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Category: Federal Agency News

Federal Agency News from around the Federal Government; keeping Federal Employees Updated on Trending Topics from Numerous Agencies

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

Understanding Trump’s Schedule F Proposal: What It Means for Federal Government Employees and Retirees

Dec 2, 2024 Dan Sipe

In the wake of the election earlier this month, renewed concerns have surfaced over the new administration’s possible reactivation of Executive Order 13957, also known as Schedule F.

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

Understanding Trump’s Schedule F Proposal: What It Means for Federal Government Employees and Retirees

Dec 2, 2024 Katelyn Murray

In the wake of the election earlier this month, renewed concerns have surfaced over the new administration’s possible reactivation of Executive Order 13957, also known as Schedule F.

Federal Agency News

Retiring from Federal Service? Your Guide to Navigating Health Insurance Options

Nov 29, 2024 Benefits Ben

Healthcare costs can be unpredictable and typically rise later in age, making health insurance coverage a critical part of a strong retirement plan.

Federal Agency News

Thanksgiving Favorites from the STWS Team

Nov 26, 2024 Benefits Ben

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the special dishes that bring our families together and fill our homes with warmth and comfort.

Federal Agency News

TSP Retirement Tips and Avoiding Withdrawal Pitfalls

Nov 26, 2024 Benefits Ben

One of the best benefits available to you as a federal employee is the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). When you separate from government service, your post-job life will be…

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

New TSP Contribution Limits for 2025: What Feds Need to Know

Nov 21, 2024 Katelyn Murray

Great news for federal employees! The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contribution limits for 2025 have increased, allowing you to save even more for retirement.

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

2025 Medicare IRMAA Brackets: What Feds Need to Know

Nov 21, 2024 Katelyn Murray

As Turkey Day closes in, it’s hard to believe that 2025 is less than two months away! As we look ahead to 2025, one of the most important updates for…

Federal Agency News The FEDZONE

HSAs Can Be Beneficial But Beware of Common Mistakes

Nov 21, 2024 Ed Zurndorfer

A Health Savings Account (HSA) allows federal employees and retirees to contribute and to pay out-of-pocket medical and dental expenses in a tax-advantaged way.

Federal Agency News

How Federal Employees Can Balance College Savings and Retirement

Nov 20, 2024 Benefits Ben

As a parent whose child (or children) might attend college someday, you’re likely aware of the fact that higher education is expensive.

Federal Agency News The FEDZONE

OPM Encourages FEHB Health Plans to Adopt Medicare Part D for Federal Annuitants

Nov 19, 2024 Ed Zurndorfer

A recent FEDZONE column entitled “FEHB Program Health Types and Options” (https://stwserve.com/fehb-program-health-plan-types-and-options/) discusses the various types of Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) program health plans available to federal employees and…

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Fedlife Podcast
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Understanding Your FEHB & Medicare Benefits
Understanding Your FEHB & Medicare Benefits
21 May 25
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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

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.

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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”).