GET CONNECTED

Roth conversions

federal retiree retirement state

The State You Retire In Could Cost You Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars

Maryland vs. Pennsylvania: how state taxes on retirement income can cost a FERS couple $8,700 to $21,500 a year, and over $500,000 over a retirement.
couple sitting on bency

The Widow’s Penalty for Federal Retirees: How to Prepare

When one spouse dies, the survivor files single: tighter brackets, half the IRMAA thresholds, similar income. Here's the math and the Roth fix.
2 arrows

TSP or IRA in Retirement? 12 Differences

Should you keep your TSP or roll it to an IRA in retirement? Twelve differences that matter for federal retirees, from beneficiaries to withholding.

Understanding and Planning for Required Minimum Distributions (TSP and IRAs)

When RMDs start (73 or 75), how to calculate them, how TSP RMDs differ from IRAs, and planning moves like QCDs, conversions and the 10-year rule.
Roth Conversions

Roth TSP Conversions: How In-Plan Conversions Work

In-plan Roth TSP conversions launched January 28, 2026. Here are the rules, how to decide whether to convert, and who benefits most.
Year End Tax Planning Ideas

Year End Tax Planning Ideas: A Checklist for Federal Employees and Retirees

A year-end tax planning checklist for federal employees and retirees: withholding, RMDs, Roth conversions, charitable giving, TSP and Open Season.
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.
TSP Distributions and Tax Planning for Federal Retirees

TSP Distributions and Tax Planning for Federal Retirees: A Worked Example

A worked example of how a FERS couple can draw from TSP, stay in the 12% bracket, and use Roth conversions before Social Security starts.
Four Things Federal Retirees Can't do With TSP

Things Federal Retirees Still Can’t Do With TSP (and One That Changed Recently)

Three TSP limits that still affect federal retirees, plus the big change: in-plan Roth conversions are now allowed.
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.