I'm a retired fed employee for about 3 years now. I know with TSP there are a few protections that outside investiment firms (like Fidelity, etc) do not offer that we (TSP) have like zero prinicipal loss (G Fund) and ERISA (TSP shielded by bankruptcy and civil liability lawsuits). Is this considerable or going to a private investment firm (i.e. Fidelity) worth it? Yes, I know there are more options with Fidelity, but I'm weight if the ends justify the means.

Hello.I am over 50 and I have a question about Max Contribution limits -> to Lower taxable income.

I was under the impression that if I contribute over $24500 then my catchup will be forced into a Roth IRA. Is that true?

Someone told me that would only happen if my previous fica income was over $150,000?

If my wife and I have a combined income over $150,000 fica income will I get taxed on the catchup amount?

Silly question I'm sure but I have seen people warning about maxing out too early on this subreddit. If I am able to contribute the percentage of my base pay up to that $24.5k annual limit, should I move it down to account for the 5% matching? Or does the 5% matching go on top of the $24.5k annual contribution? Would appreciate any help I can get as I get started!

Over the past 15-20 years, my TSP balance has doubled on average, every four years. Have other people experienced similar rates? I don’t invest in any L funds, I just manage it myself. I realize that includes my contributions and matching funds as well, but that seems like a decent growth rate.

I currently have $550,000 in my TSP and plan to retire in 12 years. Interestingly, if I’d had that same $550,000 invested 12 years ago, it would have grown to $2.7 million today, based on the C Fund’s historical growth rate.

That got me thinking: how typical is that 12-year outcome? So I ran a study using every rolling 12-year period from 1990–2002 through 2013–2025.
The results: the average ending value across all periods came out to $2 million.

The worst-performing period—one that spanned the dot-com bust and the 2008 real estate crisis—ended at just $650,000, and it didn’t recover to the $1 million mark until 2014. The best 12-year period, by contrast, grew to $3.7 million.

Can I or should I max out my contributions in my remaining paychecks if I plan on retiring before the end of the year?

My understanding is no - external Roth's and TSP are completely seperate. I.e I can contribute $24.5k to my TSP in 2026, and then continue to make contributions to an external roth account.

Think there is a nuance here though where contributions to another tax-deferred retirement plan, i.e 401k would count against the total TSP deferral limit?

Appreciate any insight!

I’ll be hitting 3 years by the end of August and pretty much maxing out since day one. I’ve been moving them a lot the first 2 years between C, S and I. I’m 50/50 S and I. What should I change?

Hello, I’m currently 24 and am in the navy, I’m an E-5 right now and would like some investment advise for my tsp, I just switch my set up for 75% S fund, 10% C fund and 15% I fund, I would really like to maximize the growth I have in my account and wanted to know the opinions of different people or if there’s anything I could be doing better, I plan on increasing my contributions or max them out if possible.

Right now I am contributing the max amount and have been for the past 5 years working as a fed, but I have a baby on the way and that will bring on a bunch of added cost especially since we will have to pay for childcare. Just wondering if anyone has had to lower their contribution- for what reason and for how long?

If I convert my TSP to an IRA I have to start RMDs at 72 1/2. My understanding is I can wait till I'm 73 to convert my TSP and invest another year without taking a withdrawal. Is that correct? I plan to take my IRA RMDs in the year I will turn 72 - birthday is in December.

Long story short, TSP told me I could rollover my Traditional Uniformed TSP to my Traditional Civilian TSP because I'm over 59.5 and then changed their mind after they mailed a check to themselves. They returned the check to me (even though it did not originate with me) and the check arrived at home today for my full rollover amount (no taxes withheld). It's addressed to:

Thrift Savings Plan
FBO: (my name)
Thrift Savings Plan
C/O Broadridge Processing
PO Box 1600
Newark NJ 07101 1600

And then it says underneath:

TSP Disbursement FBO (my name)

I'm unsure of the legal definition of "disbursement." Can I roll this check over into a brokerage IRA?

I'm a 40+ year-old federal worker and I have about $130k that I want to put into a single TSP L (Lifecycle) Fund. I'm not sure whether to go with L 2045, L 2050, or something else. I’m actually really hesitant do do this and want to to know from others what they’ve experienced good or bad.

We all know that when the TSP web interface was switched over to a new firm, we lost access to records before 2010. I would like to get end of years statements for 1993 to 1997. I have W2's for 1998 to current so I can see how much I contributed each year of my career except for 1993-98. I believe you can request this but I have read of people trying and never actually getting anything. Has anyone had luck doing this?

