All Posts – TSP Insights

TSP Basics by TSP Insight Author February 24, 2026

What Happens to Your TSP When You Die?

Your TSP account doesn't follow your will. It doesn't follow a divorce agreement, a prenuptial arrangement, or a court order. It goes to whoever is listed on your TSP beneficiary designation form. If you've never filled out Form TSP-3, or haven't updated…

Investment Strategies by TSP Insight Author February 17, 2026

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The TSP G Fund: Safe by Design, Limited by Nature

When markets feel unpredictable, many federal employees respond by moving more of their Thrift Savings Plan into the G Fund. As retirement approaches and volatility dominates the news, that decision can feel both logical and comforting. The G Fund offers stability, steady…

Financial Planning by TSP Insight Author February 10, 2026

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TSP Performance Update: January 2026

All Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) funds posted positive returns in January 2026, giving federal employees a strong start to the year. International stocks led the way as global markets rallied, while U.S. equities and bond funds delivered more modest gains. Among the…

Retirement Planning by TSP Insight Author February 3, 2026

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Access Your TSP Early – Without Penalties

Retirement doesn't always align with age 59½ for federal employees, leaving many wondering how to tap into their Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) funds sooner without hefty penalties. The good news is, you can often avoid the standard 10% early withdrawal penalty if…

Retirement Planning by TSP Insight Author January 27, 2026

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The Best Dates to Retire in 2026

The right timing can greatly impact your federal retirement by helping you maximize your annuity start date, annual leave lump-sum payout, sick leave credit, and overall cash flow during the transition to retirement. Poor timing, on the other hand, could mean forfeiting…

Investment Strategies by TSP Insight Author January 20, 2026

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TSP Millionaire Count Rises as Long-Term Growth Continues

The number of Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants with seven-figure account balances continues to rise, underscoring the impact of long-term participation and sustained market growth on federal retirement savings. As of January 1, 2026, a record 194,722 TSP account holders reported balances…

Investment Strategies by TSP Insight Author January 13, 2026

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TSP Stock Funds Post Strong 2025 Returns

For the second year in a row, all TSP funds ended the year in positive territory. Federal employees heavily invested in the I Fund benefited from an impressive 32.45% return, the highest ever for that fund. Stock-based funds (C, S & I)…

Policy Updates by TSP Insight Author January 6, 2026

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2026 Changes Affecting Federal Employees and Retirees

Two important updates could affect retirement planning for federal employees: increasing payroll and earnings-limit thresholds, and upcoming cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to your annuity. Social Security & Payroll Tax Changes Starting in 2026, the Social Security payroll tax for most federal employees…

Financial Planning by TSP Insight Author December 30, 2025

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Give Your Federal Benefits an Annual Checkup

You’ve defined your financial goals, established an investment strategy, and begun the journey toward retirement. But along the way, change is inevitable. Life events, market volatility, and updates to laws or regulations can all affect your plans. Conducting an annual review of…

Retirement Planning by TSP Insight Author December 23, 2025

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Federal Retirement Backlog Soars

As the fallout from the Deferred Resignation Program and the uncertainty surrounding the federal workforce continue to play out, OPM received 23,393 federal retirement claims in November. Though the deadline for the DRP was September 30, employees who would become retirement eligible…