Check out our March newsletter!
MARCH 2026
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
CHOOSING RIGHT OVER EASY
WHY ETHICS MATTERS EVERY DAY
Throughout my life, I’ve always tried to do the right thing. When boiled down to its essence, that’s really the meaning of “ethics.” And, sometimes, when we don’t get it right on the first try, we learn a tremendous life lesson about integrity along the way. Once in high school, I was late with an assignment because I hadn’t done my homework. Earlier, my buddy had written a paper on the same subject for a different class. So, I borrowed his paper and thought I had modified enough of it to turn it in as my own. A few days later, his teacher walked into my class and called me up in front of everyone. The teacher announced that he knew I had copied my friend’s paper, and it resulted in an F. I was always a good kid, but I’d never been so embarrassed. Looking back, that teacher should have taken me out into the hallway for a private conversation. But it was a good lesson I still remember vividly today. I tried to skirt honest work one little time, and it blew up in my face.
with friends, family, clients, coworkers, and most everyone I encounter. The mere thought of doing something the wrong way results in a lot of anxiety. Maybe it’s a bit of a blessing because I usually don’t find myself in those awkward situations nowadays. I’d say my mom played a big part in the ethics I have today. She held us to it, and it helped me become a good person. But sometimes it’s making a wrong decision that stands out and really cements the lessons. Maybe you made a poor choice, got caught, and had to accept what you’d done and the consequences that came with it. That life lesson reaffirms that doing everything with integrity and honesty is the way to go. Recently, our pastor said something that stuck with me about leading with integrity. When getting ready to make a decision, and trying to figure out if it’s the right thing, wrong thing, or borderline, ask yourself how the choice will make you feel 10 years from now. Am I going to stand by it, or will I regret it? If we can do that with the big, important decisions or even the small, daily ones, we will likely keep walking on the right side of that ethical line. Ethics are the backbone of our actions. Choosing honesty, even when it’s hard or inconvenient, builds trust, relationships, and personal peace of mind. It doesn’t mean you won’t ever make a mistake (we’re all human
March is National Ethics Awareness Month. Acting with integrity impacts everything you do. It impacts your work, your clients, and yourself. Though I may have copied that paper all those years ago, choosing and doing the right thing since then has led to a lot of success. I’ve learned it’s the only way I can really be.
after all), but as long as you learn for the next situation, you’re likely to do the right thing.
–Jeremy Rafferty
Transparency and honesty are ways I build trust. It’s led to really wonderful relationships
Do your employees have questions about their federal benefits? We can help. Reach out to me or a member of our team to learn how our comprehensive FERS benefits workshops can support your employees and agency. We’re happy to come to your office or meet your team virtually, and we’ll give them everything they need to make the most out of their benefits.
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A Guide to Mastering the Minimalist Travel Mindset YOUR CARRY-ON, UPGRADED
Keep toiletries tiny and simple. Skip the half-bottle of shampoo and overstuffed toiletry bag. Travel-size containers for shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and a few first- aid essentials are all you need. Running out of toothpaste gives you a perfect excuse to explore a local grocery store. You might even discover a quirky, new favorite.
We’ve all been there: juggling bags, hunting for space in overhead compartments, and wishing we had packed lighter. But with the following five simple strategies, you can pack less, move faster, and enjoy your adventure instead of dragging it around. Choose a smaller bag to guide your packing. We all have that impulse to pack “just in case,” stuffing extra clothes and gadgets into our luggage because… there’s room. But here’s the trick: Pick a smaller bag than usual. A carry-on around 10 liters smaller than what you usually use acts as a gentle nudge, forcing you to rethink what you need. Build a capsule wardrobe for travel. Instead of thinking in terms of outfits, think in terms of items. Build a travel capsule wardrobe of 10–12 mix-and-match pieces, including shoes and jackets. These should cover a week or more. Don’t stress about underwear; pack what you need outside the capsule. The goal is simplicity, flexibility, and style without the suitcase overload. Maximize space with compression cubes. Packing cubes might not reduce the amount you bring, but they sure make it fit better. Compression cubes help you organize and compact your clothing, allowing even a modest bag to hold everything neatly.
Think short, even on long trips. Longer travel doesn’t mean more
packing. Essentials, such as your passport, phone, chargers, a water bottle, a comb, and a travel pillow, remain constant. Clothing? Keep it minimal and plan to do
laundry. Sink-washing, hotel services, or local laundromats all work. A few spins in water and a quick hang to dry is surprisingly effective. Travel lighter, explore further, and enjoy the freedom that comes from packing smart. Less baggage means more adventure, and a little extra space for souvenirs.
