teams-best-in-state/ for more info.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC

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”).