The Thrift Savings Plan is the federal government's 401(k)-equivalent retirement savings plan. For most federal employees, it will be the single largest source of retirement income outside the FERS pension. Understanding fund allocation, contribution strategy, and withdrawal planning is essential to making the most of it.
What you'll find here
TSP looks simple on the surface, but the decisions you make about funds, contribution timing, and withdrawals can meaningfully change your retirement outcome. These are the topics worth understanding at each career stage.
The G, F, C, S, and I funds, plus Lifecycle (L) funds — what each holds and when they belong in your allocation.
How to think about pre-tax vs. after-tax contributions based on your career stage and expected retirement tax bracket.
Employee vs. agency contributions, catch-up contributions after 50, and how to prioritize TSP against other savings.
Whether to leave your balance in TSP, roll to an IRA, or use a hybrid approach — and the trade-offs of each.
Age 59.5, age 55 for federal separation, and required minimum distributions after age 73.
When a TSP loan is a reasonable tool and when it's a tax trap disguised as a low-interest option.
Book a free 30-minute benefits review with a licensed consultant. FERS, TSP, PSHB or FEHB, FEGLI — reviewed together, no cost, no obligation.
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