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Author: Benefits Ben

Federal Agency News

Jane Lubchenco Named Deputy Director of Climate and Environment at OSTP

Mar 29, 2021 Benefits Ben

President Biden named former head of NOAA to lead environment role at the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).

Federal Agency News

Biden Picks Former Senator Bill Nelson to Lead NASA

Mar 26, 2021 Benefits Ben

If confirmed, Bill Nelson will lead the country’s space agency. While certainly qualified, criticism of the pick stems from the fact that Biden could’ve picked the first woman to ever…

Federal Employee Benefits

Cracks in the Foundation of TSP?

Mar 23, 2021 Benefits Ben

A 2018 DOL audit of the TSP revealed the shaky balance of power behind the world's biggest defined contribution plan

Federal Agency News

USDA News: ERS & NIFA Understaffed After Move + Conquering Climate Crises

Mar 18, 2021 Benefits Ben

USDA subagencies struggling to get back on foot after move to Kansas City, MO. Also, the US Department of Agriculture’s role in combatting climate change challenges.

Federal Agency News

OPM News: New Director Awaits Confirmation and Memo on Marijuana Released

Mar 16, 2021 Benefits Ben

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will be led by Kiran Ahuja, Biden’s nominee, if confirmed by Senate. Also, memo updates agencies of marijuana policy

Federal Employee Benefits

The Financial State of FLTCIP

Mar 15, 2021 Benefits Ben

An April 2018 audit showed that the LTCI contract with John Hancock was unsustainable

Federal Agency News

Cyber Personnel Transition from Air Force to Space Force

Mar 8, 2021 Benefits Ben

Nicknamed “cyber-warriors,” US Air Force cybersecurity team switches to newest military branch, the Space Force.

Federal Agency News

USPS News: Quarter One Financial Report Shows $727 Million in Income

Mar 3, 2021 Benefits Ben

After posting losses in all four quarters of the previous Fiscal Year, the first quarter of FY 2021 shows income of $727,000,000.

Federal Employee Benefits

Expense Ratio of TSP Funds are Increasing by 30% in 2021 and 2022

Mar 1, 2021 Benefits Ben

As announced by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) in November 2020, an increased budget at TSP will mean higher expenses for accountholders.

Federal Agency News

After 53 Years, Retired Navy Scientist Has Wallet Returned from Antarctica

Feb 26, 2021 Benefits Ben

Demolition crew in Antarctica returned a lost wallet from 1968 to its now 91-year-old owner, who said the wallet “brought back memories.”

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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
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
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

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.

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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”).