Trump Proposes 1% Federal Employee Pay Raise for 2026: Here’s What It Means
Trump proposes 1% federal employee pay raise for 2026, with 3.8% for law enforcement. See salary calculators, Congressional timeline & planning tips.
September Is Life Insurance Awareness Month: Federal Employees Are Encouraged to Ask Themselves Whether They Have Sufficient Life Insurance Coverage
Since 2004, September has been designated as “life insurance awareness month” by the nonprofit organization Life Happens (https://lifehappens.org/). Life Happens is dedicated to helping consumers take personal financial responsibility through…
Understanding the RMD Rules for TSP Beneficiary Participant Accounts: Non-Spousal Beneficiary Participants
A recent FEDZONE column discussed the RMD rules for a spousal TSP beneficiary participant. This FEDZONE column discusses the beneficiary participant withdrawal rules when a non-spouse is designated as the…
Apprenticeship Programs for Federal Employees: New Career Paths in Mid-Life
Federal job roles are shifting. Automation, restructuring, and early retirement offers are creating new pressures — and new possibilities. More mid-career employees are asking whether it’s time for a change.
FED-15 Explained (Podcast)
Federal Agency News
FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks
The Fed15 Podcast: Reconciliation Bill Updates and Why Beneficiaries Matter
In this episode, Dan reviews key benefit changes in the 2025 reconciliation bill, legal decisions shaping TSP and pensions, and what to watch moving forward. Katelyn highlights why updating beneficiary…
The Federal Employee Exodus to State Government: Is it Worth the Switch?
Factors ranging from federal agency downsizing to shifts in remote work policies have prompted a number of Feds to start rethinking their career paths. Increasingly, state government jobs have become…
FEVS 2025 Cancelled: What Federal Employees Need to Know
The Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) has been around long enough to become part of the rhythm of federal life. Each year, it gives employees a chance to weigh in…
FED-15 Explained (Podcast)
Federal Agency News
FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks
The Fed15 Podcast: Crypto Caution & the Best States for Retiring Feds in 2025
In this episode, Katelyn and Dan explore the growing interest in cryptocurrency among federal employees and the importance of a cautious approach. They cover the risks of crypto investing, regulatory…
How Much Is Enough? Understanding — and Reaching — Federal Retirement Benchmarks
If you’re a working Fed, currently, your paycheck is likely going toward “now” expenses — think food, clothing, shelter and extras. A portion of that paycheck is also directed toward…
Leaving Federal Service Early: How to Create a Private-Sector-Compatible Financial Plan
The federal workforce is shifting, and more Feds are exiting mid-career. Private-sector employers, especially in tech, consulting, and defense, are actively recruiting experienced federal employees with offers of higher pay…