Understanding the Bedrock of Federal Retirement
A thrift savings plan guide is essential for federal employees and uniformed service members looking to maximize their retirement benefits. The TSP is a government-sponsored retirement savings plan similar to a 401(k), offering low fees and tax advantages.
Quick TSP Guide Overview:
- Eligibility: Federal employees, uniformed service members including Ready Reserve
- Contribution Limits: $23,000 annually (2024), plus $7,500 catch-up for age 50+
- Matching: Up to 5% of salary for FERS/BRS participants
- Investment Options: 5 core funds (G, F, C, S, I) plus Lifecycle Funds
- Tax Options: Traditional (pre-tax) or Roth (after-tax) contributions
- Fees: Among the lowest in industry (0.048% for C Fund in 2023)
The Thrift Savings Plan stands as one of the finest retirement vehicles available, offering federal employees a powerful way to build wealth for retirement. With automatic payroll deductions, agency matching contributions, and a range of investment options, the TSP makes it simple to grow your retirement nest egg.
“As a TSP participant, you’re part of one of the finest retirement plans in the world. Taking advantage of this opportunity is simple—investing in your future doesn’t have to be hard,” notes the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board that manages the plan.
What makes the TSP particularly attractive is its compound earnings potential. A participant who starts at age 25 contributing just 5% of salary (matched by another 5% from their agency) could accumulate over $1 million by retirement, assuming a 6% average annual return.
The plan offers both traditional (pre-tax) and Roth (after-tax) contribution options, giving you flexibility based on your current and expected future tax situation. You can even split your contributions between both types.
Whether you’re just starting your federal career or looking to optimize your existing TSP account, understanding the fundamentals is your first step toward financial security in retirement.
How the TSP Works: Eligibility & Account Setup
Let’s face it – navigating government retirement plans can feel overwhelming. But your thrift savings plan guide doesn’t have to be complicated! Understanding who can participate and how to get started is your first step toward a secure federal retirement.
What Is the TSP & Who Can Join?
The Thrift Savings Plan is essentially the government’s version of a 401(k) – but with some serious advantages. It’s a defined contribution plan created by Congress back in 1986, offering incredibly low fees that most private-sector plans can only dream about.
You’re eligible to join the TSP if you’re part of:
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) – most federal civilian employees hired after 1987
- Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) – federal employees hired before 1984
- Uniformed Services – including active duty military members
- Ready Reserve – National Guard and Reserve components
- Blended Retirement System (BRS) – military members who joined after January 2018
Think of the TSP as one sturdy leg of your federal retirement “three-legged stool” – working alongside your FERS basic annuity and Social Security to keep your retirement stable and secure. For military members under BRS, it complements your pension and Social Security benefits.
Opening Your Account & Automatic Enrollment
Good news – most new federal employees don’t need to lift a finger to start saving! Here’s how it typically works:
Your agency automatically enrolls you at 5% of your basic pay (smart move, as this captures the full agency match). Your contributions initially flow into an age-appropriate Lifecycle Fund – a professionally designed mix of investments that automatically adjusts as you approach retirement.
Once your first contribution processes, your TSP account springs to life. You’ll need to create your “My Account” credentials at tsp.gov to actually manage your investments and beneficiaries.
Not automatically enrolled? No worries! You can complete Form TSP-1 (civilians) or TSP-U-1 (military) through your HR department or electronic systems like MyPay. Most agencies make this process painless.
“Starting your TSP early is like planting a money tree that grows while you sleep. The sooner you plant it, the taller it can grow.”
Changed your mind after automatic enrollment? You have a 90-day window to request a refund of your contributions, though you’ll wave goodbye to any matching funds your agency provided.
Once your account is up and running, you have several ways to manage it:
– Set up secure access through My Account at tsp.gov (your command center)
– Download the TSP Mobile App for quick balance checks and simple transactions
– Call the ThriftLine at 1-877-968-3778 when you need a human touch
While you immediately own all your personal contributions and any matching funds, FERS employees should note that you’ll need three years of service to be fully vested in that automatic 1% agency contribution. Think of it as a loyalty bonus for sticking around.
Need help getting started? Military members can reach out for personalized guidance at 800-342-9647, or connect through Live Chat for immediate assistance.
