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Author: Benefits Ben

Federal Agency News

USPS News: Hiring for Holidays and A Warning About Blue Boxes

Nov 10, 2022 Benefits Ben

USPS has been holding hiring events for the holiday season, plus the Postal Service issued a warning about using the blue collection bins.

Federal Employee Benefits

A Look at Fee-For-Service Healthcare Plans Available in FEHB

Nov 8, 2022 Benefits Ben

Fee-for-Service Plans information: what Feds should know when looking into this type of health insurance.

Federal Agency News

How VA is Ramping Up Recruitment Efforts Thanks to Recently Enacted Laws

Nov 7, 2022 Benefits Ben

Thanks to the PACT and RAISE Acts of 2022, the VA has new recruitment tools and so far, at least – they seem to be working.

Federal Agency News

Employee Union Sues EPA Over Remote Work Requests

Nov 1, 2022 Benefits Ben

The AFGE (American Federation of Government Workers) is representing EPA employees in the Midwest suing the EPA over denying remote work requests.

Federal Employee Benefits

2023 TSP Contribution Limits Announced by IRS

Oct 31, 2022 Benefits Ben

The 2023 contribution limits have been released by the IRS, and are in-line with earlier projections. Also, an update on the June TSP transition and how online accounts are getting…

Federal Employee Benefits

Air Traffic Controller Retirement Age & ATC Guide

Oct 27, 2022 Benefits Ben

Part 3 of a 3-part series on federal employees who occupy positions that are subject to “special provisions.” The third job on the list is Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs).

Federal Agency News

NASA News: Artemis I Mission Rescheduled… Again.

Oct 25, 2022 Benefits Ben

After a few hiccups in May and September, then delays caused by a hurricane, NASA plans to launch Orion spacecraft to Moon in November.

Federal Employee Benefits

Long-Term Care Coverage Overseas with FLTCIP

Oct 25, 2022 Benefits Ben

Depending on when you first attained your FLTCIP plan, you’re either partially or fully covered if you need Long Term Care (LTC) coverage internationally.

Federal Agency News

Pending Laws That Would Impact Federal Employees

Oct 24, 2022 Benefits Ben

Items of pending legislation that Congress could still vote on: Schedule F, Eliminating the WEP, and more.

Federal Employee Benefits

Last Chance to Buy I-Bonds with 9.62% Rate

Oct 20, 2022 Benefits Ben

November 1st is when the I-bond’s rate is expected to drop from the 9.62% rate that was established in May.

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Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
Recent Posts
  • 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
  • The Privatization Playbook: Is Federal Employment About to Be Dismantled?
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.

USE CODE “stwserve” FOR A 20% DISCOUNT for the Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees

*Consumer’s Checkbook 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.

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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”).