I compare the first 3 months of the new life cycle funds vs C and S funds….(read more)

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As a federal employee or member of the military, one of the best ways to prepare for retirement is investing in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The TSP is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan available to all eligible federal employees and military service members.

The TSP offers several investment options, including the life cycle (L) funds, the C fund, and the S fund. While all these funds have their advantages, it’s essential to note that the C and S funds are better options than the L funds.

Here’s why:

The Life Cycle Funds

The TSP L funds are suitable for investors who want to keep their investments diversified and allocated based on their planned retirement date. There are five life cycle funds in the TSP, from L Income to L 2050. As the retirement date draws near, the investments are adjusted to a more conservative portfolio mix, with more bonds than stocks.

While the L funds are a convenient option for those who don’t want to manage their investments constantly, they’re not the best performing funds in the TSP. In fact, the L funds have some significant drawbacks.

One such drawback is that they’re relatively expensive to maintain. The L fund managers charge a higher expense ratio compared to the C and S funds managers, cutting into the investor’s gains. Additionally, the L funds’ allocation can’t be adjusted to individual preferences, limiting the investor’s ability to make their own investment decisions.

The C Fund

The C fund is the most popular investment option in the TSP, accounting for a significant number of investors’ assets. It tracks the performance of the S&P 500 index, a broad market index that represents the performance of the 500 largest US publicly traded companies.

The C fund is popular for several reasons. First, it’s relatively low cost, with a low expense ratio of only 0.042%. This means that investors get to keep more of their gains. Second, the C fund has a high potential for long-term returns. Although it’s also volatile, its historical performance shows that it’s capable of providing substantial returns.

The S Fund

The S fund, on the other hand, tracks the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Small Cap Total Stock Market index. This fund invests in small-cap stocks, which are companies with a market capitalization of between $300 million and $2 billion. The S fund is a good option for investors looking for high-growth opportunities.

Although the S fund is more volatile than the C fund, it’s also likely to provide higher returns. The S fund has a historical average annual return of 9.65%, compared to the C fund’s 9.87%. Additionally, the S fund has a lower correlation with the C fund, which means it diversifies the investor’s portfolio.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the TSP’s life cycle funds are convenient, they’re not the best option for maximizing returns. The C and S funds offer better returns, lower costs, and more flexibility in investment choices. As always, it’s essential to consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.