Contribution Rules, Limits & Tax Treatment — Your thrift savings plan guide to saving more
Ready to boost your retirement savings? Understanding your TSP contribution options is like finding the secret sauce to a delicious financial future. Let’s break down how you can maximize your thrift savings plan guide strategy without getting lost in the financial jargon.
Types of Contributions & Matching Formula
Think of your TSP contributions as planting seeds that your employer helps water. Here’s how it works:
When you contribute from your paycheck, you’re not just saving your own money—you’re open uping free money from your agency too! FERS and BRS participants receive an automatic 1% contribution from your agency whether you contribute or not (think of it as a “thank you for showing up” bonus).
But the real magic happens with matching. Your first 3% gets matched dollar-for-dollar, and the next 2% gets matched at 50 cents on the dollar. Bottom line? When you contribute 5% of your salary, your agency adds another 5%—instantly doubling your retirement savings!
“I always tell federal employees that not contributing at least 5% to get the full match is like leaving a portion of your salary on the table,” says one retirement specialist. “It’s literally free money.”
While CSRS participants can contribute to build their nest egg, they unfortunately don’t receive matching contributions—all the more reason to maximize what you can save on your own.
Maxing Out: Limits, Catch-Up & Spacing Contributions
The government sets guardrails on how much retirement treasure you can stash away each year:
For 2024, you can contribute up to $23,000 of your own money. If you’re 50 or older, you get an extra boost—$7,500 in catch-up contributions. That’s the government’s way of saying, “We know you’re getting closer to retirement, so here’s a chance to save more.”
Here’s a pro tip that many federal employees miss: If you reach your contribution limit too early in the year, your paycheck contributions stop—and so does your matching! To avoid this retirement planning pothole, spread your contributions across all pay periods. This simple strategy ensures you’ll collect every penny of matching funds you’re entitled to.
And good news for those aged 60-63: Starting in 2025, you’ll be eligible for even higher catch-up contribution limits thanks to the SECURE 2.0 Act. It’s like getting a turbo boost for your retirement savings just as you approach the finish line!
Traditional vs Roth: Which Fits Your thrift savings plan guide?
Choosing between Traditional and Roth contributions is like deciding whether to pay taxes now or later—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the difference can save you thousands.
With Traditional TSP, you’re essentially telling the IRS, “Let me postpone this tax bill until retirement.” Your contributions reduce your current taxable income, which means more money in your pocket today. The tradeoff? You’ll pay taxes when you withdraw the money in retirement.
With Roth TSP, you’re saying, “I’ll pay my taxes now, thank you very much.” While you won’t see immediate tax savings, your future self will thank you when you make qualified withdrawals completely tax-free—including all those years of investment growth!
Let’s make this real: Imagine you earn $40,000 and contribute 5% ($2,000) annually. With Traditional, you’d save about $240 in taxes this year (assuming a 12% tax bracket). With Roth, you’d pay taxes now but potentially save much more later if your investments grow substantially or if tax rates increase.
Many savvy TSP participants take a “tax diversification” approach by making both Traditional and Roth contributions. This strategy gives you flexibility in retirement to choose which bucket to draw from based on your tax situation each year.
Military members have an extra special opportunity: Contributions from tax-exempt combat zone pay can go into the Roth TSP tax-free and come out tax-free—a truly unique “never-taxed” benefit that’s hard to beat anywhere in the financial world.
There’s no crystal ball for predicting future tax rates, but considering your current tax bracket versus where you might be in retirement can help guide this important decision.
Investment Options & Building Your Portfolio
The TSP offers a streamlined set of investment options designed to cover major asset classes while keeping costs extremely low. Understanding these options is a crucial part of your thrift savings plan guide strategy.
Individual Funds: Objectives, Risks & Potential Returns
The TSP’s five individual funds provide exposure to different asset classes, each with distinct risk and return characteristics:
G Fund (Government Securities Investment Fund) is the safest option in your TSP toolkit. Think of it as the steady tortoise in the investment race – not flashy, but reliable. It invests in special-issue U.S. Treasury securities that are guaranteed by the government, making it virtually risk-free. Since April 1987, it’s averaged about 4.65% returns – not spectacular, but you won’t lose sleep worrying about market crashes. It’s perfect for conservative investors, those nearing retirement, or as the stable foundation of any portfolio.
