Category: FED-15 Explained (Podcast)

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 136: 2026 Rule Changes + Federal Benefits To-Do List

February 3, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn break down the key rule changes converging in 2026 and the essential planning moves federal employees should be reviewing now, from SECURE Act 2.0 updates to Social…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 135: Retirement Planning Amid Uncertainty + How Much Is Enough?

January 27, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn discuss how to build a resilient retirement plan in uncertain times and how to determine how much savings is truly enough, covering income planning, spending needs, and…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 134: Smart Tax Planning in Retirement + Beating Information Bias

January 20, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn explore why proactive tax planning is critical in retirement, starting with understanding the full retirement income stack, including a FERS or CSRS pension, planned TSP or IRA…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 133: Retiring With Debt + Choosing the Right Retirement Date

January 13, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn break down how federal employees can retire with debt in a sustainable way, starting with a full debt inventory and mapping guaranteed income sources such as a…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 132: Coordinating Sick & Annual Leave for Retirement + OPM’s Digital Retirement Overhaul

January 6, 2026 STWS

Dan and Katelyn explore how sick leave and annual leave factor into federal retirement planning, including how sick leave boosts pension calculations, how unused annual leave is paid out, and…

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

The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 131: 2026 Retirement Prep — New TSP & IRA Limits and How to Avoid Payment Delays

December 30, 2025 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 | 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…

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…

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…