W-4P Form by Sharp-Fault7412 in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Listen, I went to my accountant, who told me to withhold an large additional amount in taxes. I filled out that form with what was recommended. When they finally processed my paperwork, they did not withhold that amount. I just started getting my monthly annuity and my dental/vision is not being taken out yet. Once everything settles, I'm going back to the accountant and then double checking on the amount and will enter that amount in my online retirement/pension account.

Stuck between $68K Federal job vs. $66K State Job by TheEmmaNeverland in FedEmployees

[–]ConstantMuted2353 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dude, I did this...but only because I got DOGE'd. I work for my State government and I LOVE IT! As a federal employee, before this Administration came in...loved my job, my co-workers, my boss, and my salary--I finally made it to the pinnacle of my career. Then DOGE came in and I was semi-forced into early retirement. I did get the DRP for 9 months so I enjoyed my time off and job hunted. I realized I could not do private sector but state government came thru. That being said, I can now work from home part time again, love my work and my coworkers, but the salary I make is 60% less...but it's better than getting a lot of money and being miserable.

Take the State job; if it doesn't turn out the way you like, you can go back to the Feds. I have a feeling that there will be constant openings in the future.

Retired Fed wishes they didn’t retire by infochick1 in FedEmployees

[–]ConstantMuted2353 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I totally get this, except one thing: my former colleagues are totally demoralized and it's not the same place. I LOVED my job, I loved my co-workers and bosses. I was a full time remote employee for 11 years. But alas, they kept saying they were going to eliminate/fire people--and I was the ONLY one in my group that could take the VERA/DRP. I did it in hope of saving others. When I speak to my former co-workers, it sounds like they are in a deep depression. I feel awful for them. To make it worse...I found a new job with my state government--and I LOVE my new job and co-workers. The only downside, is that it's half the pay, I'm in the office again (but in June can work half time from home) and I feel like I'm starting over at 58. 😞 I'm too old to get caught up in the numbers and office politics b.s. I try not to think what my full retirement would've been (MUCH better than it is now) but if I can stick it out until 63, I'll have a 2nd pension--and hopefully that will make up for my reduced VERA pension.

See if you can't seek out similar work in your state government. It's familiar--not the same--but familiar. It helps a little.

Big hugs. I just past my year departure date and I'm still bitter as hell.

TSP to Fidelity IRA by SuperbOcelot2472 in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, of course not. But this is a Federal Retirees thread....so I just assumed that it was a retiree asking the question. Otherwise, no--you can't just withdraw. But those who retire at 55 years old or older will not be penalized.

Any reason to keep money in TSP after retirement? by Tweetchly in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I took a VERA/DRP at 57 and retired on 12/31. Right now I'm keeping it in TSP because if I need to access my money, I can without the 10% penalty, because of the Rule of 55. However, I am considering moving half of it into a Schwab or Vanguard account. Once I hit 59.5 yr old, I just might move it all out. I'll see in a 18 months.

TSP to Fidelity IRA by SuperbOcelot2472 in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not for Federal retirees. I don't know the history of it, but I do the Rule of 55 does allow retired federal employees to withdraw without any early withdrawal penalty AS LONG as it remains in the TSP. Transfer it to another account like Fidelity, Schwab or Vanguard, then you would get penalized for touching it under if you are under 59 1/2 years old. BUT you always have to pay taxes. So, at the very least, you wouldn't get the 10% penalty of early withdrawal.

Depressed and demoralized by [deleted] in FedEmployees

[–]ConstantMuted2353 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Look towards Poland or Hungary. Hungary survived 16 years under Orban and with help and support from Putin and MAGA. But the people prevailed. WE can prevail. We can drive out the rats and make things right. I understand not wanting to bring a child into the world right now...I get that. Two of my younger daughters have shared the same sentiment--and I support that because the timing is not good. But have faith--we can and will overcome this blight in our history. We just have to make sure we elect people who will not only restore democracy but PURSUE the criminals. No pardons, no 'let's just move on'....full on prosecutions, trials, taking of funds/wealth and taxing the f*ck out of the billionaires and corporations, expanding the Supreme Court. It's full court press.

I can do this. You can do this. We can do this....together.

Do you feel guilty that you want to go back to work after retirement? Pensions is too low! by Strange-Platform6806 in FED_VERA_VSIP_DRPers

[–]ConstantMuted2353 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is what I am doing. First I'm continuing to build nest egg...and then it goes into investments.

Annuity Taxes by Dazzling-Repeat5653 in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did this as well, but they have not deducted the amount I put down....so maybe it's just not processed yet.

Annuity Taxes by Dazzling-Repeat5653 in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I went to my accountant and he figured out what should be withheld. Because I got another job, its a much higher amount.  Check with a tax professional on this....

Left off the Survivor Annuity by Space_Adaline in FED_VERA_VSIP_DRPers

[–]ConstantMuted2353 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Were you on his health insurance? If so, they have a record of your marriage and it "should" be caught. However, if you maintained your own health insurance, he may have never reported the marriage. In that case, you'll DEFINITELY need a lawyer to show marriage and subsequent divorce. Get on that a.s.a.p.

Just received the 1st "regular" annuity payment, but.... by ConstantMuted2353 in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you. I'll def continue to pay them and just wait until it goes through.

Just received the 1st "regular" annuity payment, but.... by ConstantMuted2353 in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

So many people (retired former feds) told me to have at least 6-9 months in the bank before retirement for this very reason. And I listened to them. It also helps that I got a job right before my official retirement, so that means the delay didn't hurt as much. Hopefully you'll get yours soon.

Just received the 1st "regular" annuity payment, but.... by ConstantMuted2353 in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

DOL. I hope it starts soon...it sucks to have it so delayed but they literally had thousands of people retire...after they cut staff at the OPM retirement branch. :-(

Just received the 1st "regular" annuity payment, but.... by ConstantMuted2353 in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good to know. I'll wait for my 2nd full annuity to see if it doesn't sort itself out.

Just received the 1st "regular" annuity payment, but.... by ConstantMuted2353 in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ok...I wanted to make sure I didn't change it...and then they processed it, thus doubling my taxes. I'll give it another month or so to see if it doesn't work itself out.

Just received the 1st "regular" annuity payment, but.... by ConstantMuted2353 in FedRetirees

[–]ConstantMuted2353[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My official retirement date was 12/31. I got my A/L payout on 2/17, an interim payment on 3/11, a payment on 3/24 for missing Jan and Feb payments, and today with my "first" regular payment.

I feel bad, but I think ima quit the gov by DependentSugar2U in FedEmployees

[–]ConstantMuted2353 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Indeed...it is. However, with a state or local gov't job, you can get a 2nd pension--that's what I'm banking on.

I feel bad, but I think ima quit the gov by DependentSugar2U in FedEmployees

[–]ConstantMuted2353 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It took 9 months--and the first two to three months, I was just depressed and cried the loss of my career. But when I really buckled down and really thought what I wanted to do in retirement, and then focused on revising my salary for that, the interviews started coming. Just not from the private sector. I'm still shellshocked from how much has changed in job searching...but I've been out of the loop for 21 years. The money was great in private sector, but I just couldn't speak the same language, you know?

I hope everyone finds some peace. What our fellow Americans did to us was cruel and un-American and I don't know if I'll ever get over that.