In this episode, Katelyn and Jen discuss the tradeoffs between federal service and contracting, the 2025 pay raise versus inflation, and key retirement planning challenges, closing with actionable steps for employees to consider.
Katelyn explores the federal contractor advantage, starting with the pull factors that attract federal employees to contracting and the push factors that drive them to leave federal service. She then compares contracting and federal employment, focusing on pay, benefits, retirement, and stability. Katelyn closes by outlining when making the move makes sense and the practical steps to take.
Jen follows with a discussion on the 2025 federal pay raise and how it measures up against inflation. While noting it as one of the largest raises in recent years, she highlights how government salaries continue to lag behind private sector growth and market competitiveness. Jen also examines mid-career challenges, locality pay gaps, and the complexities of retirement planning-including TSP, pension calculations, COLAs, and inflation risk-before wrapping up with actionable recommendations.
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The FedLife Podcast is your in-depth, biweekly deep dive into the world of federal benefits and retirement planning. Hosted by federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer and Dan Sipe of Serving Those Who Serve, each 30-minute episode unpacks the complexities of FERS and CSRS retirement, FEHB and Medicare, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more. Designed for federal employees and retirees who want more than just the basics, FedLife goes beyond the headlines to explore the rules, nuances, and strategies that can make a meaningful difference in your retirement. Remember: it’s your Fed life, make it a great one.
The Fed15 Podcast is your weekly 15(ish)-minute briefing on federal benefits and financial planning, built specifically for federal employees and retirees. Hosted by Dan Sipe and Katelyn Murray of Serving Those Who Serve, each episode delivers clear, actionable guidance on topics like FERS and CSRS retirement, TSP strategies, FEHB, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more! Whether you’re five years from retirement or already there, The Fed15 helps you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about your federal benefits.
