Category: Federal Agency News

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 130: RIF “Bump and Retreat” Explained + 2026 HSA & FSA Updates

December 23, 2025 STWS

Dan and Katelyn break down how “bump and retreat” works in a RIF, covering key terms, potential outcomes, and steps federal employees can take if a RIF is possible. They…

Federal Agency News

Four Essentials for a Rock-Solid Federal Retirement Plan

December 22, 2025 Benefits Ben

We believe A durable retirement plan rests on four pillars: income, health care, timing, and legacy. When these are solid, everything else should typically get easier — from taxes to…

Federal Agency News

The Best Day to Retire: Maximizing Benefits and Improving Payments

December 19, 2025 Benefits Ben

There’s more to retiring from your federal job than closing your eyes, pointing at a date on the calendar, and telling your boss, “I’m done.” As an employee who benefits…

Federal Agency News

How Feds Can Retire with Debt Without Sinking Cash Flow

December 17, 2025 Benefits Ben

Retiring with debt doesn’t have to derail your financial freedom. Many Feds step into retirement with mortgages, car loans, or credit cards still on the books. The goal isn’t to…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 129: Shutdown Relief Proposals and 2026 Contribution Limit Updates

December 16, 2025 STWS

Dan and Katelyn discuss the latest proposals aimed at supporting federal employees during potential shutdowns, including the Shutdown Guidance for Financial Institutions Act (H.R. 5689), the Emergency Relief for Federal…

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

How Medicare Enrollment Affects HSA Eligibility

December 13, 2025 Ed Zurndorfer

Federal employees who are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) associated with a health savings account (HSA) are able to make both tax-deductible contributions to their HSAs and tax-free…

Federal Agency News

The Leave Question: How to Maximize Sick and Annual Leave Before You Retire

December 7, 2025 Benefits Ben

Sick leave and annual leave might seem alike, but at retirement, they serve very different purposes. One adds to your pension, the other adds to your pocket. From a financial…

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

The Fed15 Podcast: Early Retirement Factors and TSP Considerations During Volatility

December 5, 2025 STWS

Dan and Katelyn sit down to discuss key considerations for Feds facing early retirement and market volatility. Dan reviews the role of the FERS supplement, past proposals to change it,…

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

The Ten Biggest Mistakes Federal Employees and Retirees Make During “Open Season”

December 5, 2025 Ed Zurndorfer

The annual benefits “open season” can be a challenging time for federal employees and retirees. This year’s benefits “open season” which started November 10,2025 and will conclude December 8,2025, is…

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

With the Passage of OBBBA, Are Roth IRA Conversions Still Recommended for Federal Employees and Retirees?

December 5, 2025 Ed Zurndorfer

Federal employees and retirees are reminded each year at this time of year to perform year-end tax planning. This year is no exception, especially with the passage of the One…