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…
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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…
How to Calculate a Retiring Federal Employee’s Starting FERS Gross Annuity
Ed Zurndorfer explains who the Office of Personnel Management makes the calculation of a retiring FERS employee’s starting FERS gross annuity at retirement. more…
How to Avoid the Biggest Mistakes in Making Beneficiary Designations
A complete and comprehensive estate plan includes properly filled out beneficiary designation forms. Ed Zurndorfer discusses what federal employees need to consider in avoiding the 10 biggest mistakes in making their beneficiary designations more…
Thrift Savings Plan RMD and IRA Planning Strategies
The SECURE Act 2.0 resulted in several changes to the Thrift Savings Plan and IRAs. Ed Zurndorfer outlines a number of planning issues surrounding required minimum distributions (RMDs) for both active federal employees and retirees more…
10 Ways for Federal Employees to Maximize Social Security Benefits
Congress made some changes in the law regarding Social Security filing opportunities that have resulted in modifications to claiming benefit strategies for many individuals. Ed Zurndorfer outlines 10 suggestions for federal employees to maximize the amount of their lifetime Social Security retirement benefits more…
Federal Law Enforcement Officers Retirement
Chris Kowalik breaks down the unique retirement complexities of federal LEOs more…
TSP Updates In-service Age 59.5 Withdrawal Rules
In 2024, the Thrift Savings Plan updated its rules for in-service withdrawals. Ed Zurndorfer outlines the updated rules for TSP participants who make age-based (age 59.5) withdrawals more…