F Fund (Fixed Income Index Investment Fund) tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index and provides exposure to government, corporate, and mortgage-backed bonds. It’s a step up on the risk ladder from the G Fund but still relatively conservative. What’s impressive is that in its entire history, it’s only lost money in three calendar years. The F Fund adds stability and income to your portfolio – think of it as the shock absorbers for your retirement vehicle.
C Fund (Common Stock Index Investment Fund) follows the S&P 500 Index, giving you ownership in large and medium-sized U.S. companies. This fund is the workhorse of long-term growth, averaging about 9% annually since January 1988. While it comes with moderate to high risk and can experience significant short-term drops, history shows it rewards patient investors. If you won’t need your money for at least five years, the C Fund deserves serious consideration in your mix.
S Fund (Small Cap Stock Index Investment Fund) tracks smaller U.S. companies not included in the S&P 500. These smaller companies often have more growth potential but also more volatility – like a roller coaster compared to the C Fund’s gentle hills. With an impressive 9.33% average annual return since May 2001, it’s an excellent option for those seeking aggressive growth and broader market exposure. Just be prepared for a bumpier ride!
I Fund (International Stock Index Investment Fund) is your passport to global markets. Recently upgraded in July 2024 to track the MSCI ACWI IMI ex USA ex China ex Hong Kong Index, it now provides broader international exposure including emerging markets. The I Fund helps you avoid putting all your eggs in the U.S. basket, though it does come with additional risks like currency fluctuations. For diversification and global growth potential, it’s an essential piece of a well-rounded portfolio.
Lifecycle (L) Funds & Automatic Rebalancing
If you’d rather not juggle individual funds, the TSP’s Lifecycle Funds offer a “set it and mostly forget it” approach:
L Funds work like investment slow cookers – you set your retirement date, and they handle the rest. Each L Fund contains a professionally managed mix of the five core funds that automatically adjusts as you age. The beauty of L Funds is their daily rebalancing – they’ll sell high and buy low automatically, something many investors struggle to do emotionally.
Whether you choose the L Income fund (for those currently withdrawing or about to) or a date-specific option like L 2030 or L 2045, you’re getting professional management that gradually shifts from growth-focused to preservation-focused as your retirement date approaches.
As the TSP wisely notes, “Most investment experts agree that success in timing the market is highly unlikely over long periods.” L Funds remove the temptation to make emotional decisions during market swings.
The Mutual Fund Window
In 2022, the TSP opened a window to thousands of additional investment options through the Mutual Fund Window. This feature isn’t for everyone – it requires a minimum $10,000 investment and limits you to 25% of your total TSP balance – but it provides access to specialized investments not available in the core funds.
Be aware of the additional costs: a $95 annual fee, $28.75 per trade, plus the expense ratios of the funds themselves. These fees are substantially higher than the rock-bottom expenses of the core TSP funds.
The Mutual Fund Window is particularly valuable if you’re seeking exposure to specific sectors like technology or healthcare, real estate investment trusts (REITs), commodities, or more targeted international investments. Think of it as specialized seasoning for your core investment meal – use sparingly and intentionally.
Crafting a Diversified Mix
Building your ideal TSP portfolio is like creating a recipe that matches your taste for risk and your timeline:
First, assess your risk tolerance – how well do you sleep when markets drop? Be honest with yourself about your comfort with volatility.
Next, define your time horizon. The longer until you need the money, the more growth-oriented your mix can be. Someone 30 years from retirement can generally take more risk than someone 5 years away.
Then, choose your approach. You can create your own mix of individual funds (DIY), select a single L Fund matched to your retirement date, or use a hybrid approach with both.
If you’re creating your own allocation, consider these general principles: longer time horizons (20+ years) favor higher allocations to C, S, and I Funds. Mid-range horizons (10-20 years) suggest a moderate mix of all five funds. Shorter horizons (under 10 years) typically call for higher allocations to G and F Funds.
You can make interfund transfers to adjust your existing balance, though the TSP limits you to two unrestricted transfers per month. Additional transfers in the same month can only move money into the G Fund – a rule designed to discourage frequent trading.
Managing Costs, Loans, Withdrawals & Taxes
Let’s talk about one of the most practical aspects of your thrift savings plan guide – how to access your hard-earned money when you need it, while keeping costs low and navigating the tax maze that comes with retirement accounts.
