Check out our January newsletter!
JANUARY 2026
GIVE US A CALL! 303-922-4304 federalbenefitsmadesimple.com Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M–F
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
& WISE
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Discover What Drives You
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH WHAT YOU LOVE
I seem to be wired to help people; answering the phone when my kids call, guiding my team through a decision, working with people so they can have the retirement they’ve dreamed of for years. For me, nothing is more fulfilling than uplifting those around me, and I’m lucky enough to have made a career of it. Over time, I’ve learned that finding one’s sense of purpose comes from understanding who you are and what you want to spend your life doing. Once you discover that deeper calling, you can live more intentionally, allowing that meaning to lead you in everything you do. The new year kicks off with National Be on Purpose Month, a great time to gain clarity, set goals, reflect on your values, and find out what it takes to live a life driven by your passions. We aren’t necessarily born with a sense of purpose. It has taken me a lot of self- reflection to figure out what makes me who I am. This discovery has developed over a number of years and has only been apparent later in my career. I’ve found that identifying that core sense of self will make everything in my life more joyful, meaningful, and fun. I’m no saint, but helping people drives me and makes me excited to wake up in the morning. I stay connected to that daily by maintaining a can-do attitude, being selfless, and seizing opportunities to lend a hand. If a coworker, friend, or family member needs
something, I feel good about being the person who raises their hand first.
times, we set goals, and halfway through the year, we’re not quite where we want to be. It becomes easy to abandon your path, unless you have a strategy that can be adjusted as needed to achieve your goal. If you’re trying to bring more intentionality into your work, goals, or personal life, start by reflecting on what makes you tick as a person. What brings you joy? What are the highlights of your day? What makes you smile or just feel good inside? The brain is prone to seeing the negatives and all the potential bad things that could happen. You can train yourself to see the good outcomes instead and what could sway a situation in a better direction. Finding that sense of self and being intentional each day about how you’re going to make it happen can change just about every aspect of your life. My lunch-and-learns or webinars usually end up being the highlight of my day. When you feel good about what you’re doing because it aligns with your values and inner purpose, it no longer feels like work. It becomes fun and gratifying. If I impact even just one person in the room, that was the best day ever. Living with purpose is an ongoing gift. It’s a daily choice to show up fully as yourself and make every moment count.
It’s the same with the federal employees I work with. Whether I’m conducting a lunch- and-learn workshop, a class, or a one-on- one session, I’m guided by my caring creed. I listen closely to understand so we can develop a plan together. As a team, we serve you intentionally at Federal Benefits Made Simple. When we sit down with you, we’re not just listening. We’re thinking about all the ways we can add value for you.
As you set goals this year, it’s not necessarily enough to just name them. You have to be intentional about how you will achieve them. For example, if I want to host a certain number of federal employees throughout the year, I’ve got to put a plan in place with a timeline. You need to identify when you’re going to do it and what has to happen to accomplish the goals on a quarterly, monthly, and sometimes even weekly basis. A lot of
–Jeremy Rafferty
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DITCH THE QUICK FIX
Energize Naturally with Simple Daily Habits It’s 3 p.m., and you’ve hit the dreaded midday slump. For many Americans, coffee or an energy drink may fuel their second wind. When tired, we tend to turn to external sources for a boost, but it’s just a temporary fix. We will encounter the same issue the next day and the day after that. Instead, we need to look internally and make changes to improve overall well-being for the long haul. This way, a healthier, more consistent way to increase energy is possible! Do you stay up late every night? Do you use your phone right before you fall asleep? Do you have trouble waking up in the morning? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time to give your sleep a facelift. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, ideally around 9 or 10 p.m. Put your phone away at least an hour before bed. If this is difficult, practice meditation whenever you feel tempted to grab your phone. Your diet may also need adjustments. If you skip meals, eat junk food, or snack right before bed, you’ll likely feel it later. During the
day, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods instead. Make time for every meal — mindful eating — and step away from your work while you eat. If you do not get enough nutrients, supplement your diet with vitamins. Consider your daily movement as well. It might sound counterproductive, but exercise can substantially boost our energy. Exercise improves oxygen and nutrient circulation while allowing better sleep. You don’t have to go through life lacking energy. Make adjustments today for a more energized tomorrow.
What You Need to Know About Your 2026 TSP Contribution Supercharge Your Savings
The new year is upon us and many federal employees are reviewing their retirement strategies to consider how to maximize benefits. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contribution limits will increase in 2026, giving employees at different stages of their careers an opportunity to save even more for retirement. Understanding how these updated limits apply can help you start the new year with clarity and confidence. Standard Contribution Limit Federal employees under age 50 will now be able to contribute a maximum of $24,500 to their TSP next year, up from last year’s limit of $23,500. Catch-Up Contribution Employees 50 and older will also have the standard limit of $24,500, but can add an additional $8,000 catch-up contribution on
top of that. This increase from last year’s $7,500 catch-up limit means employees in this age bracket can contribute a total of $32,000 to their TSP savings for 2026. Because employees over 50 are closer to retirement, the government allows them to save a higher dollar amount. Super Age Catch-Up Contribution Workers who are between the ages of 60 and 63 can save an even larger amount, thanks to provisions set by the SECURE Act 2.0. Instead of $8,000, they can add an additional $11,250, for a total contribution of $35,750. Traditional or Roth Contributions Employees can allocate these TSP dollars to either a traditional IRA or a Roth. TSP contributions are pretax, which can reduce your current taxable income and help
pay for withdrawals during retirement. If you think you may have lower taxes or that tax rates will be more favorable later in your life, this choice can have some major benefits. You will pay taxes when depositing the funds if you contribute to a Roth in your TSP. While you will not see an immediate tax deduction, this option is beneficial if you want to pay minimal taxes in the future because your withdrawal will not incur taxation. You can put 100% of your contribution into one (Roth or traditional) or any combination. As you enter the new year, if you’re considering adjusting your allocation of your TSP or want to maximize your contributions, please reach out to us at 303-922-4304 to schedule a complimentary meeting. We would love to help you prepare for 2026.
