In this episode, Dan reviews key benefit changes in the 2025 reconciliation bill, legal decisions shaping TSP and pensions, and what to watch moving forward. Katelyn highlights why updating beneficiary designations matters, the forms required, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Dan reviews what made it into the 2025 reconciliation bill-and what didn’t. He covers the status of COLAs, proposals to move from high-3 to high-5, and the status of proposed increases to employee contributions. He also examines legal decisions that could affect benefits, including TSP divorce awards, service credit clarifications, and state-level pension cases. He closes by highlighting key issues to watch in late 2025 and beyond.
Katelyn follows with a discussion on why keeping beneficiary designations up to date is more important than many realize. She explains how designations apply to benefits such as TSP, FEGLI, unpaid compensation, and survivor annuities. She walks through what to review, which forms are needed (since wills often do not apply), and where to obtain them. She also highlights key life events that typically trigger a review and outlines common mistakes to avoid.
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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.
