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 Avoid the Biggest Mistakes in Making Beneficiary Designations
A complete and comprehensive estate plan includes properly filled out beneficiary designation forms. Ed Zurndorfer discusses what federal employees need to consider in avoiding the 10 biggest mistakes in making their beneficiary designations more…
Thrift Savings Plan RMD and IRA Planning Strategies
The SECURE Act 2.0 resulted in several changes to the Thrift Savings Plan and IRAs. Ed Zurndorfer outlines a number of planning issues surrounding required minimum distributions (RMDs) for both active federal employees and retirees more…
TSP Updates In-service Age 59.5 Withdrawal Rules
In 2024, the Thrift Savings Plan updated its rules for in-service withdrawals. Ed Zurndorfer outlines the updated rules for TSP participants who make age-based (age 59.5) withdrawals more…
TSP Updates Financial Hardship Withdrawal Rules
Thrift Savings Plan updated its rules for in-service withdrawals earlier this year. Ed Zurndorfer discusses the updated TSP rules for financial hardship withdrawals in this part of a two-part series more…