Author: STWS

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast: Jess’s Journey from Federal Service to Gingersnap Jess Cookies

November 12, 2025 STWS

Dan and Katelyn sit down with Jess, founder of Gingersnap Cookies and former digital media specialist at the National Institutes of Health. After being unexpectedly separated from federal service, Jess…

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast: Navigating FEHB Open Season with Consumers’ Checkbook

November 4, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Katelyn and Dan sit down with Kevin Moss, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Consumers’ Checkbook, for a Q&A focused on helping federal employees navigate Open Season…

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast: Closing the Pay–Housing Gap and What’s Ahead for the 2026 Pay Raise

October 29, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Dan and Katelyn discuss how housing costs in metro areas like the DMV, San Francisco, and New York City are outpacing federal pay. They share practical strategies…

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast: Navigating Shutdowns and Staying Ethical in the Digital Age

October 24, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Dan discusses how federal employees can prepare for a potential government shutdown—covering back pay expectations, key benefits like FEHB, TSP, and leave, and strategies to avoid high-interest…

Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks FEDLIFE for Federal Employees FEDZone: Latest Federal Employee Benefits & Retirement Updates

FedLife Podcast: How the 2025 Tax Bill Changes Charitable Giving for Federal Employees

October 24, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Dan and Ed break down how the OBBBA of 2025 reshapes charitable giving and tax deductions. They explain how the law builds on changes from the Tax…

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast: Is the G Fund Really Safe? Plus, Social Security Turns 90

October 14, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Dan reflects on Social Security’s 90th anniversary, and how it complements FERS and TSP for a balanced retirement strategy, while Katelyn examines the G Fund’s safety, real…

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast: Financial Independence, Early Retirement, and Entrepreneurship in Federal Service

October 8, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Katelyn explores financial independence and early retirement for federal employees, highlighting how benefits like TSP, FERS, and FEHB can support FIRE goals, while Dan discusses entrepreneurship in…

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast: TSP’s $1 Trillion Moment & the 2025 FEVS Cancellation

October 3, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Dan covers the TSP surpassing $1 trillion and what it means for retirement savings, while Katelyn examines the cancellation of the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, its impact…

Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks FEDLIFE for Federal Employees FEDZone: Latest Federal Employee Benefits & Retirement Updates

FedLife Podcast: TSP Annuities Explained – Withdrawal Option 2

September 26, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Dan and Ed explain TSP life annuities, including how they work and the factors that determine monthly payments. They also cover the process for purchasing an annuity,…

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast: Switching to State Jobs & Mid-Career Apprenticeships

September 24, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Katelyn and Dan discuss why federal employees are considering state jobs, outlining benefits, protections, and key trade-offs, then explore apprenticeship opportunities in fields like IT, healthcare, and…