The author explains why it is important to take time to consider the pros and cons of adding Medicare to FEHB. Common assumptions about Medicare Part B, IRMAA, whether you need Part D (prescription drugs) and FEHB coordination can obscure how coverage and costs actually play out over time. more…
Are Roth IRAs Subject to Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)?
Federal employees are aware that traditional IRAs are subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs). Both the traditional IRA owner and whoever inherits a traditional IRA upon the death of the traditional IRA owner are subject to annual RMDs. On the other hand, the owner of a Roth IRA is never subject to Roth IRA RMDs, however, upon the Roth IRA owner’s death, an inherited Roth IRA may be subject to lifetime RMDs. Ed Zurndorfer discussses the rules with practical examples. more…
How a Court Order Can Wreck Your Federal Retirement
Here’s what you (and your current spouse) should know before you retire — and how to mitigate the impact moving forward. Chris Kowalik provides insight on how your ‘take-home’ pay may change while you are still living in retirement, how your current/future spouse’s benefits may be reduced or eliminated, and how having a court order affects how long it will take OPM to process your retirement application more…
Insight on How Investors Should Respond to TSP Volatility
Markets have been noisy for months. But many Thrift Savings Plan funds are firmly in positive territory, highlighting the gap between headline volatility and how markets actually price information. Certified Financial Planner Art Stein helps explain the disconnect and how investors should respond. more…
Why Waiting to Retire Could Be Worth Thousands of Dollars
For many federal employees, the retirement question isn’t “Can I retire?” so much as “Should I retire now, or is it smarter to wait?” Your federal retirement income is usually built on three pillars: your CSRS or FERS annuity/pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan. A federal retirement counselor outlines how you can optimize the best timing choice from these three pillars more…