Dan and Katelyn discuss how federal employees can accelerate retirement savings later in their careers and what parents should know about FAFSA and CSS financial aid planning.
Dan explains how federal employees over 50 can make meaningful progress on retirement savings without needing a perfect plan. He walks through defining your retirement income gap, maximizing TSP and catch-up contributions, reducing spending strategically, and using Roth versus Traditional tax planning more intentionally. He also discusses common mistakes that slow progress and why a focused 12-24 month savings sprint can significantly improve retirement flexibility.
Katelyn breaks down how FAFSA and CSS financial aid planning works for federal employees with college-bound children. She explains the differences between FAFSA and the CSS Profile, how income, TSP contributions, and 529 accounts are evaluated, and why early planning matters. She also covers common mistakes families make, strategies to avoid unnecessary income spikes during aid calculation years, and how to balance college planning without sacrificing retirement savings.
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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.
