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Category: Federal Employee Benefits

This category contains articles written about Federal Employee Retirement Benefits: FEHB, FEGLI, TSP, FLTCIP, Leave, Pay Raises, FERS/CSRS, and more-

Federal Employee Benefits

Iron Mountain: The Final Obstacle for Federal Retirement

May 10, 2021 Benefits Ben

Iron Mountain is a Limestone mine in PA now used to process retirement paperwork for Federal Employees

Federal Employee Benefits

TSP Monthly Recap: April 2021

May 4, 2021 Jennifer Meyer

STWS Advisor Jennifer Meyer provides a quick review of how the TSP performed last month

Federal Employee Benefits

Proposed Legislation Aims to Eliminate the WEP

Apr 19, 2021 Jennifer Meyer

STWS Advisor Jen Meyer provides the details of Legislation Proposed to Adjust Social Security Benefits for Feds Subjected to Windfall Elimination Provision

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 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 Employee Benefits

TSP First Quarter 2021 Update

Apr 6, 2021 Jennifer Meyer

STWS Advisor Jennifer Meyer’s TSP recap for the first three months of 2021.

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 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 Employee Benefits

TSP Monthly Recap: February 2021

Mar 4, 2021 Jennifer Meyer

STWS Advisor Jennifer Meyer provides her monthly update on what has been impacting the underlying investments in the Thrift Saving Plan’s funds.

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.

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Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
Recent Posts
  • Managing the Stress of Returning to In-Office Work: A Guide for Federal Employees
  • FedLife Podcast: Medicare Enrollment Deadlines and What Feds Need to Know
  • The Fed15 Podcast: Navigating Return-to-Office Costs and CFPB Uncertainty
  • Departing Employees Need to Consider What Happens to Their HCFSAs and HSAs
  • The Future of Social Security: Potential Reforms and Their Impact on Feds
Upcoming Webinars
Understanding Your Social Security Benefits
Understanding Your Social Security Benefits
14 May 25
Understanding Your FEHB & Medicare Benefits
Understanding Your FEHB & Medicare Benefits
21 May 25
TSP Planning With Ed Zurndorfer
TSP Planning With Ed Zurndorfer
22 May 25
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

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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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.

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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”).