The Fed15 Podcast: Understanding the Big Beautiful Bill and Protecting Whistleblower Rights
Release Date: 07/08/2025
The Fed15 Podcast
In this episode, Dan and Katelyn discuss key 2025 tax changes from the OBBBA and their impact on federal employees. They cover tax deductions, estate planning, and student loan updates, followed by Roth conversion strategies to help diversify retirement portfolios and manage future tax risks. Articles & Resources Covered · · If you’d like to meet with an STWS advisor, pick a spot on our calendar here: Register for Webinars: Dan reviews key provisions of the One Big...
info_outlineThe Fed15 Podcast
In this episode, Dan and Katelyn discuss retirement strategies for federal employees, with a focus on age-gap couples. They cover Medicare, Social Security, Roth conversions, and withdrawal planning, as well as early 2026 COLA projections and their impact on CSRS and FERS retirees. Articles & Resources Covered · · If you’d like to meet with an STWS advisor, pick a spot on our calendar here: Register for Webinars: Katelyn discusses key financial considerations for couples with an...
info_outlineThe Fed15 Podcast
In this episode, Dan and Katelyn break down the 2024 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey results, highlighting trends in engagement, leadership trust, and job satisfaction. They also explore how career development can boost retirement security through higher earnings, TSP contributions, and Social Security benefits. Articles & Resources Covered · · If you’d like to meet with an STWS advisor, pick a spot on our calendar here: Register for Webinars: Dan breaks down the...
info_outlineThe Fed15 Podcast
In this episode, Katelyn and Dan explore key considerations for federal employees and veterans planning—covering the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program, eligibility requirements, pros and cons of coverage, and alternative options like private plans or self-insuring. They also dive into retirement strategies for veterans transitioning to federal service, including how military pensions interact with FERS, TSP coordination, Tricare and FEHB eligibility, and programs like FEGLI designed to maximize benefits in retirement. Articles & Resources Covered ...
info_outlineThe Fed15 Podcast
In this episode, Jen and Dan unpack major challenges facing federal employees—from proposed retirement changes to whistleblower protections—covering the Big Beautiful Bill Act, FERS updates, legal safeguards, and steps to stay informed and protected. Articles & Resources Covered · · If you’d like to meet with an STWS advisor, pick a spot on our calendar here: Register for Webinars: Jen breaks down the Big Beautiful Bill Act and what it could mean for federal...
info_outlineThe Fed15 Podcast
In this episode, Katelyn and Dan unpack federal employee rights and protections in the face of workplace challenges—from hostile environments to LGBTQ+ discrimination—highlighting key legal safeguards, executive orders, historical context, and strategies to navigate retaliation, political pressure, and shifting workplace policies. Articles & Resources Covered · · If you’d like to meet with an STWS advisor, pick a spot on our calendar here: Register for Webinars: Dan...
info_outlineThe Fed15 Podcast
In this episode, Katelyn and Dan discuss the rise of privatization and changing security clearance policies, highlighting the impact of recent layoffs, at-risk roles, political shifts, and executive orders—while emphasizing the need for federal employees to stay informed, protected, and prepared for change. Social media caption: 🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨 In this episode of The Fed15 Podcast, we’re diving into two major issues federal employees can’t ignore: rising privatization and evolving security clearance policies. From recent layoffs to political shifts—learn what’s...
info_outlineThe Fed15 Podcast
In this episode, Dan and Katelyn discuss the future of federal employee unions and emergency financial planning, emphasizing the importance of understanding evolving labor policies, staying informed through reliable resources, building a strong financial foundation, and proactively preparing for uncertainty through budgeting, debt management, and alternative income strategies. Articles & Resources Covered If you’d like to meet with an STWS advisor, pick a spot on our calendar here: Register for Webinars: Dan breaks down the role of federal employee unions and...
info_outlineThe Fed15 Podcast
In this episode, Dan and Katelyn discuss navigating agency defunding and challenging unjust security clearance revocations, emphasizing the importance of understanding your options, federal protections, thorough planning, and maintaining financial security. Articles & Resources Covered · · If you’d like to meet with an STWS advisor, pick a spot on our calendar here: Register for Webinars: Katelyn explains the process and implications if your agency experiences...
info_outlineThe Fed15 Podcast
In this episode, Dan and Katelyn discuss important career and financial topics for federal employees—including an overview of due process rights in the event of potential termination and a review of current considerations around Social Security and federal retirement benefits. Articles & Resources Covered · . · . If you’d like to meet with an STWS advisor, pick a spot on our calendar here: Register for Webinars: In this episode, Dan breaks down what happens when federal...
info_outlineIn this episode, Jen and Dan unpack major challenges facing federal employees—from proposed retirement changes to whistleblower protections—covering the Big Beautiful Bill Act, FERS updates, legal safeguards, and steps to stay informed and protected.
Articles & Resources Covered
· https://stwserve.com/will-new-legislation-cut-your-federal-retirement-benefits-heres-what-to-know/
· https://stwserve.com/what-to-know-about-federal-employee-whistleblower-protections/
If you’d like to meet with an STWS advisor, pick a spot on our calendar here:
https://stwserve.com/meet-with-us/
Register for Webinars:
Jen breaks down the Big Beautiful Bill Act and what it could mean for federal employees and retirees. She begins with the potential elimination of the FERS supplement, then explores proposed changes to pension calculations, the introduction of new fees and audits, and retirement plan options for new hires. Jen also highlights who might be exempt from certain changes and wraps up with practical steps federal employees can take to stay informed and prepared.
Dan explores the role of whistleblowers in the federal government. He explains what qualifies as a protected disclosure and provides examples, then outlines the proper channels for reporting to ensure those protections apply. Dan also reviews key whistleblower legislation and concludes with an overview of legal remedies for retaliation and recommended steps to take if it occurs.
***DISCLAIMER – THIS IS NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE***
The Fed15 podcast is presented by Serving Those Who Serve, a financial planning practice serving federal government employees and retirees all over the country.
This podcast is presented for information and entertainment only and is not intended to be taken as financial advice. All listeners should consult their personal advisors before taking any action. The opinions expressed therein are not the opinions of Raymond James or Serving Those Who Serve.
Insurance policies have exclusions and/or limitations. The cost and availability of life insurance depend on factors such as age, health and the type and amount of insurance purchased. As with most financial decisions, there are expenses associated with the purchase of life insurance. Policies commonly have mortality and expense charges. In addition, if a policy is surrendered prematurely, there may be surrender charges and income tax implications. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company.
Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected.
Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.