Category: FED-15 Explained (Podcast)

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

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

January 2, 2026 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…

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

The Fed15 Podcast: 2026 Retirement Prep — New TSP & IRA Limits and How to Avoid Payment Delays

January 2, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn break down what federal employees need to know heading into 2026, starting with the newly announced TSP and IRA contribution limits and how higher caps, expanded catch-ups,…

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

The Fed15 Podcast: Shutdown Relief Proposals and 2026 Contribution Limit Updates

December 11, 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…

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,…

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…

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…

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

The Fed15 Podcast: Jess’s Journey from Federal Service to Gingersnap Jess Cookies

November 12, 2025 STWS

Dan and Katelyn sit down with Jess, founder of Gingersnap Cookies and former digital media specialist at the National Institutes of Health. After being unexpectedly separated from federal service, Jess…

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

The Fed15 Podcast: Navigating FEHB Open Season with Consumers’ Checkbook

November 4, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Katelyn and Dan sit down with Kevin Moss, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at Consumers’ Checkbook, for a Q&A focused on helping federal employees navigate Open Season…

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

The Fed15 Podcast: Closing the Pay–Housing Gap and What’s Ahead for the 2026 Pay Raise

October 29, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Dan and Katelyn discuss how housing costs in metro areas like the DMV, San Francisco, and New York City are outpacing federal pay. They share practical strategies…

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

The Fed15 Podcast: Navigating Shutdowns and Staying Ethical in the Digital Age

October 24, 2025 STWS

In this episode, Dan discusses how federal employees can prepare for a potential government shutdown—covering back pay expectations, key benefits like FEHB, TSP, and leave, and strategies to avoid high-interest…