Life insurance riders allow an applicant to customize the policy. Some riders increase the premiums, others are added at no charge. Ed Zurndorfer provides a guide to these benefits and costs more…
Important Choices and Considerations for Purchasing an Individual Life Insurance Policy
Ed Zurndorfer examines some of the federal employee choices and considerations for purchasing an individual life insurance, including term vs. permanent (cash value) policies, and factors that affect the cost of premiums more…
Choosing the Best Life Insurance Coverage for Federal Employees
By understanding how life insurance works — and how to shop for it — a federal employee can find the best coverage to their needs. In the first column of a 5-part series, Ed Zurndorfer explains life insurance and which individuals should seek this coverage more…
Making a Retroactive Claim for Social Security Retirement Benefits
The Social Security Administration allows an individual who has passed their full retirement age (FRA) to file for a retroactive retirement benefit. Ed Zurndorfer explains how to do it with practical examples. more…
Suspending Social Security Monthly Benefits
Ed Zurndorfer explains the strategy and process for increasing Social Security benefits by suspending it until reaching full retirement age, and refiling for benefits more…
Withdrawal of Social Security Claim Within First Year
In the first of three columns discussing “redo” options that are available for Social Security beneficiaries, Ed Zurndorfer outlines the withdrawal of application process and strategies to claim Social Security benefits more…
Why Transferring Traditional TSP to a Roth IRA Makes Sense for Many Federal Employees
Many federal employees could be in a higher marginal tax bracket by the time they withdraw their traditional TSP and traditional IRA accounts. Ed Zurndorfer gives insight on why transferring a traditional Thrift Savings Plan to a Traditional IRA — and then converting to a Roth IRA — may be beneficial. Practical examples and suggested steps are provided more…
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making TSP Required Minimum Distributions
Knowing the required minimum distribution (RMD) rules is extremely important because of the severe IRS penalties — plus the missed planning opportunities. Ed Zurndorfer discusses common mistakes to avoid. more…
A Misunderstanding of the Early Withdrawal Penalty for Disability Applicable to the TSP and IRAs
The exception to the 10 percent early withdrawal penalty for disability applicable to Thrift Savings Plan participants and to IRA owners is a source of much confusion. Ed Zurndorfer examines when a TSP participant and an IRA owner can make penalty-free withdrawals more…
Earnings Test of the FERS Retirement Annuity Supplement
The retiree annuity supplement is a monthly benefit paid to certain employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System who retire from federal service before age 62. Ed Zurndorfer discusses how the “earnings test” may cause the annuitant to lose a portion — or all — of their RAS if earned income exceeds the maximum permissible. Practical examples are included more…