Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, outlines the rules for required minimum distributions (RMDs) for TSP participants who have separated or retired from federal service. Included is a discussion of the deadlines; procedure for meeting requirements in the first, second and subsequent years; suggestions to reduce RMD amounts — plus several practical examples more…
IRS Corrects Information on 10-Year Rule on Inherited IRAs
Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, explains the IRS’ clarification of the 10-year rule with respect IRAs in which an individual was named the beneficiary of a deceased individual’s IRA more…
Roth Accounts Can be Useful for All Federal Employees — Retirees Could Pay Less in Medicare Part B Premiums
Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurdnorfer, explains how Roth TSP and IRA accounts can be useful for all federal employees – new, mid-career, and nearly retired – and why those retiring in the next 10 to 20 years with Roth accounts may pay less in monthly Medicare Part B premiums more…
The Importance of Naming a Successor Beneficiary to TSP and IRA Accounts
Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, discusses the various considerations when designating a beneficiary if the primary beneficiary predeceases the account owner more…
Understanding the 5-Year Rules for Roth Accounts
Since their creation in 1998, there are still numerous questions surrounding the “5-year rules” for Roth accounts. Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, explains these rules for Roth Thrift Savings Plan distributions, Roth IRAs, traditional TSP transfers to Roth IRAs, and conversions of traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs more…
Using the TSP, IRAs and HSAs to Help Pay for Future Long-Term Care Expenses
Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, describes how federal employees in retirement can use financial resources from their Thrift Savings Plan, IRAs, and Health Savings Accounts to pay for the costs of long-term care more…
Revisiting the ‘Pro-Rata’ Rule with Respect to ‘Backdoor’ Roth IRA Conversions
Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, explains why many federal employees are converting traditional retirement accounts (in particular, traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs) to take advantage of the current low federal marginal individual tax rates that are expected to increase during the next 5-10 years more…
How Traditional IRAs Can Bolster Traditional TSP Accounts
Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, describes how traditional IRAs can help boost the value of a traditional TSP participant’s account while the participant continues working in federal service and after the participant has retired from federal service more…
Understanding the Differences and Similarities in RMD Rules Between the TSP and IRAs
Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, responds to a reader’s question on required minimum distributions for the Thrift Savings Plan vs. IRAs — plus outlines what TSP participants should do to minimize their future RMDs more…
6 Differences Between TSP and IRAs Federal Employees and Retirees Should Know
Federal benefits and tax expert, Ed Zurndorfer, provides insight of how to avoid huge penalties, tax liabilities and possible loss of retirement assets — plus some reasons to keep your funds in the TSP or transfer them to an IRA more…