Many federal employees ask which Thrift Savings is more appropriate to contribute to. Ed Zurndorfer discusses seven of these considerations — including tax consequences and required minimum distributions (RMDs). Practical examples are included more…
What Happens If Excess Contributions Are Made to the TSP and Another Retirement Plan?
Ed Zurndorfer discusses what happens when a federal employee makes “excess deferrals” while participating in the Thrift Savings Plan and another qualified retirement plan. Practical scenarios are provided more…
Should Federal Retirees Enroll in Medicare?
Ed Zurndorfer provides answers to the frequently asked questions: Why should federal retirees enroll in Medicare? When should they enroll? Is there a late enrollment penalty? Which is “primary” coverage — Medicare or FEHB? more…
How to Fix a Missed Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
A common mistake made with qualified retirement accounts and traditional IRAs is a missed RMD. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the steps to resolve this issue. Practical examples are included more…
How the TSP Calculates the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
Ed Zurndorfer explains how the Thrift Savings Plan calculates the TSP RMD, including the different rules that apply in a TSP participant’s first, second and subsequent distribution calendar years more…
When RMDs Can Be Combined and Taken from One Retirement Account
One of the more challenging and confusing parts of the required minimum distribution rules is understanding when RMDs can be combined and taken from one retirement account. Ed Zurndorfer, in the second of four columns discussing RMDs, discusses “RMD aggregation.” more…
Understanding Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): The Importance of Timing to Maximize Tax Benefits
Ed Zurndorfer outlines what a QCD is, which retirement accounts permit them, how it can benefit individuals age 70.5 and older, how the timing of QCDs is important to not losing tax benefits, and potential tax traps more…
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Age and the Required Beginning Date (RBD)
With many federal employees retiring within the next five to 10 years, questions on required minimum distributions from retirement plans (such as the TSP and IRAs) are becoming prevalent. Ed Zurndorfer, in the first of four columns discussing RMDs, discusses the RMD age and the required beginning date (RBD). more…
Why Every Federal Employee Needs An Estate Plan
Ed Zurndorfer discusses why every federal employee should think about how their assets will be disposed of at death — including personal residences, life insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, IRA funds, non-retirement brokerage accounts, checking and savings accounts and personal items more…
How to Calculate a Retiring Federal Employee’s Starting FERS Gross Annuity
Ed Zurndorfer explains who the Office of Personnel Management makes the calculation of a retiring FERS employee’s starting FERS gross annuity at retirement. more…