A Bright Spot for Feds: The 2026 Pay Raise Update
Recent headlines have brought some tough news for Feds, as policy changes continue to impact the federal workforce. However, amidst these concerns, there is a piece of good news on…
QCD Tax Rules That Individuals Should Be Aware Of
Although many individuals think of December as the best month for charitable giving in order to save on current year taxes, January and February should be the time to start…
Annual Leave Strategy for Feds: How to Turn 12 Days of Leave into 27 Days Off in 2025
For many Feds, extended vacations might feel out of reach, but with strategic planning, they’re easier to achieve than you might think. By planning vacations around federal holidays, you can…
Breaks in Service for Federal Government Employees: Key Considerations
Navigating a break in service as a Fed, whether for personal or professional reasons, requires careful financial planning. When the time comes to leave government service and possibly return later,…
Understanding the Social Security Fairness Act: What Feds Need to Know
On January 5, 2025, H.R. 82, also known as the Social Security Fairness Act, previously passed in the House and Senate with bipartisan support, was signed into law by President…
The Fed15 Podcast: Navigating Side Gigs & Strategic Retirement Dates for Federal Employees
Dan and Katelyn dive into the topic of federal employees taking on side gigs, discussing important considerations such as rules, regulations, compliance, taxes, deductions, and contributions. They also examine the…
Preparing for FERS Retirement: Making Deposits and Redeposits – Part III (Redeposits)
This is the third of three FEDZONE columns helping FERS employees prepare for immediate retirement from federal service. With a new Presidential administration and a new Congress taking office in…
Understanding Special Needs Trusts for Fed Families
Caring for a dependent with special needs comes with many challenges, and preparing for their financial future requires careful planning. Fortunately, programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid…
What Federal Employees Need to Know About the Latest Executive Orders
As part of his first actions in office, President Trump has signed several executive orders that will have significant implications for Feds. These changes touch on areas ranging from a…
The Fed15 Podcast: Aging in Place and Finding Fulfillment in Retirement
Dan and Katelyn explore the concept of aging in place, highlighting its benefits, such as staying in a familiar environment and maintaining strong connections within the community. They also discuss…