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 strategies for coordinating both for maximum value. They also break down OPM’s new digital retirement system launching in 2026, covering online applications, processing changes, timelines, and key considerations for federal employees.
Dan explains the differences between sick leave and annual leave and how coordinating the two can strengthen overall retirement outcomes. He breaks down how sick leave can increase a pension calculation without affecting retirement eligibility, then reviews how unused annual leave is paid out and best practices for timing and coordination. He wraps up by showing how to strategically align both types of leave for maximum value and closes with a practical pre-retirement checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Katelyn covers OPM’s digital transformation of the retirement process and what’s changing for 2026. She walks through the new online retirement application system, highlights its key features, and stresses the importance of verifying that online information matches personal records. She also reviews updates to processing procedures, timelines, and other key considerations federal employees should be aware of.
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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.
