Author: STWS

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 141: Social Security Changes in 2026 + When Federal Employees Should Claim Benefits

March 10, 2026 STWS

In this episode, and Katelyn discuss upcoming Social Security updates for 2026 and how federal employees can think strategically about when to claim benefits.

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 | Ep. 163: SECURE Act 2.0 Updates for TSP Participants

March 10, 2026 STWS

In this episode, Ed and Dan explain how the SECURE Act 2.0 affects the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for federal employees and retirees. From required minimum distribution (RMD) age changes…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 140: IRS Form 5498 + Navigating Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care

March 3, 2026 STWS

In this episode, Dan and Katelyn delve into IRS form 5498 highlighting its purpose, when to expect it, and key considerations. They also explore how federal health plans may handle…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 139: C Fund Concentration Risk + Use-or-Lose Leave Planning

February 24, 2026 STWS

Katelyn breaks down the risks of an all–C Fund TSP strategy, explaining why valuation and diversification matter—especially near retirement. She also covers the federal “use or lose” annual leave rules,…

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 | Ep. 162: Roth TSP In-Plan Conversions

February 17, 2026 STWS

In this episode, Ed and Dan explain the newest Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) option: Roth TSP in-plan conversions, starting January 28, 2026. Federal employees, retirees, and spouse beneficiaries can now…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 138: TSP Annuities vs. Flexibility + Understanding Lifecycle Funds

February 17, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn break down how a TSP life annuity works—including payout options, permanence, and who it may fit best—while comparing guaranteed income to alternatives like monthly TSP withdrawals and…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 137: TSP Loans Explained + Understanding the Benefits Cliff

February 10, 2026 STWS

Dan and Jen break down how TSP loans work—including eligibility, loan types, benefits, hidden costs, and repayment risks—while also unpacking the latest benefits cliff projections for Social Security and Medicare,…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 136: 2026 Rule Changes + Federal Benefits To-Do List

February 3, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn break down the key rule changes converging in 2026 and the essential planning moves federal employees should be reviewing now, from SECURE Act 2.0 updates to Social…

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 | Ep. 161: Roth TSP In-Plan Conversions – What Federal Employees Need to Know

February 3, 2026 STWS

In this episode, Dan and Ed explain the new Roth TSP in-plan conversion feature beginning January 28, 2026. They review how the process works, eligibility requirements, tax considerations, and important…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 135: Retirement Planning Amid Uncertainty + How Much Is Enough?

January 27, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn discuss how to build a resilient retirement plan in uncertain times and how to determine how much savings is truly enough, covering income planning, spending needs, and…