My #1 tip for increasing your TSP and the importance of staying with it….(read more)

LEARN MORE ABOUT: Thrift Savings Plans

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The Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP, is a retirement savings plan established by the Federal Employees’ Retirement System Act of 1986. It was designed to provide federal employees, including members of the military, with a low-cost, tax-deferred way to save for retirement.

One of the unique features of the TSP is that it offers employees the opportunity to invest in five different funds, each with their own investment strategy, ranging from conservative to aggressive. The funds include the Government Securities Investment (G) Fund, the Fixed Income Index Investment (F) Fund, the Common Stock Index Investment (C) Fund, the Small Capitalization Stock Index Investment (S) Fund, and the International Stock Index Investment (I) Fund. This allows employees to tailor their investment strategy based on their own risk tolerance, age, and retirement goals.

Another advantage of the TSP is its low costs. The administrative expenses of the plan are paid out of the investment earnings, so employees only pay a small percentage of their account balance in fees each year. This makes the TSP one of the least expensive retirement savings plans available, with fees often lower than those of private-sector retirement plans.

In addition to its low costs and diverse investment options, the TSP offers several types of contributions, including traditional pre-tax contributions and Roth after-tax contributions. The TSP also offers employer matching contributions for federal employees, similar to a 401(k) plan.

One of the main reasons that federal employees should contribute to the TSP is the potential for significant retirement savings. The TSP has some of the highest contribution limits of any retirement savings plan, allowing employees to save up to $19,500 per year (in 2021, plus a catch-up contribution of up to $6,500 for employees over the age of 50). Over time, these contributions, combined with investment earnings and employer contributions, can add up to a substantial retirement nest egg.

While the TSP is a valuable retirement savings tool, it’s important for federal employees to understand the plan’s rules and regulations. For example, employees generally cannot withdraw funds from the TSP before age 59 1/2 without incurring penalties, and there are limits on the amount of money that can be transferred into and out of the plan. Employees should also regularly review their investment strategy to ensure that it aligns with their retirement goals and risk tolerance.

In conclusion, the Thrift Savings Plan is an important tool for federal employees to save for retirement. Its low costs, diverse investment options, and high contribution limits make it one of the best retirement savings plans available. With a little planning and careful management, the TSP can help federal employees build a secure and comfortable retirement future.