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Author: Benefits Ben

Federal Employee Benefits

Get What You’ve Earned: Social Security Benefits

Jun 6, 2022 Benefits Ben

Three pointers to make sure you don’t get less social security income than you’re entitled to in retirement.

Federal Employee Benefits

The Thrift Savings Plan’s Mutual Fund Window is Now Open

Jun 3, 2022 Benefits Ben

The TSP Mutual Fund Window opened up to participants on June 1st – here’s everything you need to know.

Federal Agency News

TSA Employees Could See 30% Average Pay Raise

May 31, 2022 Benefits Ben

The House passed a bill that would move TSA employees to ‘Title 5’ – giving most a significant raise.

Federal Employee Benefits

Applying For the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program

May 26, 2022 Benefits Ben

Read Why Newly Hired and Recently Married Feds Should Look at FLTCIP (federal long term care insurance program)

Federal Employee Benefits

FERS Retirement Choices: Which One is Right for You?

May 25, 2022 Benefits Ben

How well do you know the differences between the various types of FERS Retirements?

Federal Employee Benefits

5 Mistakes to Avoid with Your TSP

May 24, 2022 Benefits Ben

The retirement plan for federal employees, the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) can be a great vehicle for retirement savings – especially if you can avoid the following missteps!

Federal Employee Benefits

Beneficiary Rules Likely Changing for TSP

May 23, 2022 Benefits Ben

Other than the mobile app and the mutual fund window, a lot of changes coming to the TSP are flying under the radar. Read about proposed changes from the FRTIB…

Federal Employee Benefits

New Bill in Senate Would Provide Equal COLAs for FERS and CSRS Retirees

May 20, 2022 Benefits Ben

Proposed legislation in Senate would give the same COLA to both FERS and CSRS pension recipients – similar to another bill introduced in the House last year.

Federal Agency News

2021 FEVS Shows Job Satisfaction Dropping and Teleworking Decreasing

May 18, 2022 Benefits Ben

Job satisfaction dropped 8% from 2020 to 2021, according to the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey

Federal Agency News

Expansion of Student Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Workers

May 16, 2022 Benefits Ben

The Government has made the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program more accessible for military members and government employees.

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Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
Recent Posts
  • 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?
  • FedLife Podcast: How Social Security Changes and Lump-Sum Payments Impact Your Taxes
Upcoming Webinars
Understanding Your Federal Retirement Benefits: FERS
Understanding Your Federal Retirement Benefits: FERS
4 Jun 25
Tax Planning with Ed Zurndorfer
Tax Planning with Ed Zurndorfer
5 Jun 25
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

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

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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”).