What happens when a FERS employee wants to retire prior to meeting all of the full eligibility requirements? Chris Kowalik discusses the way to avoid one of the penalties associated with MRA+10 rules — plus how MRA+10 affects the FERS Special Retirement Supplement more…
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Tax Rules on TSP Withdrawals
Before deciding to withdraw money from their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts, TSP participants are advised to be aware of the tax rules. Ed Zurndorfer outlines them for both traditional and Roth TSP accounts, including the IRS reporting rules, withholding taxes, and early withdrawal penalties more…
TSP Roth In-Plan Conversions Coming January 2026
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) announced officially last week that starting in January 2026 TSP participants will be able to convert their money in traditional TSP (pre-tax) balance to a Roth TSP (after-tax) balance. Helpful resources are available on the TSP Roth option more…
TSP Withdrawal Option: Installment Payments (Automatic Withdrawals)
Ed Zurndorfer discusses the Thrift Savings Plan installment payment withdrawal option, including the fixed dollar payment amount and a payment based on life expectancy. A practical example is included more…
TSP Withdrawal Option: Annuity Purchase
Ed Zurndofer discusses the Thrift Savings Plan life annuity withdrawal option when an employee leaves or retires from federal service including: how much the monthly payment amount is, the types of annuity options that can be purchased, how to purchase them, and additional features that allow beneficiaries. A practical example and important reminders are included more…
2026 Federal Pay Raise: White House Releases Alternative Pay Plan Letter
The plan proposes an the across-the-board 2026 federal employee pay raise of 1 percent with no increase in locality pay. Some federal law enforcement officers would receive larger raises more…
10 Must-Do Action Items to Prepare to Retire from Federal Service
As you begin planning for retirement, you may be concerned that you’ll miss some critical steps. Federal retirement expert, Chris Kowalik, provides the action items to ensure you’re on track more…
TSP Withdrawal Option: Total Distribution
A retired federal employee has several options for withdrawing from their Thrift Savings Plan accounts. Ed Zurndorfer outlines the total distribution TSP withdrawal option including the income tax consequences for traditional and Roth accounts and the pros and cons of direct rollovers to IRAs
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Preparing Your Exit from Federal Service
Chris Kowalik provides key understanding on voluntary and involuntary departures (including DRP 2.0), who is entitled to what (and when), how the pension and other benefits are affected. Includes example scenarios for federal employees more…
TSP Withdrawal Option: Partial Distribution
A retired federal employee has several options for withdrawing from their Thrift Savings Plan accounts. Ed Zurndorfer outlines the the partial TSP distribution option including its tax consequences, the limit of distributions allowed, rollovers, and required minimum distributions (RMDs). Practical examples are included. more…