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…
TSP Loan Rules Since the Roth TSP Was Introduced
Get the latest information on Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loans — including updates to the rules since the Roth TSP option was introduced — how to apply, important considerations and tax consequences more…
What Federal Employees Need to Know About Health Care Costs in Retirement
Federal employee approaching retirement within the next 10 years often ask: “How much can I expect to spend in health care-related expenses during retirement?” Federal benefits expert, Ed Zurndorfer, addresses the issue more…