RIF & your retirement benefits Yes, if there’s a RIF, you may be eligible for an immediate pension and continuation of your FEHB. As shocking as this sounds, it’s actually pretty straight forward. With a RIF, you may be eligible for a retirement known as Discontinued Service Retirement (DSR). DSR applies to employees who are
VERA and Accessing your TSP before 59.5: The general rule for Traditional retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s, TSP is that they can only be accessed at age 59.5. If you dare access them before 59.5, the IRS slaps you with a 10% early access penalty. But there are two notable exceptions to the age
Should you take the “Deferred Resignation” Offer? I wanted to share the general guidance I’ve been giving my clients. Although this should not be viewed as personalized advice, I hope it helps clarify the thinking that surrounds this “fork in the road” decision. If you need my assistance, please email me. stephen@stephenzelcer.com Wishing you all the best, Stephen
I’m sure you got the memo. President Trump is offering something that appears to be 8 months’ severance pay. You could stop working on Feb. 6th, collect payment and full benefits until the end of September, and then end your federal employment at the end of September. Should you do this? First of all, please
Join me in my upcoming webinar: “Goals & Inefficiencies – the Core of Financial Planning” and we’ll address the three broad benefits of financial planning:
New Webinar: Trump’s 2.0: Should I Be Concerned? People have expressed worry about President Trump’s 2nd term. Join us in this class where we’ll review some of the common concerns and see which, if any, are valid. Key Topics: Job Security and Career Planning: Planning for possible reductions in force (RIFs) or early outs. Retirement Benefits
Here we go with a second Trump term! Once Trump go elected, the post-election reactions started pouring in. Here’s a sampling, with slight edits to simplify reading, preserve the flavor but also conceal identity: “I am a recent federal retiree that panicked amid the last election outcome by moving my tsp to bonds. I am
What to do with cash sitting in savings that I might need in the mid-term. Question Hi Stephen, Do you have any suggestions on what we can do with our cash, besides just putting it in a savings account? This is not retirement money, but it’s also not money needed in the next 3 years.
New Webinar FSA vs HSA – Which is better for you? Both of these plans are available thru FEHB this open season. Understanding the advantages of each can translate into thousands of dollars of savings every year. Join me now in my new webinar, Tuesday November 26th 11am ET: FSA, HSA or Both? – Which
Presidential Election: Here is a question from a TSP investor that I received: “Hello Stephen,I am a recent federal retiree that panicked amid the last election outcome by moving my tsp to bonds. I am prepared to dip back into the market but am waiting for the election outcome.Is it wise to wait or should
Can you Self-Insure for Long-Term Care? Long Term Care is a challenge to plan for. It’s a potentially large expense that can thwart the best of retirements. It’s the great “what if?” of retirement planning, and you’ll want to make sure you plan for it correctly. But the planning may not require a long term care
Thinking about taking Social Security early?
Sounds like a good idea, however if you’re earning too much money while taking early Social Security, that can wipe out your benefits. Is there a way to have both? Can you get your Social Security and earn additional income at the same time?
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