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Financial Planning Resources for Federal & Postal Employees

Articles by Edward A. Zurndorfer, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

Edward A. Zurndorfer is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Life Underwriter, Certified Employee Benefits Specialist and Enrolled Agent in Silver Spring, MD and the owner of EZ Accounting and Financial Services, an accounting, tax preparation and financial planning firm also located in Silver Spring, MD. He is a seminar speaker at federal employee retirement seminars throughout the country and has written numerous publications on federal retirement topics.

Retroactive Payments to Begin from Repeal of Social Security’s WEP, GPO

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that starting the week of February 24, 2025, it will begin to pay retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payment to individuals whose monthly Social Security benefits have been affected by the Windfall Government Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Ed Zurndorfer outlines what actions an eligible individual should take, and provides details of the implementation more…

Pre-Age 55 Penalty-Free TSP Withdrawals: TSP Annuity and TSP Monthly Payments Based on Life Expectancy

With perhaps thousands of federal employees having to leave federal service as a result of reductions-in-force (RIFs), the question becomes for many: How to access their Thrift Savings Plan accounts? In column one of a two-part series, Ed Zurndorfer discusses how separated federal employees younger than age 55 can make penalty-free TSP withdrawals. Presented in this column is the TSP annuity and TSP monthly payments based on life expectancy more…

Some Separating Federal Employees May Qualify for Discontinued Service Retirement

Over the last several weeks, there have been thousands of federal employees who have received notice that they are or will be involuntarily separated from federal service. Those employees who have 20 or more years of creditable federal service may be eligible for a discontinued service retirement (DSR). A discontinued service retirement means that an employee is eligible to retire and be able to immediately start collecting their CSRS or FERS annuity. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the DSR option and rules for CSRS and FERS employees more…

High Income Federal Employees Have Options for Funding Roth IRAs: Part II

With Roth IRAs — together with Roth TSP accounts — federal employees can save for their future retirement in a tax-free way. Any Roth accounts remaining at their deaths can be passed on to family members tax-free. However, high-earning federal employees who may be limited or even barred from contributing to a Roth IRA. Ed Zurndorfer outlines three more methods to fund their Roth IRA. Practical examples are included more…

High Income Federal Employees Have Options for Funding Roth IRAs: Part I

With Roth IRAs — together with Roth TSP accounts — federal employees can save for their future retirement in a tax-free way. Any Roth accounts remaining at their deaths can be passed on to family members tax-free. However, high-earning federal employees who may be limited or even barred from contributing to a Roth IRA. Ed Zurndorfer reveals opportunities outside of direct Roth IRA contributions that will allow them to fund their Roth IRAs. Practical examples are included more…