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…
Advantages for Federal Employees to Work in the Private Sector After Retiring
Ed Zurndorfer examines some of the advantages for those federal employees who choose to work in the private sector after retirement from federal service more…
FERS Employees Retiring Under the MRA+10 and MRA+20 Options Can Postpone FERS Annuity Commencing Date
An employee under the Federal Employees Retirement System can retire immediately when they reach their Minimum Retirement Age with a minimum of 30 years of creditable service. Ed Zurndorfer outlines discusses the option of postponed retirement available to FERS employees who, when they reach their MRA with at least 10 years and less than 30 years of FERS service, leave federal service and postpone the start of their FERS annuity more…
Federal Employees May be Eligible for a Deferred Retirement
Federal employees who are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) may be eligible for a deferred annuity. Ed Zurndorder covers the eligibility rules, benefits of this option, steps to apply, and how it affects life/health insurance and the Thrift Savings Plan more…
What You Should Do One Year from Federal Retirement
Ed Zurndorfer outlines the important things federal employees who intend to retire within one year should be doing, including checking important health and life insurance records, retirement eligibility, military service, and electing survivor benefit options more…
What You Should Do Five Years from Federal Retirement
It is never too early to begin planning for retirement from federal service, but at a minimum employees should start at least five years out. Ed Zurndorfer explains why planning five years ahead for retirement is important, with several tips including life/health insurance and Social Security more…