Understanding TSP Fees & How to Minimize Them
If there’s one thing to celebrate about the TSP, it’s the incredibly low fees. While many Americans are paying 1% or more in their retirement accounts, TSP participants enjoy some of the lowest fees in the industry:
Your TSP costs a mere 0.03% in administrative expenses – that’s just 30 cents annually for every $1,000 you have invested! The investment expenses are even more impressive, ranging from absolutely nothing for the G Fund to about 0.02% for other funds.
In 2023, the C Fund’s total expense ratio was just 0.048% – a fraction of what most private sector 401(k) plans charge. To put this in real terms: if you have $500,000 saved, the difference between TSP’s 0.05% and a typical 1% fee equals nearly $5,000 in your pocket every year.
Why is the TSP so affordable? There’s no profit motive since it operates at cost, plus those automatic contributions forfeited by employees who leave before vesting help offset administrative expenses. The massive scale of the plan (with millions of participants) creates economies that benefit everyone.
Want to keep your fees at rock bottom? Simply stick with the core TSP funds rather than venturing into the Mutual Fund Window with its additional costs.
TSP Loans: Pros, Cons & Repayment
Sometimes life happens, and you need access to your money before retirement. The TSP loan program lets you borrow from yourself while you’re still employed:
You can choose between a General Purpose Loan (1-5 year term for any purpose) or a Residential Loan (1-15 year term specifically for buying a primary home). Loans start at $1,000 and max out at either $50,000 or half your vested balance, whichever is less.
The beauty of TSP loans is that you’re paying interest to yourself at the G Fund rate, not to a bank. There’s no credit check, and repayment happens automatically through payroll deductions. Plus, if you want to pay it off early, there’s no penalty.
But before you fill out that loan application, consider the downsides. Those borrowed funds aren’t growing in the market, potentially costing you thousands in lost returns. For traditional TSP loans, you’ll face double taxation on the interest (you repay with after-tax dollars, then pay taxes again at withdrawal). And if you leave federal service with an outstanding loan balance, it could become a taxable distribution with a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you’re under 59½.
“I took out a TSP loan for my daughter’s college expenses,” shares Michael, a 20-year federal employee. “The process was simple, but I made sure to increase my contributions afterward to make up for the growth I was missing on that money.”
Taking Money Out: In-Service & Post-Separation Choices
The TSP provides flexible options for accessing your savings, both while you’re working and after you’ve moved on:
While still employed, you can take Age-Based Withdrawals once you reach 59½ (up to four per calendar year) or Financial Hardship Withdrawals for specific documented needs.
After leaving federal service, your choices expand significantly:
– Keep your money in the TSP – continuing to benefit from those rock-bottom fees
– Take partial withdrawals – accessing some cash while leaving the rest to grow
– Set up installment payments – creating your own “paycheck” monthly, quarterly, or annually
– Withdraw everything at once – though this is rarely the most tax-efficient approach
– Purchase an annuity – converting your balance to guaranteed lifetime payments
– Mix and match – combining any of these options to fit your specific needs
The good news? There’s no rush to decide. You can leave your money in the TSP indefinitely (until required minimum distributions begin), giving you breathing room to make thoughtful choices about your financial future.
Tax Implications & Required Minimum Distributions
Understanding how taxes impact your TSP withdrawals can save you thousands of dollars in retirement:
With a Traditional TSP, withdrawals count as ordinary income in the year you receive them. The TSP automatically withholds 20% for federal taxes on most withdrawals, and you might face that 10% early withdrawal penalty if you’re under 59½ (though several exceptions exist).
For your Roth TSP, the rules are more favorable. Your contributions always come out tax-free, and the earnings are also tax-free if your withdrawal is “qualified” – meaning your account has been open for at least 5 years and you’re either 59½ or older, disabled, or deceased. Non-qualified earnings withdrawals, however, face taxes and potentially that 10% penalty.
Don’t forget about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) – mandatory withdrawals that currently begin at age 73 (and will gradually increase to age 75 by 2033 thanks to the SECURE 2.0 Act). These are calculated based on IRS life expectancy tables, and forgetting to take them results in a painful 25% penalty on the amount you should have withdrawn.
