Many federal employees ask which Thrift Savings is more appropriate to contribute to. Ed Zurndorfer discusses seven of these considerations — including tax consequences and required minimum distributions (RMDs). Practical examples are included more…
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
What Happens If Excess Contributions Are Made to the TSP and Another Retirement Plan?
Ed Zurndorfer discusses what happens when a federal employee makes “excess deferrals” while participating in the Thrift Savings Plan and another qualified retirement plan. Practical scenarios are provided 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…
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…
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…
Coordinating TSP Withdrawals and Receipt of Social Security Retirement Benefits
Ed Zurndorfer discusses how to optimize a plan of when to start receiving Social Security retirement benefits and making Thrift Savings Plan withdrawals more…
10 Costly TSP and IRA Rollover Errors Federal Employees and Retirees Should Avoid
Many Thrift Savings Plan participants who own traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs choose at some time to rollover their TSP account and/or IRAs. While a rollover does not have to be a stressful experience, rollover errors can be costly. Ed Zurndorfer discusses how federal employees and retirees can avoid ten of the costliest mistakes more…
Answers to Tricky Tax Questions for the Thrift Savings Plan and IRAs
Ed Zurndorfer provides the answers to some of the most often asked questions pertaining to the Thrift Savings Plan and Individual Retirement Arrangements more…
End-of-Year 2023 and Pre-2024 TSP Moves Federal Employees Should Consider
Ed Zurndorfer outlines what federal employees need to consider in December regarding their Thrift Savings Plan options for both 2023 and 2024 more…