Category: Federal Agency News

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FedLife Podcast: 8 Life Insurance Mistakes Federal Employees Should Avoid

November 30, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Dan and Ed discuss the most common mistakes federal employees make when purchasing and managing life insurance. They explain how to determine the right amount of coverage,…

Federal Agency News FEDZone: Latest Federal Employee Benefits & Retirement Updates

Debunking Health Care Flexible Spending Account Myths And

November 28, 2025 Ed Zurndorfer

According to an analysis from the Employee Benefits Research Institute, there are currently (2025) 3.2 million active health care flexible spending account (HCFSAs) in the US. A study from Benepass…

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast: A Thanksgiving Special with the STWS Team

November 26, 2025 STWS

Dan and Katelyn sit down with the rest of the Serving Those Who Serve team for a Thanksgiving Special episode. Each person shares what they’re thankful for, the small things…

Federal Agency News

Bump and Retreat Explained: Protecting Grade During a RIF

November 25, 2025 Benefits Ben

When agencies reorganize or cut positions, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) reduction in force (RIF) rules determine who stays and who moves. These rules can feel complex, but they…

Federal Agency News FEDZone: Latest Federal Employee Benefits & Retirement Updates

What Federal Employees Planning to Retire in 2026 Need to Consider During Current FEHB Program Open Season

November 24, 2025 Ed Zurndorfer

While in federal service, federal employees are privileged to have an important fringe benefit in the form of group health insurance. Employees enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)…

Federal Agency News

What We’re Thankful for this Thanksgiving:A Special Message from the STWS Team

November 21, 2025 Katelyn Murray

We know 2025 has been a challenging year for the federal community. Between RIFs, hiring freezes, and uncertainty across agencies, many of you have faced hard choices and heavy burdens,…

Federal Agency News

Proposed Shutdown Relief: Credit Protection and Cash Options

November 19, 2025 Benefits Ben

New proposals in Congress aim to limit credit damage and ease access to cash for federal employees and contractors affected by government shutdowns. These federal shutdown financial relief bills seek…

Federal Agency News

Court Halts Federal Layoffs: What Feds Should Do Next

November 19, 2025 Benefits Ben

A federal judge temporarily blocked most agency RIF layoffs, pausing thousands of pending separations while the case proceeds. For now, that means time — time to confirm your status, gather…

FED-15 Explained (Podcast) Federal Agency News FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks

The Fed15 Podcast: A Career Shift with Flavor — Former Fed Kevin Gash’s Sausage Journey

November 18, 2025 STWS

Dan and Katelyn sit down with Kevin Gash, founder of Maryland Brat & Butcher Co. (formerly Plan B Sausages) and former federal employee of more than 20 years. After being…

Federal Agency News FEDZone: Latest Federal Employee Benefits & Retirement Updates

Federal Benefits Open Season Highlights for the 2026 Plan Year

November 17, 2025 Ed Zurndorfer

The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, which includes the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) program, provides health insurance benefits to approximately 8.2 million federal employees, U.S. Postal Service employees,…