The FEDZONE contains all articles written by Ed Zurndorfer:
A former career Federal employee, Ed has published a staggering 1,200+ separate articles on Federal Benefits and Retirement!
Just “Google” his name, and you are likely to find a plethora of sites that contain his writings. Drawn to its mission to reach, teach
and serve Feds, Serving Those Who Serve is the only financial planning practice with which Ed has chosen to affiliate in over
20 years teaching. In addition to conducting Federal Benefits seminars for Serving Those Who Serve, you can find Ed’s
writings here on our blog in the FedZone, and on Fed-Soup, MyFederalRetirement, FederalNews Radio and NITP. He is a
member of the Maryland Society of Accountants, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, the International Society of
Certified Employee Benefits Specialists, the Financial Planning Association, the National Association of Health Underwriters,
and the Society of Financial Service Professionals. Since 1999, Ed has taught many thousands of Federal employees about
their benefits, in person and at Federal agencies all over the country. Ed is a true national treasure.
Many retirees are not aware that Social Security monthly disability and retirement benefits are potentially federal and (in some states) state taxable. Social Security beneficiaries who receive monthly benefits should…
FERS offers early retirement options for federal employees affected by workforce reductions through VERA and VSIP. Eligible employees can retire early with benefits, including annuities and health insurance, though some…
Although the 2024 tax year concluded a little more than two months ago, there is still one tax deduction that may be available to some federal employees and retirees that…
Although the 2024 tax year concluded a little more than two months ago, there is still one tax deduction that may be available to some federal employees and retirees that…
Ed and Dan provide a thorough overview of OPM’s decision to grant federal agencies the authority to offer early retirement through Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA). They discuss the eligibility…
The IRS encourages individuals to set up for themselves an IRS online account. Among the reasons to establish an IRS online account are:
The IRS encourages individuals to set up for themselves an IRS online account. Among the reasons to establish an IRS online account are:
Ed and Dan break down the uncertainty surrounding the 2025 federal employee pay increase, discussing President Biden's proposed 2.0% raise and the push from lawmakers for a 4.5% increase to…
Ed and Dan go over the benefits of HSAs for federal employees and retirees, including how they work in conjunction with HDHPs to provide tax advantages and help cover medical…
This column discusses how early retirement via a VERA can affect a federal employee’s retirement and benefits in addition to other considerations resulting from an acceptance of a VERA offer.…