Check out our November newsletter!
NOVEMBER 2025
GIVE US A CALL! 303-922-4304 federalbenefitsmadesimple.com Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M–F
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
& WISE
1 Denver Federal Center Building 45, Entrance E-9, Room 1050 Lakewood, CO 80225
Faith, Love, and a Full House
THE STORIES THAT STILL FUEL OUR FAMILY
Some family stories just seem to always stick with and shape us, no matter how many times we’ve heard them. Whenever I think about my grandparents on my mom’s side, I can see my grandfather coming home from work at his gas station to a wife and 12 children. And he was still smiling! Without fail, Grandma would be
Despite running a business and raising a family of 12, Grandpa still found time to volunteer at church. Sometimes, when I feel tired driving the kids to practice or running errands, I marvel at how he did it all with such a positive attitude. My grandma who raised the kids at home was just as devoted. No matter what she had done that day or how busy she may have been, every day she would fix her makeup, put on her lipstick, and be ready to greet Grandpa with a sweet kiss after his shift. It still seems like something out of a movie.
waiting for him with a kiss. Even now, whenever I share or hear a story about them, it reminds me to work hard and find joy every day. Their work ethic, dedication to their family, and how they always seemed to stay positive continues to impact me and helped make me who I am today.
My grandparents’ stories have always brought my family together and helped
November is Family Stories Month, and the memories we share that span generations are more than just happy trips down memory lane. They teach, motivate, set examples, and connect us to our loved ones, inspiring us and our families many years later.
make us all who we are. Their good attitudes and love for each other are really our legacy. I pass their stories down to my kids so they can learn from their examples. My grandfather had a fantastic life, and the stories about him will always be some of my favorites.
My mom grew up in a big family in a small town in Colorado. My grandfather owned a gas station,
Surely, both my grandparents had their shortfalls and went through tough times, but their faith, love, positivity, and perseverance always shone through. They passed those values down to 12 children, and their memory continues to instill all those wonderful qualities in their grandkids, great-grandkids, and maybe even future generations after that. The best family stories remind us of where we came from, what matters most, and how even the smallest acts of love can leave a lasting impact. I’m grateful my own family and I get to keep adding new chapters in the book of life.
worked six days a week and it supported 12 kids. It wasn’t about profit but making a living and doing what was needed to ensure his family was cared for. He was the epitome of an incredible work ethic and of self-sacrifice. What stands out in the stories about him is what it truly means to be engaged in family life and always put them first. No matter how long his workday may have been or what other responsibilities he had to manage, he never seemed to be in a bad mood or run out of energy.
–Jeremy Rafferty
Sundays were always a family day. Everyone would go to church together and then drive 2–3 hours away to enjoy a family picnic.
www.federalbenefitsmadesimple.com |1
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
THE CASE FOR A DAILY WALK Less Scrolling, More Strolling
THE SCIENCE OF SEASONAL MOVEMENT IS REAL. Cooler air does more than wake you up. It makes your body work harder to stay warm, thus increasing the calorie burn of even a casual stroll. That quick burst of movement in the cold can also boost circulation, improve energy levels, and clear mental fog, especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk for hours. CREATE A COZY ROUTINE YOU LOOK FORWARD TO. One of the best ways to stay consistent during these cooler months is to make your walk enjoyable. Layer up in comfortable gear, choose a playlist or podcast you love, and set a daily reminder to step outside. Whether it’s 10 minutes around the block or a long weekend loop, consistency matters more than intensity. MAKE IT SOCIAL, REWARDING, OR BOTH. If you aren’t feeling motivated solo, ask a friend or neighbor to join you a few times a week. If you prefer going alone, add a small reward: a stop for a warm drink or the satisfaction of checking it off your daily goals list. These little incentives can make your walk something to look forward to.