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KITTEN KEEPS TRAPPED CLIMBER ALIVE IN MOUNTAIN BLIZZARD Small Heartbeat, Big Rescue
Trapped in an icy mountain ravine, soaked and nearly frozen, 28-year-old Vladislav Duda contemplated what he feared would be the last night of his life. Escape from the ravine, more than 430 yards deep, was out of the question. Suffering from fatigue as hypothermia set in, Duda believed only one thing separated him from death: the furry warmth of his months-old kitten, Peach, huddled against his chest beneath his coat. Duda, a Ukrainian journalist, had undertaken a perilous journey in late 2024 across the Carpathian Mountains into Romania to avoid being drafted to fight in Ukraine’s war against Russia. Four days earlier, he had run out of food for his cat and himself, and they were surviving on icy water from melted snow. Rescue workers from a regional mountain team had tried to reach Duda by helicopter, but hazardous blizzard conditions forced them to turn back. Instead, more than a dozen ground workers battled through deep snow in 14-degree temperatures into the ravine. When they finally reached Duda, they opened his coat and found the tiny orange tabby kitten curled against his chest. “The cat was warm, and was warming him,” Dan Benga, director of the Maramures Mountain Rescue Service, told The Associated Press. “He saved his life.”
Asked if he was okay, Benga says that Duda told his rescuers, “I’m happy because my cat is alive. I got a chance from God for a new life. The happiest moment is because the cat is here with me.” Although climbing out of the ravine took more than five hours, Duda held Peach close to his chest the entire way. Forced to turn the kitten over to rescue workers when he was placed in an ambulance, Duda begged them, “Please take care of the cat.”
When Duda was rescued, he was one of roughly 160 Ukrainian men saved while crossing the mountains to avoid the draft. Sixteen others died trying. The rescue was “like a dream, after all I have been through,” Duda said. “Peach kept my heart warm, and he kept my faith alive.” Duda was treated for hypothermia at a nearby hospital. Peach was taken to a veterinary clinic nearby and, at last report, survived the ordeal in good health.
Train Your Brain!
Slow Cooker Birria Tacos This delicious dish will help make your home the go-to destination for any Taco Tuesday!
INGREDIENTS
• 3 dried guajillo chiles • 2 dried ancho chiles • 1 medium onion, chopped • 4 garlic cloves • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes • 3 lbs beef chuck roast • 2 cups beef broth • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp dried oregano • 2 tsp ground cumin • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp salt • Pepper to taste • Corn tortillas • Fresh cilantro and diced onion for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Soak dried chiles in hot water for 15 minutes. 2. Process chiles, onion, garlic, and tomatoes in a blender until smooth. 3. Place beef in a slow cooker and pour the chili mixture over it. 4. Add beef broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. 5. Cook on low for 8–10 hours or until the beef is tender. 6. Shred the beef using forks, then mix back into the sauce. 7. Fry tortillas in oil until crispy, then assemble tacos as desired.
Inspired by SimpleWhisk.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
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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-62341 - 12/25
INSIDE THIS ISSUE page 1 The Power of Fully Showing Up page 2 The Healthy Cure for Your Afternoon Crash Your TSP Strategy Upgrade
page 3 Tiny Paws, Big Rescue: Kitten Helps Man
Survive Mountain Ordeal Slow Cooker Birria Tacos
page 4 The Strange Rules of Old Hollywood
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE HAYS CODE WHEN TOILETS WERE TABOO
In old Hollywood, even the simplest things could cause trouble. A silly sound effect, a bathroom door, or a joke at the wrong person’s expense might get a film pulled before audiences ever saw it. From the 1930s through the 1960s, studios followed the Hays Code, a list of rules meant to keep movies “clean” after scandals in the 1920s made Hollywood look like a bad influence. What began as an attempt to save the industry from outside censorship quickly turned into decades of odd restrictions. One of the strangest bans was the raspberry, or “Bronx cheer.” The harmless noise, created by placing one’s tongue between the lips and blowing, was labeled vulgar and lumped in with forbidden words like “lousy” and “cripes.” Even the famous Clark Gable line, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” from “Gone With the Wind” nearly didn’t make it past censors. Religion was another topic of strict censorship. Priests, ministers, and nuns could be stern or gentle but never the butt of a joke or the villain of a story. That’s why Bing Crosby’s Father O’Malley in “Going My Way” was always portrayed with a mix of effortless charm and reverence that kept him safe from censors.
“Gone With the Wind” managed to slip in a softened moment with Olivia de Havilland’s character, but only after lengthy arguments with the Code’s enforcers. But bathrooms held the most absurd taboo of all. Toilets and the humor around them simply didn’t exist on screen. Then, Alfred Hitchcock released “Psycho” in 1960 and showed a toilet and a flush. Audiences had never seen anything like it, and the Code’s hold began to crumble. By the end of the 1960s, the system had collapsed, and the rating system we still use today replaced it. Looking back, it’s hard not to believe censors
wasted their energy. What once seemed scandalous now feels tame, and the real surprise is just how many everyday things were once off-limits on screen.
Childbirth was also considered improper. Labor scenes were banned outright, and even a shadow on the wall was too much.
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