Skip to content
Serving Those Who Serve
  • About STWS
    Our Team Our Credentials Fed-Focused Financial Planning Fiduciary Investment Management
  • Blogs & Podcasts
    Featured Authors Benefits Ben Jennifer Meyer Katelyn Murray Dan Sipe Podcasts FedLife The Fed15
  • Ed Zurndorfer
  • Learn
    CSRS FEGLI & Life Insurance FEHB/Medicare FERS Social Security Taxes TSP FLTCIP/Long-term Care
  • Contact STWS
    Schedule Consultation Financial Advice Refer a Friend & Get Rewarded Build Your Career with Us: Explore Opportunities at Serving Those Who Serve
  • FERS Calculator
  • Webinars & Seminars

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

Celebrating Excellence in Public Service: The 2024 Sammies Awards Honorees

Oct 3, 2024 Benefits Ben

Tens of thousands of U.S. government employees dedicate themselves to assisting the American people each day. Yet their efforts aren’t well-known unless they generate negative headlines or are subject to…

Federal Agency News FEDLIFE Podcast The FEDZONE

FedLife Podcast: Secure Act 2.0: Key Changes and Their Impact on RMDs and Retirement Planning

Oct 2, 2024 STWS

Discover how federal retirees can potentially reduce their Medicare Part B IRMAA charges significantly through strategic planning and well-informed financial choices.

Federal Agency News The FEDZONE

Federal Annuitants Enrolled in Private Medicare Advantage and Medicare, Part B Need to Review Their 2025 Medicare Annual Notice of Change

Oct 1, 2024 Ed Zurndorfer

Federal annuitants over age 65 have choices with regard to Medicare. There are four parts to Medicare. They are: (1) Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance; (2) Medicare Part B…

Federal Agency News Podcast The Fed15 Podcast

The Fed15 Podcast: Maximize Your Retirement: Redeposits, Buybacks & 2026 Pay Raise Update

Sep 26, 2024 STWS

Katelyn examines two strategies for boosting retirement annuities: retirement redeposits and military buybacks, detailing their potential benefits and processes. Additionally, she provides an update on the 2026 pay raise, analyzing…

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

Federal Employee Retirement and the “62 Factor”

Sep 26, 2024 Benefits Ben

The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) provides a stable pension for federal workers, offering a strong foundation for retirement. While this is a significant benefit, it has many variables, leaving…

Federal Agency News The FEDZONE

What Is the IRS’ “Hypothetical RMD Rule” and How Does the Rule Affect Surviving Spouses?

Sep 24, 2024 Ed Zurndorfer

The recent FEDZONE column entitled “Understanding Spousal IRA Beneficiary Rules” reviewed three IRS regulations concerning the naming of a surviving spouse as the beneficiary of the deceased spouse’s traditional IRA.

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

Federal Pay Freezes and Retirement Planning: The Importance of Preparation

Sep 24, 2024 Benefits Ben

Federal government employment can offer multiple benefits, including health insurance, competitive base pay, flexible leave policies, and the satisfaction and pride that comes with a lifetime of service.Is the S&P…

Federal Agency News FEDLIFE Podcast The FEDZONE

FedLife Podcast: How Federal Retirees Can Lower Their Medicare Part B IRMAA Costs

Sep 24, 2024 STWS

Discover how federal retirees can potentially reduce their Medicare Part B IRMAA charges significantly through strategic planning and well-informed financial choices.

Federal Agency News Federal Employee Benefits

Survivor Benefits: What Your Spouse Needs to Know About Your Federal Retirement Plan

Sep 19, 2024 Benefits Ben

Your federal employee survivor benefits provide financial support to your loved ones after your death. These are some of the most important (and often misunderstood) assistance you receive as a…

Federal Agency News The FEDZONE

Understanding Spousal IRA Beneficiary RMD Rules

Sep 17, 2024 Ed Zurndorfer

This column reviews three important required minimum distribution (RMD) rulings with regard to the naming of a surviving spouse as the beneficiary of the deceased spouse’s traditional IRA.

Posts pagination

1 … 15 16 17 … 45
Fedlife Podcast
https://youtu.be/hRk3MybMmdc
Recent Posts
  • Understanding How Prescription Drug Discount Programs Work
  • Digging Beneath the Headlines: The Truth About Social Security and Federal Pensions
  • A Guide to Private Sector Jobs for Federal Employees
  • 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
Upcoming Webinars
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
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.

USE CODE “stwserve” FOR A 20% DISCOUNT for the Guide to Health Plans for Federal Employees

*Consumer’s Checkbook 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.

PROMO CODE:
stwserve
Client Portal Login

© 2025. All Rights Reserved.

15245 Shady Grove Rd Ste 240

Rockville MD 20850-3239

Phone 301-216-1111

Lee Sipe and Associates DBA Serving Those Who Serve.

2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams

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.

Please see https://www.forbes.com/lists/wealth-management-teams-best-in-state/ for more info.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC

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.

Raymond James Legal Disclosures including Form CRS

Raymond James Privacy Policy

Check the background of this firm on FINRA’s BrokerCheck

Finra
SIPC

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”).