Get Out of Debt Faster: Pay No Interest For Up to 21 Months
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…
Latest Articles
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…
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…