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Author: Benefits Ben

Federal Agency News

The Federal Employee’s Guide to ESG Investing

Feb 28, 2025 Benefits Ben

As interest in sustainable investing grows, many of our Feds have asked how they can align their retirement savings with their personal values. For those who prioritize environmental and ethical…

Federal Agency News

Required Minimum Distributions and Federal Pensions: A Coordinated Withdrawal Strategy

Feb 26, 2025 Benefits Ben

For our Feds, retirement brings both a steady pension and required minimum distributions (RMDs) — those IRS-mandated withdrawals from your retirement accounts once you reach a certain age. By thoughtfully…

Federal Agency News

International Marriage, Working Abroad, Taxes, and Benefits: Cross-Border Considerations

Feb 22, 2025 Benefits Ben

Marriage to a foreign national or working abroad can generate many advantages. You could learn about new cultures, viewpoints, and lifestyles. International marital and employment arrangements also generate their share…

Federal Agency News

Guide to Health Savings Accounts with High Deductible FEHB Plans

Feb 20, 2025 Benefits Ben

Healthcare costs can sometimes throw a wrench in even the best-laid retirement plans. They are unpredictable, often expensive, and can derail financial stability in retirement if not accounted for. Many…

Federal Agency News

Standing with Federal Employees During Uncertain Times

Feb 12, 2025 Benefits Ben

Many of the recent conversations we've had sound familiar. While we don't have all the answers, we're here to guide you through these changes. Our role now is the same…

Federal Agency News

Annual Leave Strategy for Feds: How to Turn 12 Days of Leave into 27 Days Off in 2025

Feb 1, 2025 Benefits Ben

For many Feds, extended vacations might feel out of reach, but with strategic planning, they’re easier to achieve than you might think. By planning vacations around federal holidays, you can…

Federal Agency News

Understanding Special Needs Trusts for Fed Families

Jan 24, 2025 Benefits Ben

Caring for a dependent with special needs comes with many challenges, and preparing for their financial future requires careful planning. Fortunately, programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid…

Federal Agency News

Explaining TSP Loan Options: When, Why, and How to Use Them Wisely

Jan 17, 2025 Benefits Ben

As a federal employee, your retirement benefits include a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). This defined contribution arrangement lets you allocate part of your income to indexed mutual funds or Roth…

Federal Agency News

Federal Benefits Every Caregiver Should Know About

Jan 15, 2025 Benefits Ben

Caregiving is a growing reality for many federal employees, particularly as America’s population ages. According to the Administration for Community Living, 70% of Americans who reach age 65 will eventually…

Federal Agency News

What You Need to Know About Federal Employee Side Gigs

Jan 8, 2025 Benefits Ben

As a federal employee, you may already earn a great income; however, you might want to increase your earnings. Perhaps you're planning for a special event, considering a dream vacation,…

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Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
Recent Posts
  • Digging Beneath the Headlines: The Truth About Social Security and Federal Pensions
  • A Guide to Private Sector Jobs for Federal Employees
  • Managing the Stress of Returning to In-Office Work: A Guide for Federal Employees
  • FedLife Podcast: Medicare Enrollment Deadlines and What Feds Need to Know
  • The Fed15 Podcast: Navigating Return-to-Office Costs and CFPB Uncertainty
Upcoming Webinars
Understanding Your Social Security Benefits
Understanding Your Social Security Benefits
14 May 25
Understanding Your FEHB & Medicare Benefits
Understanding Your FEHB & Medicare Benefits
21 May 25
TSP Planning With Ed Zurndorfer
TSP Planning With Ed Zurndorfer
22 May 25
Tax Planning with Ed Zurndorfer
Tax Planning with Ed Zurndorfer
28 May 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
28 May 25
Understanding Your Federal Retirement Benefits: FERS
Understanding Your Federal Retirement Benefits: FERS
4 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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Lee Sipe and Associates DBA Serving Those Who Serve.

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”).