Most federal employees focus on how much they’ve saved for retirement. Far fewer consider how market performance unfolds after they begin withdrawals, and that distinction can have a lasting impact.
Sequence of returns risk is the danger that poor market performance early…
March proved challenging for Thrift Savings Plan participants. After a strong start to the year—especially in international equities—markets shifted as rising global tensions pushed investors toward a more cautious posture. Although a late-month rally on March 31 helped limit the damage, most…
The Thrift Savings Plan has reached a significant milestone. According to the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board’s January 2026 Participant Activity Report, total TSP assets climbed to $1.073 trillion as of December 2025. This reflects decades of steady contributions from millions of…
Retirement planning advice is everywhere. Save 10 to 15 times your salary. Budget $300,000 or more for healthcare. Maximize your retirement contributions every year. For private-sector workers, that guidance is reasonable. For federal employees under FERS or CSRS, it can send you…
Navigating your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) during periods of market volatility involves weighing the potential for growth against the need for protection. Two main approaches stand out: seizing opportunities by investing more in equities when prices fall, and shifting toward stability to…
February 2026 marked a clear turning point for Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants, with international stocks delivering standout gains while U.S. equities faced headwinds. Economic crosscurrents sparked a rotation toward overseas markets and away from U.S. mega-caps. This dynamic highlighted the TSP's…
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…
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…
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 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…
