I went from $200 to $140K within 5 years in the Navy without utilizing the TSP.
Here’s my opinion on this.

If your focus is on the military career, then definitely utilize the TSP Life Cycle.

If you’re business focused, not focused on a career in the military then not utilizing the TSP is okay.

Properly investing in the stock market requires a lot of time for you to study. So the question is not should you invest in TSP but rather..

Do you want to focus on the military and let you investment run on auto pilot

or

Do you want to maximize your networth for when you get out of the military

I’m Yoon Kim, the 6-figure earning sailor. Follow for more advice….(read more)

LEARN MORE ABOUT: Thrift Savings Plans

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As an employee of the federal government, a member of the uniformed services or the civil service, you have access to a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). TSP is a defined contribution retirement savings plan designed to provide federal employees with a savings vehicle for their retirement years. It is similar to a 401(k) plan offered by many private sector employers.

In the TSP, you contribute a portion of your pre-tax salary, and your contributions are invested in a range of investment options. The TSP offers five basic investment options: the G Fund, F Fund, C Fund, S Fund, and I Fund. You can choose to invest in any of these options or in a combination of them, depending on your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

One of the most significant advantages of the TSP is its low fees. The TSP charges lower fees than many other retirement plans, making it a very cost-effective way to save for retirement. Additionally, the TSP offers a range of investment options, making it easy for you to choose the options that are right for you.

Another advantage of the TSP is that it offers several different tax advantages. Your TSP contributions are made on a pre-tax basis, which means that you reduce your taxable income when you make contributions. Additionally, your earnings grow tax-deferred, which means that you won’t have to pay taxes on your earnings until you withdraw them from your account. If you leave your money in the TSP, you can roll it over into another qualified retirement plan or an Individual retirement account (IRA) without paying taxes.

However, while the TSP offers many advantages, it may not be the right investment for everyone. The TSP offers a limited investment menu, and if you want a more extensive selection of investment options, you may want to consider opening an IRA instead. Additionally, the TSP may not be appropriate if you need to access your money before you retire, as withdrawals made before retirement are subject to a penalty.

In conclusion, utilizing the TSP can be an excellent way for federal employees to save for retirement. With its low fees, tax advantages, and broad range of investment options, the TSP offers a sound way to build your savings over time. However, it’s important to understand the risks and limitations of the TSP and consider whether it is the right investment option for your unique financial situation.