Ed Zurndorfer discusses the early retirement option available to eligible FERS employees in the form of a Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) (with no employee “buyout”) or a Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment (VSIP) (with a lump-sum payment). more…
FERS Retirement Options for Special Provision Employees
Ed Zurndorfer outlines the retirement options for FERS employees who are classified as Special Provision employees. Special Provision employees include law enforcement officers (LEOs), customs, border and protection officers (CBPOs), firefighters (FFs) and air traffic controllers (ATCs). more…
FERS Retirement Option: Voluntary/Optional Retirement
Ed Zurndorfer explains the immediate voluntary/optional retirement option available to those covered by the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) more…
Aggregated RMD Must Be Taken First Before Roth IRA Conversion
Ed Zurndorfer explains an important new IRS ruling that affects individuals who own multiple traditional IRAs and want to convert them to Roth IRAs more…
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Performing Roth IRA Conversions
The idea of receiving tax-free income in retirement via Roth IRAs has attracted many federal employees and retirees. However, Ed Zurndorfer describes the five most common mistakes you should be aware when performing a Roth IRA conversion — and the questions you need to ask before doing it more…
End of Year Deadline for Required Minimum Distributions
Ed Zurndorfer explains which federal employees and retirees must take a required minimum distribution (RMD) from their retirement savings with a strict end-of-year deadline. Practical examples are included more…
Considerations for Lump Sum Annual Leave Payment When Retiring at End of Year
Many federal employees retire at the end of December or early January before the start of a new leave year in order to maximize their lump-sum payment for unused annual leave hours. Ed Zurndorfer presents a comparison of two retirement dates for an employee retiring at the end of leave year more…
Federal Employees with Young Children and Dependent Parents Can Benefit from the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Federal employees who need child or dependent care for a qualifying relative can benefit through participation in the dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA). Ed Zurndorfer outlines the DCFSA and how it works more…
Federal Employees Should Consider a Health Care FSA for 2025
Health care costs are increasing at a rate that exceeds inflation. A health care flexible spending account allows an employee to be reimbursed for out-of-pocket medical, dental or vision expenses. Ed Zurndorfer, explains why every employee should consider enrolling or enrolling in an HCFSA during open season more…
2025 FEHB Health Plan Choices
Selecting a health insurance plan is not an easy task. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the distinct types of health insurance plans offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program to help in the selection of the plan that best meets medical needs at the least possible cost more…