Category Archives: FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks
The Fed15 Podcast: Navigating FEHB Open Season with Consumers’ Checkbook
11/04/2025
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 with confidence. Check Out Our Next FERS Webinar for Federal ... Read More
The Fed15 Podcast: Closing the Pay–Housing Gap and What’s Ahead for the 2026 Pay Raise
10/29/2025
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 to bridge the housing gap, from relocation and shared housing ... Read More
The Fed15 Podcast: Navigating Shutdowns and Staying Ethical in the Digital Age
10/24/2025
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 debt while staying financially resilient. Meanwhile, Katelyn examines digital assets ... Read More
FedLife Podcast: Understanding TSP RMD Rules for Spousal Beneficiary Accounts
10/21/2025
In this episode, Dan and Ed break down how TSP beneficiary rules and RMD requirements affect federal employees and their families. They explain the importance of properly naming a TSP beneficiary, how spousal beneficiary participant accounts work, and the key ... Read More
The Fed15 Podcast: Is the G Fund Really Safe? Plus, Social Security Turns 90
10/14/2025
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 returns, and why relying on it entirely can pose hidden ... Read More
The Fed15 Podcast: Financial Independence, Early Retirement, and Entrepreneurship in Federal Service
10/08/2025
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 federal service, covering ethics rules, post-employment restrictions, and how to ... Read More
FedLife Podcast: How the 2025 Tax Bill Changes Charitable Giving for Federal Employees
10/07/2025
In this episode, Dan and Ed break down how the OBBBA of 2025 reshapes charitable giving and tax deductions. They explain how the law builds on changes from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), introduces new deductions for non-itemizers, ... Read More
The Fed15 Podcast: TSP’s $1 Trillion Moment & the 2025 FEVS Cancellation
10/03/2025
In this episode, Dan covers the TSP surpassing $1 trillion and what it means for retirement savings, while Katelyn examines the cancellation of the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, its impact on agencies and employees, and alternatives moving forward. Check Out ... Read More
In this episode, Dan and Ed explain TSP life annuities, including how they work and the factors that determine monthly payments. They also cover the process for purchasing an annuity, the different options available such as single and joint life ... Read More
The Fed15 Podcast: Switching to State Jobs & Mid-Career Apprenticeships
09/24/2025
In this episode, Katelyn and Dan discuss why federal employees are considering state jobs, outlining benefits, protections, and key trade-offs, then explore apprenticeship opportunities in fields like IT, healthcare, and HR, closing with guidance on eligibility, how to get started, ... Read More