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The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 158: OPM Retirement Timeline + Schedule Policy Career Explained

07/07/2026
Federal employees approaching retirement or following recent workforce developments may have questions about what to expect. In this episode, Dan and Katelyn explain OPM’s retirement process and discuss the recent Schedule Policy/Career changes, including what has and has not changed ... Read More
Survivor Benefits Planning For Retiring Employees

A Retiring Employee’s Planning for Survivor Benefits

06/25/2026
An important part of a retiring federal employee’s retirement plan is understanding and planning for survivor benefits when the federal retiree dies. This column discusses and explains the choices that federal employees have with respect to survivor benefits for eligible ... Read More
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The Fed15 Podcast | Ep. 154 USPS FERS Funding Pause + SECURE 2.0 Catch-Up Contributions

06/09/2026
Dan and Katelyn discuss two important retirement planning developments affecting federal employees: the USPS FERS funding pause and the enhanced catch-up contribution opportunity available to those ages 60-63. Check Out Our Next FERS Webinar for Federal Employees – REGISTER HERE ... Read More
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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
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The Fed15 Podcast: Planning for Age Gaps, and the 2026 COLA Outlook

08/05/2025
In this episode, Dan and Katelyn discuss retirement strategies for federal employees, with a focus on age-gap couples. They cover Medicare, Social Security, Roth conversions, and withdrawal planning, as well as early 2026 COLA projections and their impact on CSRS ... Read More

The Fed15 Podcast: Planning for Age Gaps, and the 2026 COLA Outlook

08/05/2025
In this episode, Dan and Katelyn discuss retirement strategies for federal employees, with a focus on age-gap couples. They cover Medicare, Social Security, Roth conversions, and withdrawal planning, as well as early 2026 COLA projections and their impact on CSRS ... Read More
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The Fed15 Podcast: Understanding your first RMD + What to Know About Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR)

04/23/2025
In this episode, Dan and Katelyn dive into RMDs-when to take them, why they matter, and how to avoid penalties-and explain Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR), including who qualifies and what to expect if facing early separation. Check Out Our Next ... Read More
Departing Fers Employees Who Choose To Receive A Deferred Annuity Can Give A Survivor Benefit

Departing FERS Employees Who Choose to Receive a Deferred Annuity Can Give a Survivor Benefit

04/13/2025
A recent FEDZONE column discussed “vesting” retirement requirements for FERS employees. With thousands of federal employees losing their federal jobs in recent months, the question among many of these departing employees is: What happens to my FERS retirement? In particular, ... Read More
What Every Fed Needs To Know About Discontinued Service Retirement

What Every Fed Needs to Know About Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR)

03/27/2025
We find ourselves in very stressful times and many federal employees are facing uncertainty due to potential agency reductions in force (RIF). It’s natural to feel anxious about job security and future retirement plans. This article aims to provide clarity ... Read More

The FEDZONE Vault: Early Retirement (VERA) Planning For FERS Employees

03/13/2025
17-page PDF from the FEDZONE Vault by Ed Zurndorfer: “Early Retirement (VERA) Planning For FERS Employees”  Click Here to Read Early Retirement (VERA) Planning For FERS Employees Click Here to Read Edward A. Zurndorfer is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, ... Read More