FedLife Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Serving Those Who Serve's Podcast for Federal Employees to learn about their Federal Benefits from such professionals in the field like Ed Zurndorfer.
-“Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Lee, Sipe & Associates, Inc. and Serving Those Who Serve (STWS) are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James. Content represents the opinions of the speaker and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Important Disclosure Information: http://raymondjames.com/smicd.htm. Serving Those Who Serve, 15245 Shady Grove Rd. – Rockville, MD 20850, 301-216-1167 ///
Cost-of-living adjustments for federal retirees: Social Security COLA, CSRS COLA, and COLAs for CSRS-offset and FERS
Discussing the world of Roth IRA contributions and the Saver’s Tax Credit. Learn how these financial tools can help grow your wealth a secure your future.
Join Dan and Ed as they unlock the potential of college savings accounts for a brighter future!
Why the special retirement supplement (SRS) is no substitute for the “enhanced” FERS annuity feds can get at age 62
In the TSP for feds and in 401(k) plans in the private sector, it is important to watch out for excessive elective deferrals!
What is a NAF federal employee? What is the difference from a regular federal employee? Learn about the benefits, retirement options, and more!
FedLife Podcast (ep. #113): Making TSP Contributions in 2024 Happy New Year! Dan and Ed discuss the TSP contributions, income limits for a Roth IRA, and more in the first episode of 2024. A in-depth overview for federal employees of their retirement savings plan. Featured in this episode:
FedLife Podcast (ep. #112): HCFSA Reimbursement of Transportation Costs and More Did you know an HCFSA can be used to cover transportation cost to and from a doctor’s office? Or that you’re eligible to get an HCFSA whether you have an FEHB plan or TriCare? Learn this and more in this week’s episode of the […]
The 2024 Federal Pay Raise is historic – find out why! Also learn why feds might not see their pay raise until the end of January. FedLife Podcast (ep. #111): The Ripple Effects of the 2024 Federal Pay Raise How to ensure that you are actually receiving the 5.2% you’re entitled to. Also – when […]
FedLife Podcast (ep. #110): Tax Benefits of Federal Employee Health Benefits What to look for on your W2 when reviewing the tax advantages of FEHB. Learn about copayments, healthcare spending flexible spending accounts (HCFSA), types of enrollment, what family members are eligible, premium rates for self + one vs. family coverage. Featured in this episode:
A qualified longevity annuity contract (QLAC) – learn what it is, how it works, and one of the best benefits, lower required minimum distributions (RMDs)! FedLife Podcast (ep. #109): Lowering Your Required Minimum Distributions with a QLAC You won’t hear Ed and Dan talking fondly of annuities often but when they do – it’s a […]
The traditional TSP versus the Roth TSP – which is better? Learn the differences and why it’s probably a good idea if you’re on the younger side. FedLife Podcast (ep. #108): The Math Favors Roth TSP for Younger Feds When it comes to Roth TSP, it is worth exploring if you’re a fed – no […]
As we approach the end of the year, time to go over required minimum distributions (RMDs) and how the SECURE Acts 1.0 and 2.0 changed the IRS penalties and rules. FedLife Podcast (ep. #107): Understanding RMDs for the TSP and IRAs In this episode, Dan and Ed discuss what federal employees need to grasp when […]
In this informative episode, Ed Zurndorfer shares step-by-step guidance for individuals aged 59.5 or older looking to transfer their TSP account into a Roth IRA account.
In this week’s episode, Ed Zurndorfer guides you through the complexities of these differences while detailing the nuances of TSP contributions, from withdrawals to maximizing your potential tax savings.
in this episode, Ed Zurndorfer joins Dan Sipe to explain how the IRS taxes federal government pensions for CSRS and FERS employees.
In this episode, Ed Zurndorfer details the critical components of estate planning while emphasizing the importance of having comprehensive estate plans.
Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with legal changes. But fear not. In this riveting episode, Ed Zurndorfer and Dan Sipe delve into the SECURE Act 2.0 and its impact on Roth TSP participants.
In December 2022, Congress passed the SECURE Act 2.0, which might modify retirement plans like 401(k)s, IRAs, and Thrift Savings Plans (TSP).
Get ready to hear Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer unpack ten moves federal employees and retirees need to know as they prepare and secure their finances this year.
This week, Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer talk about the value of HSAs, HCFSAs, saving on medical expenses, and some of the top myths about these accounts.
Now is the time for federal employees to make some year-end tax moves to reduce their 2022 federal and state income liabilities.
Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer are back to educate listeners on the latest news about COLA for recipients in 2023. Ed navigates eligibility, how it’s determined, and what you can do to maximize this benefit.
Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer unveil the benefits and consequences of reversing a Social Security claim while explaining the role of inflation when it comes to fixed incomes. FedLife Podcast (Ep. 84): Reversing a Social Security Claim Decision with Ed Zurndorfer Social Security Claiming Decision
Ed dives into the five questions federal employees should consider when seeking enrollment outside insurance.
In this episode of the FEDLIFE Podcast, Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer explain the ins and outs of insurance companies when it comes to providing coverage. Ed also dives into the five questions federal employees should consider when seeking enrollment outside insurance.
Did you know that 70% of Americans say they need life insurance but don’t really understand how it works?
This week on the FEDLIFE Podcast, Dan Sipe is joined by Ed Zurndorfer to explain the economic impact that can happen when a spouse passes away.
In this episode, Dan Sipe sits down with Ed Zurndorfer. This time they explain the federal employee health benefits for survivors, such as the spouses and children of federal employees. FEDLIFE Podcast (Ep. 79): Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) For Survivors with Ed Zurndorfer It’s no secret that having health benefits is crucial for the […]
In this episode, Dan Sipe is joined by Ed Zurndorfer to unpack the costs associated with having health insurance benefits post-retirement while explaining the changes you can make to your plan if needed.
In part one of this two-parter miniseries, Dan Sipe is joined by Ed Zurndorfer to unpack the different types of Federal Employee Health Benefits.
In this episode, Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer unpack each benefit while detailing everything you need to know about how the OPM calculates your annuity supplement.
Federal employees who are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) have several retirement options available to them.
In this episode, Dan Sipe & Ed Zurndorfer discuss the procedure to follow if someone isn't named an eligible beneficiary. Along with how required minimum distribution works and the importance of transferring your ROTH TSP account to a ROTH IRA account before age 72.
Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer discuss everything you need to know about inheriting your loved ones' IRA or TSP
In this episode, Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer discuss everything you need to know about TSP withdrawals so you can make your money work for you.
In this episode, Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer discuss everything federal employees need to know regarding tax withdrawals to ensure you’re not leaving any money on the table.
In this episode, Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer discuss everything federal employees need to know regarding tax benefits to ensure that you’re not leaving any money on the table.
In this episode, Dan Sipe speaks with Ed Zurndorfer to discuss everything federal employees need to know when going to file taxes this year to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your return.
There might not be many CSRS offset employees and annuitants, but often, many of these employees and annuitants do not have a full understanding of how their retirement benefits work.
In this episode, Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer talk about how the RMDs for IRAs, 401ks, TSPs, and more will now have lower required payments
In this episode, Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer talk about the 10 things that feds should know going into 2022 regarding your TSP, insurance, W2, and taxes.
Dan Sipe and Ed Zurndorfer finish the year highlighting some important topics surrounding Dependent Care FSAs, different types of taxable and non-taxable conversions, and more information to help you end your year financially stable.