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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.