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Ed Zurndorfer provides answers to the frequently asked questions: Why should federal retirees enroll in Medicare? When should they enroll? Is there a late enrollment penalty? Which is “primary” coverage — Medicare or FEHB? more…
Recent Articles
The TSP Mutual Fund Window
Chris Kowalik explains how the latest “upgrade” to Thrift Savings Plan may surprise you: what changes, stays the same, and the fee structure for the new investment options
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How to Fix a Missed Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
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…
The Roth TSP Advantage
Chris Kowalik outlines the advantages of the Roth Thrift Savings Plan including who are the ideal candidates for contributing to it, the difference between the Roth TSP and Roth IRAs, the steps to withdrawal money from the TSP, and how to abide by IRS rules to make it tax-free 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…
Financial Planning Pep Talk for Federal Employees
Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, discusses how procrastination can derail your financial planning — and provides tips on reaching your goals more…