Category Archives: FEDLife & The Fed15 Podcast: Federal Employee Retirement & Benefits Talks
FedLife Podcast: ESG Investing and Smart RMD Strategies
03/21/2025
Dan and Katelyn discuss ESG investing, highlighting its benefits and offering key steps to consider for those interested in incorporating it into their portfolio. They then explore RMD withdrawal strategies, focusing on how to leverage tools like QCDs and Roth ... Read More
FedLife Podcast: FERS Retirement Deposits for Non‑Deduction Service
03/13/2025
Ed and Dan explain the importance of making deposits for “non-deduction” service, which can help employees meet retirement eligibility and increase their annuity. The episode covers how to make these deposits, types of qualifying service, and the process for employees ... Read More
FedLife Podcast: International Marriage & Federal Benefits
03/11/2025
Katelyn and Dan explore the complexities of working abroad and international marriages, focusing on the advantages and challenges related to benefits, taxes, and estate planning. They then shift to a discussion on Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), providing an overview of ... Read More
FedLife Podcast: RPL Rules and Social Security Fairness Act
03/07/2025
Katelyn covers the Social Security Fairness Act, which repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), impacting Social Security benefits for CSRS and CSRS Offset employees. She also discusses life after a reduction in force, focusing on ... Read More
FedLife Podcast: VERA Retirement and Early Exit Benefits
02/25/2025
Ed and Dan provide a thorough overview of OPM’s decision to grant federal agencies the authority to offer early retirement through Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA). They discuss the eligibility requirements, benefits, and potential impact of this offer on federal ... Read More
FedLife Podcast: 2025 TSP Limits and 2026 Pay Raise Updates
02/25/2025
Dan and Katelyn discuss the 2025 contribution limits for TSPs, HSAs, and FSAs, offering insights into the key updates. They also cover the proposed 2026 pay raise, providing an overview of the rationale behind the increase and its potential impact. ... Read More
FedLife Podcast: Managing Breaks in Service and Time Off
02/18/2025
Dan and Katelyn discuss managing breaks in federal service, covering TSP mobility, rollovers, and the importance of keeping personnel files. They highlight continuing retirement savings after transitioning to the private sector and the importance of maintaining your FERS balance. They ... Read More
FedLife Podcast: What to Expect From the 2025 Pay Increase
02/14/2025
FedLife Podcast: What to Expect From the 2025 Pay Increase Ed and Dan break down the uncertainty surrounding the 2025 federal employee pay increase, discussing President Biden’s proposed 2.0% raise and the push from lawmakers for a 4.5% increase to ... Read More
The Fed15 Podcast: Special Needs Planning & Executive Orders Impacting Federal Employees
02/11/2025
Dan and Katelyn discuss special needs planning for federal families alongside the initial five executive orders recently released. They provide a thorough exploration of both topics as they relate to federal employees, carefully examining the functionalities, implications, and key considerations ... Read More
FedLife Podcast: Unlocking HSA Benefits, Tax Advantages, and Common Mistakes
02/07/2025
Ed and Dan go over the benefits of HSAs for federal employees and retirees, including how they work in conjunction with HDHPs to provide tax advantages and help cover medical expenses. They also explore the triple tax benefit of HSAs, ... Read More