For maximum tax efficiency, consider these strategies:
– Rolling traditional TSP funds to a Roth IRA gradually to manage your tax brackets
– Tapping traditional accounts in years when your income is lower and Roth accounts when it’s higher
– Using qualified charitable distributions once eligible to reduce your taxable income
The decisions you make about withdrawals and taxes can significantly impact how long your retirement savings last. It’s worth consulting a financial advisor for personalized guidance on your specific situation.
Ongoing Management, Estate Planning & Next Steps
A solid thrift savings plan guide isn’t complete without discussing how to keep your retirement savings on track over time and ensure your hard-earned benefits go to your loved ones according to your wishes.
Keeping Your thrift savings plan guide on Track
Think of your TSP like a garden—it needs regular attention to flourish. Setting up your account is just the beginning; maintaining it is where the real magic happens.
Every three months, take a quick peek at your TSP. Are you contributing enough? Could you bump it up a bit with your latest raise? How are your investments performing? This quarterly check-in only takes a few minutes but keeps you connected to your future financial security.
Once a year, dig a little deeper. As we age, our comfort with investment risk naturally changes. The allocation that felt right in your 30s might feel too aggressive in your 50s. Your annual review is the perfect time to ask: “Does my strategy still match where I am in life?”
Lifecycle Fund Wisdom: Many participants find L Funds offer the perfect balance of professional management and appropriate risk. If retirement is approaching faster than expected, you might consider shifting to a more conservative L Fund. Conversely, if you’re planning to work longer or have other income sources, you might stick with a slightly more aggressive L Fund than your retirement date suggests.
“I thought I needed to become an investment expert to manage my TSP,” shares Federal employee Maria Johnson. “But using the L Funds and setting up regular reviews has made it so much simpler than I expected.”
The TSP offers wonderful support tools to help you stay on track:
– Free webinars custom to different career stages
– The TSP calculator that shows how your nest egg might grow
– AVA, the friendly virtual assistant for quick answers
– The handy TSP Mobile App for checking your account anywhere
Trying to time the market is a losing game for most people. Instead, focus on what you can control: consistent contributions, smart asset allocation, and periodic rebalancing. Simple, but incredibly effective.
Estate & Legal Considerations
We work hard to build our TSP accounts, but have you thought about who will benefit from your savings if something happens to you?
Keeping beneficiaries current is one of the most important things you can do. Complete Form TSP-3 or update your beneficiaries online through My Account. Life changes quickly—marriages, divorces, new children or grandchildren—and your beneficiary designations should keep pace.
If you don’t designate beneficiaries, your TSP follows this order of precedence:
1. Your spouse first
2. Your children equally (with deceased children’s shares going to their children)
3. Your parents
4. Your estate’s executor or administrator
5. Your next of kin according to state law
Spousal rights are particularly important for FERS and uniformed services participants. Your spouse has certain legal rights regarding TSP withdrawals. During divorce proceedings, court orders may affect how your TSP is divided. The TSP can be split through a Retirement Benefits Court Order, ensuring fair treatment of this important asset.
When a TSP participant passes away, surviving spouses inherit the account as a “beneficiary participant account.” These special accounts retain most of the same features as regular TSP accounts. For non-spouse beneficiaries, the SECURE 2.0 Act requires distributions within 10 years.
Consider the convenience of consolidating your retirement savings. The TSP accepts transfers from traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and even portions of Roth accounts. Having all your retirement funds in one place makes management simpler and often less expensive due to the TSP’s rock-bottom fees.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Thrift Savings Plan Guide
What makes this thrift savings plan guide different from the official booklet?
Let’s be honest – the official TSP booklet is comprehensive, but it can feel a bit like reading an instruction manual for assembling furniture. At Finances 4You, we’ve created our thrift savings plan guide with real people in mind.
Our approach transforms those dense government paragraphs into practical advice you can actually use. We explain concepts the way you’d explain them to a friend over coffee, with examples that relate to your everyday life. While the official guide tells you what you can do, we help you understand what you probably should do based on your unique situation.
We’ve also incorporated the latest changes from legislation like the SECURE 2.0 Act, which impacts everything from RMD ages to catch-up contribution limits. Plus, we consider how your TSP fits into your complete financial picture – something the official materials simply aren’t designed to address.
Think of the official TSP resources as your rulebook, and our guide as your friendly coach who helps you play the game better.
How soon can I access matching contributions in my TSP account?