As the temperatures dip and daylight starts to dwindle sooner, staying active often falls to the bottom of the priority list. It’s easy to settle into a routine of indoor comfort with more screens and less movement. However, carving out time for a daily walk, even in the chillier months, is a simple and effective way to stay physically and mentally sharp.
FALL AND WINTER ARE NATURE’S UNDERRATED WORKOUT MONTHS. There’s something calming about a quiet sidewalk covered in fall leaves or a peaceful neighborhood dusted with frost. The colder seasons offer a refreshing and grounding change of scenery. A short walk outdoors allows you to unplug and take in the subtle beauty that’s easy to miss when you’re rushing from one task to the next.
Protect Your Team’s Future While Meeting Requirements START 2026 STRONG After a difficult year of uncertainty,
nationwide to provide this education; walking employees through everything they need to know as they prepare for retirement, no matter where they are in their career phase. From pensions and TSP strategies to health benefits, we can meet you where you are, either virtually or in person. By working with FBMS, you can meet the OPM’s requirements and feel confident your team is getting the most accurate information. Your employees will receive expert guidance on the often-complex federal benefits system, help them understand all the options so they can make the best decisions for their retirement goals. We can tailor training to your team’s needs and offer flexible formats so employees do not face barriers getting this vital information. We know agencies have had to make many difficult decisions this year, especially when spending money. With so many federal employees depending on clear guidance
for their retirement planning, investing in comprehensive benefits training now is more than just a regulatory requirement; it’s an investment in your people and peace of mind. If you want to learn more or schedule a training session, call Jeremy at 303-922-4304 or email our team at Info@FederalBenefitsMadeSimple.com.
tightened budgets, and an unprecedented wave of retirements, many federal agencies had to make tough choices in 2025, especially when it came to spending money. But 2026 is a new chapter and a chance to get back on track. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) requires federal agencies to provide their teams with training on retirement, financial literacy, and financial strategy. Every agency must delegate part of its budget to this annually and submit an annual report that outlines the education they provided. OPM includes a review of every agency’s retirement training as part of its overall audits, which happen at least once every three years. More than just checking off a box on the requirements list, these trainings are incredibly valuable for your employees to help prepare them for their financial futures.
That’s where Federal Benefits Made Simple (FBMS) comes in. We partner with agencies
2 | 303-922-4304
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
TROPICAL ESCAPES TO SAVOR BUNGALOWS AND BLISS
Whether you’re looking to book a tropical trip this winter or want to live vicariously through descriptions of dream destinations, this article is for you! From overwater bungalows to swim-up bars, these resorts redefine relaxation in some of the world’s most glamorous getaways. A SPECTACULAR SOUTH ASIAN SOJOURN If you want to add flavor to your wintertime festivities with an international jaunt, the Maldives, just southwest of India, is home to some of the world’s most renowned resorts. Celebrated for its spacious rooms, private pools, and “floating breakfasts,” The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, boasts seven restaurants offering a vast array of global delicacies. Another Maldives mainstay, Soneva Fushi, offers some of the largest overwater villas in the world — perfect for viewing the area’s breathtakingly clear waters.
And if you’re a fan of exploring tropical travel via social media, you’ve likely caught an eyeful of Instagram favorite Soneva Jani. This Maldives destination provides guests plenty of playful options, ranging from a waterslide to a trip on one of the resort’s seaplanes. Of course, an extraordinary vacation doesn’t necessarily mean spending time in an expansive environment. Those looking to balance luxury with a low-key vibe should check out Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, a boutique resort that invites guests to lounge on a private water hammock as their worries wash away. FRESH PERKS IN FRENCH POLYNESIA Outdoor bungalows are also a big hit in Bora Bora. In addition to in-room pools, the Four Seasons Bora Bora resort offers guests a view of Mount Otemanu that all intrepid travelers should experience at least once. Over at the Westin Bora Bora,
vacationers can take in the locale’s modern aesthetics while sipping cocktails at its swim-up bar. If you plan to travel with a large group, the two-story Presidential Suites and overwater villas at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui are outstanding options. Not surprisingly, Bora Bora isn’t the only place to visit in French Polynesia. Although the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa tends to book up quickly due to its smaller size, it’s worth trying to get a room for this vacation spot’s famous snorkeling sites alone.
