An individual retirement arrangement (IRA) provides a tax-beneficial way for a federal employee to set aside money for retirement. Ed Zurndorfer outlines the requirements to contribute, the contribution limits and deadlines — as well as the differences between traditional IRA and Roth IRA (and their tax consequences)
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What Federal Employees Need to Know About Receiving Social Security Benefits
Ed Zurndorfer discusses how some federal employees may temporarily lose some or all of their Social Security benefits due to the “earnings test.” Included is the effect of a retiring federal employee’s lump-sum payment for unused annual leave with practical examples more…
How To Avoid These Eight Mistakes When Naming IRA Beneficiaries
Many federal employees and retirees own IRAs. Ed Zurndorfer explains why naming an IRA beneficiary is extremely important — how to avoid costly mistakes when doing it more…
What You Should Know About the Roth TSP in-Plan Conversion Option
The new Roth Thrift Savings Plan in-plan conversion option (starting Jan. 2026) is complex — and may benefit some but not all traditional TSP participants. Ed Zurndorfer provides five important questions before considering this option, plus helpful insight on the tax consequences, who is eligible to participate, and the complicated rules and required minimum distrubion (RMD) issues. Practical examples are included more…
New Mandatory Roth TSP Catch-Up Contribution Rules
New rules for mandatory Roth TSP catch-up contributions go to effect Jan. 1, 2026. And there are many challenges and confusion regarding which federal employees are (or are not) effected, and the financial impact. Ed Zurndorfer answers some important frequently asked questions including practical examples more…
How to Maximize Your 2026 TSP Contributions and Not Lose Agency Matching Contributions
Ed Zurndorfer discusses how regular contributions and catch-up contributions made to the TSP affect agency matching contributions for federal employees covered under FERS — and how those employees can avoid losing matching TSP contributions from their agency. Practical examples and worksheets are included more…
A Health Reimbursement Account Is Another Tax-Advantaged Another Way to Pay Medical Expenses
While some federal employees and retirees do not meet some of the requirements to contribute to a Health Savings Account, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) provides a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Ed Zurndorfer discusses what an HRA is, how federal employees can utilize it — plus it’s advantages and limitations. A helpful comparison chart of an HRA an FSA and an HSA is included more…
Health Savings Account: A Tax-Advantaged Way for Paying Current and Future Medical Bills
Federal employees and retirees have an opportunity to save money in a tax-advantaged manner in order to pay current and future medical expenses by utilizing health savings accounts (HSAs). But it is imperative that understand the HSA rules. Ed Zurndorfer discusses HSA rules including eligibility rules and the types of medical expenses that can be paid tax-free from an HSA more…
FEHB Cost Saving Ideas and Tips for Federal Retirees & Annuitants
Ed Zurndorfer provides some cost-reducing suggestions for federal annuitants including Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program health plan premium savings — and savings for those who are (or who are not) enrolled in Medicare Part A and/or Part B. Plus, suggestions of why federal retirees or annuitants should not elect out of the FEHB program. more…
Making Your FEHB Health Plan Decision for 2026
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the distinct types of health insurance plans offered through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program during this open season, and why federal employees should take a fresh look at their options for next year to best meets their medical needs at the least possible cost more…