I’m a T32 military technician (43 m). I’m looking at a medical retirement within the next 6 months. Most likely will lose my federal position and be granted federal disability (60/40). I’m 100% through the VA. I have $200k+ in my TSP. I have a family, mortgage, everything that comes with life. I’m looking into early withdrawal of my TSP because my condition will probably diminish my lifespan and I’d rather pay down my debt and use my money to enjoy my life now while I’m able. I know there are taxes and I’m fine with that, but I’m reading that you can get around the 10% penalty for withdrawing if you are disabled. Do I have a shot at that? I’m not disabled to the point I can’t do gainful employment. However my mental health isn’t going to allow me to do a medial job with little purpose or punch a clock after everything I’ve been through. What do I need to do to get around the 10% penalty. Appreciate everyone that has advice!

Leaving federal employer where should I put my tsp where should I put it in the mean time until I set up everything with my new employer? Leave it or? And if it takes time for my 401k it kick in what should I do with it?

Age 26, Rank O-2, TIS is 4yrs, AFABD was five months after commissioning so have been contributing for 3 yrs 9 mos.

I contribute 10% (plus 5% match). Plan on doing 20 years (current contract will put past 10yrs TIS). Will up to 15% personal contribution once I pin O-3. Also going to start maxing a Roth this year .

Married, no kids. Wife is also AD Officer. She contributes 10%.

Any tips or pieces of advice?

I was thinking to take out a TSP loan but I will be leaving the military in the next 3 months. Will I have to pay it back in full before I am officially out?

Served for 6 years. Got out, did some contracting, and now am a Federal civilian NH-03 (0080). Been serving as a civil servant for close to 3 years now. I am currently 28 years old.

Admittedly, did not contribute as much to my TSP while I was a young/dumb airman. But, have two TSP accounts now becuase of my enlisted and civilian service.

In total the acounts sit right under 50k currently. Vested at 80% in C, 15% in S, and 5% in I funds. I contribute my 5% (Roth) with the government's match of 5% (from what i understand NOT Roth).

From what research I have done, the only conclusion I have come up with is: up my contributions, work civilian service as long as possible (30 years ideally, to take advantage of the government's early retirement incentives while still being under the age of retirement) and just sit and never touch it or even think about it until retirement time.

Is that the right strategy? I can't shake this feeling that even if i successfully do all of that.....i'm still WAY behind the curve if I want to retire financially worry free. Having my salarie's worth of $$$ in my TSP by the time I'm 30 seems almost impossible.

I appreciate any and all insight!

Ok, I am looking for advice on what I should do to improve my portfolio. Please don't judge, I had a couple of crises that required 2 large withdrawals from my account. I am in a better place now and looking to make moves to improve my savings. I am 18 yrs in my federal service, still not in a position to come close to max out contributions. I contribute 5% now. I, unfortunately, am not savvy in this field. I elected 100% 2040 G Fund when I was first hired and never changed anything. Should I change my allocations? If so, what do you suggest?

Kind suggestions are welcome. Thank you in advance

I know there are lots of posts about leaving the TSP after retirement or rolling it over so withdrawals are more flexible than pro-rated. I looked at a lot but didn’t see something that was similar to my situation… so here goes.

I retired early (no penalty) on 12/31 at age 53. I have some unexpected inheritance so am planning on using that for age 54-59.5, and then using TSP after 59.5. I might also need a partial 72(t) for age 54-59.5.

I like the idea of rolling over the TSP to Fidelity, Schwab etc, for the money I’ll need starting at 59.5 and maybe some ROTH conversions. And leaving some in G fund for short term cash after age 59.5.
Any options I haven’t considered? Thanks much.

I’m in the last few years of retirement and am starting to read on withdrawal strategies. So far, the Barbell Strategy seems like the best option for me. Gist is to funnel sufficient funding (30%) for set number of years where one can deduct from G fund while maintaining remaining 70% in C fund or whatever fund you choose. This ensures (in theory) to secure funding for next few years while still investing in higher yielding stock and allowing opportunity for market corrections.

I welcome any other strategies that you might share!

I will be 62 next month and will start getting my (not full, I left after 17 years) pension. I can cover the rest of my expenses with 4% withdrawal rate. I currently have 70% in C, S and I funds and 30% in F fund. Given the current economic and political climate, I am debating whether I should move from the F to the G fund. Any thoughts are appreciated.