Train Your Brain!
Pumpkin Dump Cake
INGREDIENTS
• 1 (15 oz) can pure pumpkin • 1 (10 oz) can evaporated milk • 1 cup light brown sugar • 3 eggs • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 box yellow cake mix • 1 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers or pecans • 1/2 cup toffee bits (optional) • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside. 2. In a large bowl, add pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice. 3. Stir to combine and pour into the prepared pan. 4. Sprinkle the entire box of cake mix on top, followed by nuts or graham crackers and toffee bits. 5. Pour melted butter evenly on top. 6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the center is set and edges are lightly browned. 7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Inspired by CookiesAndCups.com
www.federalbenefitsmadesimple.com |3
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
Give us a call! 303-922-4304 federalbenefitsmadesimple.com FAX: 303-416-4358 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M–F
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
PO Box 260787 Lakewood, CO 80226-0787
Federal Benefits Made Simple, an E.A. Buck Company (FBMS), is an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance and investment products to custom suit their needs and objectives. Insurance products are offered through the insurance businesses FBMS and E.A. Buck Financial Services. FBMS is an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through Buck Wealth Strategies (BWS), a Registered Investment Advisor. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. FBMS is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US government or any governmental agency. MAS is not affiliated with FBMS, E.A. Buck Financial Services, or BWS. FBMS, E.A. Buck Financial Services, and BWS are affiliated by common ownership. In California, we are known only as E.A. Buck Insurance in all solicitations of insurance. CMP-59998 - 10/25
INSIDE THIS ISSUE page 1 Grandpa’s Tireless Work, Grandma’s Warm Welcome page 2 Bundle Up and Step Out Federal Benefits Training That Works
page 3 Paradise Found Pumpkin Dump Cake
page 4 A Global Movement: Astronomy for Everyone
Imagine walking down a city sidewalk and seeing a telescope pointed toward the sky. There aren’t any ticket lines or admission fees, only a friendly smile and a view of Saturn’s rings or the craters of the moon. That’s what’s happening thanks to a growing global movement bringing astronomy directly to the people, right on the streets! In cities worldwide, astronomy enthusiasts are setting up powerful telescopes in parks, on sidewalks, and in busy downtown areas. Their mission is simple: share the wonders of the universe with anyone who happens to walk by. The best part is there’s no experience required. All you need is a little curiosity. The movement is called #popscope (short for pop-up telescope). Founded in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, in 2014, it has expanded to include hundreds of cities in Canada, the U.S., Ireland, and India. Volunteers, often amateur astronomers or passionate stargazers, invite strangers to peer into the sky, and many people are left speechless. It’s a great reminder that we all live under the same stunning sky. Sidewalk Telescopes Are Bringing the Universe to You STOP, LOOK, AND WONDER
These spontaneous sidewalk star parties are making science more accessible, especially for communities that don’t have easy access to observatories or science museums. Beyond amazing educational opportunities, the pop-up telescope events spark something deeply human: connection. As people gather to look up, they share a sense of awe that transcends background, language, and age. It’s hard not to feel united when staring at the vastness of the universe. This isn’t about high-tech gear or flashy presentations; instead, it’s an opportunity to pause for a moment amidst the noise and hustle and realize the universe is right there, waiting to be admired. Thanks to these sidewalk astronomers, more and more people are getting that chance.
To volunteer for the group, visit their website at PopScope.org.
So, the next time you’re strolling through the city and see a telescope a stranger has set up, don’t walk past it. Stop. Look. Wonder. You just might see Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings, and you’ll definitely walk away with a smile!
4 | 303-922-4304
Published by Newsletter Pro . www.NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4www.federalbenefitsmadesimple.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator