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Author: Benefits Ben

Federal Agency News

What USPS Board Nominees’ Pending Confirmation Means for Postmaster General

Apr 27, 2021 Benefits Ben

The Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, has laid out a bold strategy for the US Postal Service’s next 10 years. Do Biden’s board nominees pose a threat?

Federal Agency News

Recent Removals and Demotions at the EPA and DOI

Apr 26, 2021 Benefits Ben

The First Chief-of-Staff of the DOI under Biden quickly lost her new role. At the EPA, more than 40 science advisors were purged.

Federal Agency News

A Short History of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

Apr 22, 2021 Benefits Ben

A brief history and glance at the Office and Personnel Management

Federal Agency News

NASA News: 1st Flight on Mars & Space-X Gets Contract to Attempt Moon Shot

Apr 20, 2021 Benefits Ben

History was made with first powered flight of an aircraft on another planet, plus Elon Musk’s Space-X Wins Big Contract to take Men to the Moon

Federal Employee Benefits

2022 Federal Pay Raise Update: No Word Yet from White House

Apr 14, 2021 Benefits Ben

The President’s proposed budget will be the next step in determining the 2022 Federal Pay Raise, but it is far from the final word.

Federal Agency News

USDA: A Brief History

Apr 13, 2021 Benefits Ben

The US Department of Agriculture Represents the Rich Agrarian Culture present throughout the Country.

Federal Agency News

FDA Scientists: The Lowdown

Apr 12, 2021 Benefits Ben

STWS takes a look at prominent jobs of the Federal Government. This week: Scientists at the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

Federal Employee Benefits

The Federal Employee Leave Fund Enacted by Congress

Apr 9, 2021 Benefits Ben

Part of the 2021 pandemic relief and stimulus law includes a $570 million fund for Federal Employees.

Federal Agency News

Air Force Chief of Staff Releases Memo to Revamp Cyber Training

Apr 7, 2021 Benefits Ben

General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. released a memorandum containing recommendations to improve the US Air Force’s cybersecurity.

Federal Agency News

“Skill Gaps” Listed by GAO as High Risk Issue in Federal Government

Mar 30, 2021 Benefits Ben

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its 2021 High Risk List, which notes “Skill Gaps” and “Workforce Shortages” are tied to over 20 other high risk items listed.

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Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
Recent Posts
  • Emergency Financial Planning for Feds: Preparing for the Unexpected
  • The Future of Federal Employee Unions: Are Your Collective Bargaining Rights at Risk?
  • With the Challenges and Problems Facing the LTC Insurance Industry, Is “Self-Insuring” a Better Option?
  • How to Challenge an Unjust Security Clearance Revocation: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • FedLife Podcast: Are You Vested? What Federal Employees Need to Know About FERS & TSP
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.

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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.

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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”).