Katelyn and Dan explore how 529 plans have expanded beyond traditional college savings and how Medicare IRMAA can affect retirement healthcare costs.
Katelyn breaks down 29 ways 529 plans can be used today, highlighting how these accounts have evolved beyond traditional college savings. She covers qualified expenses including college and graduate school tuition, trade schools, textbooks, computers, housing, study abroad programs, private K 12 tuition, apprenticeships, professional certifications, and student loan repayment. Katelyn also explains the potential to roll unused 529 funds into a Roth IRA, along with key limitations and requirements. She also highlights expenses that generally do not qualify and why families should review current 529 rules before making withdrawals.
Dan explains how Medicare IRMAA is calculated and why income decisions can affect Medicare premiums two years later. He discusses the role of Modified Adjusted Gross Income, the 2026 IRMAA thresholds, common income sources that can increase IRMAA, and the potential impact of Roth conversions and Required Minimum Distributions. Dan also explains the IRMAA cliff effect and how FEHB coverage can coordinate with Medicare. He discusses planning strategies that may help manage future IRMAA exposure, including coordinating Roth conversions, withdrawals, capital gains, and charitable giving across multiple years.
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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.
