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…
Options for Federal Employees Who Leave Federal Service Before Eligible for Retirement
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the options for CSRS- covered and FERS -covered employees who leave federal service before becoming eligible for any type of retirement, including requesting a refund of retirement contributions and rolling over rollover the refund payment to an IRA a qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan more…
Understanding the FERS Retirement Options
It is important for those covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System — no matter if they are recently hired, mid-career, or within five to 10 years of retirement age — to have a full understanding of their retirement options. Ed Zurndorfer outlines the various options. more…
How Does a Roth TSP Rollover to a Roth IRA Work?
Ed Zurndorfer answers two important questions that every Roth Thrift Savings Plan participant should ask before requesting a rollover to a Roth IRA. Practical examples are included more…
Why TSP Beneficiary Form Needs to Be Updated Online
A recent federal court decision regarding the validity of a beneficiary form is a stark reminder of why beneficiary forms need to be reviewed regularly by federal employees and retirees. Ed Zurndorfer outlines the implications for those who have contributed over the years to the Thrift Savings Plan more…
Should Federal Employees and Retirees Perform Roth IRA Conversions?
Converting a traditional Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) to a Roth IRA is often a terrific strategy for many federal employees and retirees. But the uncertainty of what the tax rates will be in the future is perhaps the biggest challenge to determine if a Roth IRA conversion is a good idea. Ed Zurndorfer takes a closer look at this uncertainty and other considerations more…
Roth vs. Traditional TSP: Which One Should You Choose?
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…