Good news! Most of the money that goes into your TSP account is yours right away. Here’s the breakdown:
Your own contributions are immediately 100% vested – meaning they’re yours to keep no matter what. The same goes for the matching contributions your agency provides (that dollar-for-dollar match on your first 3% and half-match on the next 2%).
The only piece that comes with strings attached is the automatic 1% contribution your agency makes regardless of whether you contribute. This money requires you to complete 3 years of federal service before it’s fully yours (or 2 years for certain BRS military participants).
Even while you’re waiting to vest in that automatic 1%, all contributions are working hard for you in your account, generating potential earnings and compound growth. That automatic 1% might seem small, but over decades of federal service, it adds up to significant retirement dollars.
Can I keep my TSP after leaving federal service or should I roll it over?
This question keeps our phone lines busy at Finances 4You, and for good reason – it’s an important decision with long-term implications for your retirement success.
Many former feds don’t realize they can keep their TSP indefinitely after leaving service. In fact, there are compelling reasons to do exactly that. The TSP’s expense ratios (just 0.048% for the C Fund in 2023) are among the lowest in the investment world – often significantly lower than what you’d pay in an IRA. That difference might seem small, but over decades it can preserve thousands of dollars in your retirement savings.
The TSP also offers the unique G Fund – a investment option you simply can’t find elsewhere that provides Treasury security returns without the interest rate risk. Plus, the simplicity of the TSP’s limited fund selection actually helps many investors avoid analysis paralysis and potentially harmful frequent trading.
That said, rolling over to an IRA might make sense if you need access to specific investments the TSP doesn’t offer, want more flexible withdrawal options, or need specialized estate planning features. Some investors also value consolidating all retirement accounts in one place for simplicity.
We generally suggest keeping your TSP unless you have a specific need it can’t meet. The cost savings alone make a compelling case for staying put. Remember – there’s no rush to decide, and you can always roll over later if your circumstances change.
At Finances 4You, we’ve helped countless federal employees steer this decision based on their unique financial situations and goals. The right choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through this comprehensive thrift savings plan guide, I hope you’ve gained valuable insights into this exceptional retirement vehicle. At Finances 4You, we believe that understanding your TSP isn’t just about knowing the rules—it’s about building the foundation for your future financial freedom.
Think of your TSP as the cornerstone of your federal retirement strategy. The decisions you make today will echo throughout your retirement years, potentially making a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars in your final balance.
Start early and be consistent. The magic of compound interest works best with time. A federal employee who begins contributing in their 20s might accumulate twice as much as someone starting in their 40s—even if they contribute the same percentage. This isn’t just financial theory; it’s mathematical reality.
Never leave free money on the table. If you’re a FERS or BRS participant, contributing anything less than 5% means you’re essentially declining part of your compensation package. That full 5% match is an immediate 100% return on your investment—something you simply won’t find elsewhere.
Your investment choices matter tremendously. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a Lifecycle Fund or want to craft your own mix of the G, F, C, S, and I Funds, make sure your allocation reflects both your time horizon and comfort with market fluctuations. Playing it too safe can be just as risky as being too aggressive when inflation is considered.
One of the TSP’s greatest strengths is its remarkably low fees. At just pennies per $1,000 invested, these minimal expenses allow more of your money to work for you over time. Before moving funds to outside accounts with higher fees, calculate the long-term impact—it’s often more significant than people realize.
Review regularly, but avoid emotional decisions. Market volatility is normal and expected. The participants who typically fare best are those who maintain consistent contributions through market ups and downs rather than trying to time the market.
As you approach retirement, consider the tax implications of your withdrawal strategy. The choice between traditional and Roth contributions isn’t just about today’s tax break—it’s about creating flexibility for your future self.
At Finances 4You, we’re passionate about helping you connect your retirement savings to your broader life goals. Your TSP isn’t just an account—it’s future security, opportunities, and peace of mind.
While this guide covers the essentials, your personal situation might benefit from more custom strategies. I encourage you to explore our other retirement resources and consider how your TSP fits into your complete financial picture.
Building retirement security is a marathon, not a sprint. With steady contributions, thoughtful investment choices, and periodic reviews, your thrift savings plan guide can help you create the retirement you’ve worked so hard to deserve. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—or in this case, your very first contribution.
