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Taxes, RMDs & Roth Conversions

How to Avoid Getting Crushed by Taxes in Retirement

How to Avoid Getting Crushed by Taxes in Retirement as a Federal Retiree

How federal retirees can control their taxable income with taxable, tax-deferred and Roth accounts, filling the 12% bracket, IRMAA and Social Security.
Buying a House as a FERS Retiree

Buying a House as a FERS Retiree: Should You Use Your TSP?

Should a FERS retiree pull money from TSP to buy a house? Usually not all of it. A current example of filling the 12% bracket to fund a down payment.
Tax Bracket Misconceptions

Tax Bracket Misconceptions: How Tax Brackets Really Work

Moving into a higher tax bracket only raises the tax on the dollars above the threshold. Here is how the current brackets work, with an example.
How to Get a Tax Free Retirement

How to Get a Tax-Free Retirement

Is a tax-free retirement possible for a federal employee? Yes, rarely. A current example using Roth and 0% capital gains, and the more realistic goal.
Warning: Adjust Tax Withholding in Your First Year of FERS Retirement

Warning: Adjust Tax Withholding in Your First Year of FERS Retirement

How new FERS retirees can set withholding on their annuity, Social Security and TSP to avoid IRS penalties and a surprise tax bill.
How Much Should I Have in Roth Accounts?

How Much Should I Have in Roth Accounts?

Why one third in Roth is a reasonable goal for federal employees, and how tax-free money helps you manage tax brackets and current IRMAA surcharges.
Roth TSP, Roth IRAs and the Five Year Rule

Roth TSP, Roth IRAs and the Five Year Rule

How the Roth five-year rule works for Roth TSP, Roth IRAs and conversions, including in-plan TSP conversions, and what to do if you retire before 59½.
Reduce Your Retirement Tax Bill by Strategic Giving

Reduce Your Retirement Tax Bill by Strategic Giving

Three ways federal retirees can give to charity more tax-efficiently: the new non-itemizer deduction, appreciated stock and QCDs from an IRA.
Taxes and Timing Matter

Taxes and Timing Matter: How to Time a Large TSP Withdrawal

A retiree wanted $100,000 from his TSP for a down payment. Splitting it across two tax years and planning for 20% withholding saved him $5,000.
A Great Reason Not to Take Medicare Part B

A Great Reason Not to Take Medicare Part B

For high-income federal retirees with FEHB, IRMAA can make Medicare Part B cost more than it saves. But the late enrollment penalty is the catch.