As a federal employee, the TSP is one of your biggest investments. But the markets have been tough lately and investing has been difficult. This video covers the number 1 mistake federal employees are making in their TSP this year.

#TSP #fersretirement #federalemployees…(read more)

LEARN MORE ABOUT: Thrift Savings Plans

REVEALED: Best Investment During Inflation

HOW TO INVEST IN GOLD: Gold IRA Investing

HOW TO INVEST IN SILVER: Silver IRA Investing

The TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) is a retirement savings plan for federal employees and members of the military. It offers many benefits, including low-cost investment options and potential tax advantages. However, like any investment plan, there are certain pitfalls that newcomers to the TSP may fall into. In this article, we will discuss some common rookie mistakes that individuals make when starting their TSP journey.

One of the most prevalent rookie mistakes in the TSP is not contributing enough. Many newcomers may underestimate the importance of regular contributions and opt to contribute only a small percentage of their salary. This can significantly hinder their ability to build a substantial retirement fund. It is crucial to contribute as much as possible to take full advantage of the compounding effect over time.

Another mistake that rookies often make is not diversifying their investments within the TSP. The TSP offers various investment options, such as the G Fund, F Fund, C Fund, S Fund, and I Fund. Each fund represents a different asset class and carries a different level of risk. Failing to diversify can leave individuals more exposed to market volatility and limit potential returns. It is advised to allocate contributions across multiple funds based on personal risk tolerance and investment goals.

Timing the market is another common rookie mistake. Trying to predict when to buy or sell investments can lead to poor decision-making and ultimately result in missed opportunities for growth. It is almost impossible to consistently time the market, and attempting to do so can have detrimental effects on long-term investment performance. Instead, a more prudent approach is to maintain a long-term investment strategy and make regular contributions regardless of short-term market movements.

Neglecting to review and adjust the TSP portfolio is yet another typical mistake. As we progress through life, our financial goals and circumstances may change. Therefore, it is important to periodically reassess the TSP portfolio and make necessary adjustments. For example, as retirement draws nearer, individuals may want to shift their focus towards more conservative investments to preserve capital rather than seeking high returns.

Lastly, not taking advantage of employer matching contributions is a missed opportunity. Some federal agencies and military services offer matching contributions for TSP accounts, meaning that for every dollar an employee contributes, the employer will also contribute a certain percentage, up to a certain limit. Not taking full advantage of this benefit is leaving free money on the table. Individuals should strive to contribute at least enough to receive the maximum employer match.

In conclusion, the TSP provides an excellent opportunity for federal employees and military members to save for retirement. However, it is important to avoid rookie mistakes that can hinder long-term financial security. By contributing consistently, diversifying investments, maintaining a long-term strategy, reviewing the portfolio periodically, and taking full advantage of employer matching contributions, individuals can set themselves up for a comfortable retirement through the TSP.