Dan and Katelyn discuss how federal employees can navigate early retirement income gaps and whether return-to-office changes should prompt a relocation decision before retirement.
Dan explains what options federal employees have if they want to retire at their Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) but do not qualify for the FERS annuity supplement. He discusses ways to bridge the income gap before Social Security, including reducing expenses, part-time work, strategic TSP withdrawals, and adjusting investment allocations to support early retirement cash flow.
Katelyn explores how return-to-office requirements can affect long-term retirement planning. She breaks down the true cost of commuting, how location decisions impact savings goals, and what federal employees should consider before relocating closer to work or waiting until retirement. She also covers factors like locality pay, FEHB coverage, taxes, housing costs, and protecting your retirement timeline during a move.
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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.