BENEFITS WORKSHOPS THAT MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE Boost Morale and Confidence
Your employees have navigated another year of disruption and challenges, and it was not easy. Now is the perfect time to show them how valued and supported they really are. If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that when change happens fast, prepared employees can make better decisions for their futures. Agencies that invest in federal benefits workshops give their teams a clear advantage, helping them to get through turbulent times, answering their questions, and giving them more than just information, it reassures them. Benefits training is an ultimate morale booster. It’s a way to show employees they matter and help them gain confidence as they near retirement. People in your agency have gone through a lot of turmoil and confusion recently. While we don’t know whether we will see the same kind of disruption for federal employees again,
we do know that people who attended our classes or met with us one-on-one were in a much better position to make decisions quickly last year. Our comprehensive benefits classes at Federal Benefits Made Simple cover everything your team needs to know about their retirement planning. They will walk away with strategies to maximize their benefits, but more than anything, they’ll leave knowing their work matters, that they matter. Congress and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) strongly encourage agencies to provide retirement training for their employees, particularly those in
the first and last five years of their careers. We want to help your agency meet that requirement and help your employees feel excited and hopeful for what’s next. As an agency leader, you also faced difficult decisions in 2025, but it’s a new year and a new opportunity to show your staff you care. Let’s talk about how we can help your employees. Together, we can prepare them for whatever is ahead and walk them through their options, no matter what the future holds. If you want to boost morale and make a real investment in your team, talk to the person in charge of training at your agency, and get a class booked for 2026.
Let’s support your team together. Contact us at 303-922-4304 or by visiting FederalBenefitsMadeSimple.com/workshops-for-federal-agencies to schedule a benefits workshop for your agency.
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THE TINY HOME TREND FOR SECURE SENIOR LIVING Trade Your Empty Nest for Financial Freedom
As we grow older, we start to give more thought to the idea of retirement. After working diligently for decades, many people want to step away from work to spend their senior years traveling, enjoying time with loved ones, and taking steps to ensure they can age in place. However, retirement seems more like a dream than a reality for many Americans. While there is
you could move into an apartment or a smaller home in your neighborhood, you may benefit from exploring the idea of a tiny home community. In recent years, home developers have given more intentional thought to creating communities that enable older Americans to age in place.
Many have features that make our lives easier as we get older. Flooring that allows medical devices to function smoothly, elevated appliances, easy-to-open shelving, motion-activated lighting, and remote-control blinds are just
no magic number for how much retirement costs in 2026, experts estimate that most Americans will need more than $1 million to maintain their standard of living through retirement.
If you haven’t contributed to your retirement accounts throughout your career, you may be concerned
a few examples of the helpful elements found in many tiny home communities. The houses are usually single-level to eliminate the dangers of stairs and feature accessible bathroom designs to promote safety and more.
about having a big enough nest egg in the future. You may worry you’ll have to continue working until your body gives out, but that’s not necessarily true for everyone. Downsizing is one of the strategies you can use to shore up your retirement savings. Once the kids leave and start families of their own, you may have more space than you really need. While
From Oregon to Florida, tiny home communities are popping up all over. If you’re looking for a healthy way to age in place without breaking the bank, consider downsizing to a tiny home.
Train Your Brain!
ST. PATRICK’S EMERALD RAIN
This bold green cocktail will bring tropical flavor and citrusy brightness to your St. Patrick’s celebration, but it’s a fun, colorful pour any time of year.
INGREDIENTS • Ice • 2 oz Hypnotiq • 1 oz vodka
• 1/2 oz orange juice • Juice from 1/4 lime • Dash of Angostura bitters
DIRECTIONS
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. 2. Add Hypnotiq, vodka, orange juice, lime juice, and bitters. 3. Shake well until chilled. 4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve immediately.
Inspired by MixThatDrink.com
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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-65634 - 2/26
INSIDE THIS ISSUE page 1 Lessons in Integrity You Can’t Learn From a Textbook page 2 Pack Like a Pro and Say Goodbye to Suitcase Overload Give Your Employees the Tools to Thrive page 3 Downsizing to a Tiny Home Can Save Your Retirement Hopes St. Patrick’s Emerald Rain page 4 3 Essential Strategies From Norway to Boost Your Daily Life
Find Your ‘Velvære’ Through Nature, Community, and Coziness THE ART OF SLOW LIVING
According to the World Happiness Report, Norway consistently ranks in the top 10 happiest countries in the world, whereas the U.S. has ranked in the high teens for years. We can’t emulate everything Norwegians do to remain happy, but they do offer a unique strategy Americans can utilize to maintain a positive outlook on life. Velvære is the Norwegian word for the state of well-being, which can be achieved by adopting the Nordic concept of slow living.
the Norwegian way of life, which directly impacts their happiness! Dugnad As we already know, community and belonging have a significant role in our happiness. Dugnad is a Norwegian activity all about helping and supporting one’s community. Whether through doing volunteer work, cleaning up public spaces, or raising money to support local causes, finding ways to help others provides more value to your life and helps your heart stay happy. Koselig How do you describe your everyday sense of being? Do you experience your life as chaotic, calm, or consistent? Koselig is the idea of incorporating coziness into all aspects of your life. When you carry yourself with a sense of warmth and comfort, you feel better and spread happiness everywhere you go.
Here are three strategies straight from Norway to help you reach velvære .
Friluftsliv While friluftsliv may look like something found in a medical textbook, it refers to the Norwegian concept of open-air living and outdoor recreation. Norwegians spend ample time outside, regardless of the season. They ski, cook, and walk in nature. The outdoors plays a huge role in
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