Retiring Outside Cities? How 2026 Rural Health Changes Affect You
Many federal retirees move to rural areas after they retire. The appeal is clear: housing costs less, you get more space, and life slows down. But healthcare access deserves just…
Two Approaching Deadlines Facing Some Federal Employees and Retirees
Two key deadlines are approaching for some federal employees and retirees. The first deadline is for those federal employees and retirees born between January 1 and December 31, 1952, and…
RIFs in 2026: Your Rights, Appeals, and Smart Next Steps
Federal agencies keep getting reorganized. The civil service rules that govern your job? They shift constantly, and most employees can't keep up with every change. You're still expected to meet…
After OBBBA: Do Today’s Tax Rates Change Your Retirement Plan?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) extended several individual provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) beyond 2025. That extension removed what many federal retirees expected to…
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FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks
The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 140: IRS Form 5498 + Navigating Coverage for Gender-Affirming Care
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…
TSP Hardship Withdrawal: Minimizing the Hit to Your Retirement Savings
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is part of the federal retirement three-legged stool. The TSP is a defined contribution plan, meaning how much you receive depends on how much you…
Retirement Pay Delayed? Steps to Escalate and Stay Solvent
Retirement volumes are climbing, and processing backlogs leave some federal retirees waiting weeks — sometimes months — for their first check. Bills don't wait, though. You need to understand the…
What OBBBA means for your 2025 taxes
In July 2025, President Trump signed into law Public Law 119-21, commonly known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025. Among the provisions passed into law is…
When the G Fund Shines — and When It Holds You Back
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) G Fund operates differently from anything else in the lineup. It invests in special-issue U.S. Treasuries exclusive to TSP, credits interest daily, and never loses…
SALT Deduction Changes: How the $40,000 Cap Impacts High-Income Feds
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) made two changes to the state and local taxes deduction included as an itemized deduction on IRS Form 1040 Schedule A.…