What’s better: FEHB or Medicare? Important note: In this article I am only referring to Medicare A, B and D; I’m not getting into the various Medicare Part C plans (known as Medicare Advantage plans. So, which is better – Medicare or FEHB? While it’s not a fair question because there are dozens of FEHB plans
What is the difference between FSA and HSA? Updated 2020 Both accounts allow you pay for qualified medical expenses with tax-free money (thus avoiding Federal, State, Social Security, and Medicare taxes – usually around a 37.65% tax savings). Here’s how the accounts differ: Contribution Limit: FSA has a maximum contribution limit of $2,750. HSA limits
TSP Planning Report November 2020 Facts: Unemployment continued to drop. This month’s unemployment rate came in at 6.9%, compared to last month’s 7.9%. PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) continued to expand. This month’s reading came in at 59.3, compared to last month’s 55.4. The S&P 500 (C Fund) dropped 2.66% during the month of October. The
Q&A: Will I need a double RMD in 2021? Question Due to the waiving of RMDs in 2020, If I am 71 now and retire in November 2020 when must I take the first RMD from the Thrift Savings Plan? Another way to ask the question is the following: For a person who is 71
FSA vs HSA. Both of these plans are available thru FEHB this open season. Understanding the advantages of each can translate into thousands of dollars a year, year after year!
Q&A: Should I wait until after the election to get back into the market? Question 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
Q&A: Should we take Medicare B or stay with FEHB (FedBlue)? Question Hello Stephen, I am a federal retiree. My husband and I are on my fed blue. He is still working and just turned 65 and I will be 65 next year. We have high income / our analysis is the Medicare part b
TSP Planning Report October 2020 Facts: Unemployment continued to drop. This month’s unemployment rate came in at 7.9%, compared to last month’s 8.4%. PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) continued to expand. This month’s reading came in at 55.4, compared to last month’s 56. The S&P 500 (C Fund) dropped 3.8% during the month of September. The
Q&A: Should I take my divorced spousal Social Security benefit? Question Hello Mr. Zelcer: I just turned 66 in March and is planning to retire from Federal Service the end of January 2021. I am eligible to receive my divorced spouse benefit under Social Security. My question is it worth it to take my ex-spouse
New Webinar – Financial Questions & Answers with Stephen Zelcer If there’s one thing Covid-19 has done to us all, it has changed our natural mode of operation and introduced a new dynamic into our lives. As such, things that we previously did without thinking are now being reevaluated. That can actually be a good
TSP Planning Report September 2020 Facts: Unemployment continued to drop. This month’s unemployment rate came in at 8.4%, compared to last month’s 10.2%. PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) continued to expand. This month’s reading came in at 56, compared to last month’s 54.2. The S&P 500 (C Fund) increased 7.19% during the month of August. This
Q&A: Does diversification require being invested in all the TSP funds, including the I fund? Question Stephen, Thanks for your class on the L funds and how the I fund is inefficient. After thinking about it, I don’t recall anyone asking about diversification. One of the benefits of the L fund is diversification. I know
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