Q. I am retired and turn 70 this month. Even though I do not want to begin distribution of my Thrift Savings Plan investment, I understand that by law I must select a required minimum distribution program. My dependent spouse is 76 and also retired.
I am healthy and, with my family genetics, could expect to live to age 100. I do not need the TSP to live on and want to maintain it in the TSP investment form for as long as possible.
Under these circumstances, what is the best RMD to select: a life annuity or a TSP monthly payment? Should it be a single, or joint with survivor benefits? What is the tax exposure for the recommended way to go?
A. You should request automatic monthly payments based on your life expectancy. This will minimize the size of the payments.
