IRS Finalizes Rules for Mandatory Roth Catch-Up Contributions
One of the provisions passed into law as part of SECURE Act 2.0 (December 2022) requires that “catch-up” contributions made by higher-paid employees must go into a Roth account. This…
The Final Few Months of 2025 Require Year-End Retirement Planning
With less than three months remaining in 2025, now is the time for federal employees and retirees to get busy and perform some year-end retirement planning. The recently passed One…
Is Your Agency on the Chopping Block? How to Financially Prepare for a Federal Job Loss
There’s no denying that federal job security isn’t what it used to be. Budget cuts, agency restructuring, and shifting political priorities have placed many roles at increased risk. With a…
Should You Retire in 2026? Key Factors to Weigh Before You File
2025 brought volatility, layoffs, and whispers of recession that left many federal employees cautious. Now, as 2026 approaches, one question rises to the surface: Should I retire in 2026? The…
The Fed15 Podcast: Is the G Fund Really Safe? Plus, Social Security Turns 90
In this episode, Dan reflects on Social Security’s 90th anniversary, and how it complements FERS and TSP for a balanced retirement strategy, while Katelyn examines the G Fund’s safety, real…
Federal Workers: Can You Claim Unemployment During the Shutdown?
A full government shutdown means more than closed offices and halted programs. It also means delayed paychecks for hundreds of thousands of Feds. While political negotiations continue, many federal employees…
Roth TSP Versus Roth IRA: Which is More Advantageous?
Many federal employees are familiar with the tax advantages associated with the Roth Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account. Contributions to the Roth TSP are made with after-taxed dollars (deducted from…
The Fed15 Podcast: Financial Independence, Early Retirement, and Entrepreneurship in Federal Service
In this episode, Katelyn explores financial independence and early retirement for federal employees, highlighting how benefits like TSP, FERS, and FEHB can support FIRE goals, while Dan discusses entrepreneurship in…
Will the 2026 Pay Raise Keep Up With Costs? Here’s What to Expect
Many Feds count on their annual raises to help keep up with rising costs. While the process can bring some uncertainty each year, it appears that the 2026 federal employee…
Federal Employee Housing Crisis: Navigating Unforgiving Markets on Government Pay
Rising housing costs in major metro areas have made it harder than ever for federal employees to balance their budgets. Markets like Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and New York City…