TSP Boot

General TSP Discussion.

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Darian
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 10:37 pm

TSP Boot

Post by Darian »

Hello everyone,
I recently signed up and I'm hungry for more knowledge regarding the TSP. I started my TSP when I was 22 and like most millennials I didn't really take it seriously. I figured I'd put 10% and not really worry about retirement seeing that it was a long time until that day came. Well, I'm 26 right now and although I still have no idea how to be successful with this program I've at least got to the point where I should take it seriously and use some logic when it comes to my future. I've been doing a lot of research and I'm convinced that since I'm still young I need to be aggresive so I've decided to go with 60% C, 20% S, and 20% I. I'm currently serving in the Marine Corps and plan to be here for the next 20 years. I figured I'd dump as much money as I can then rollover when I retire from the military. If you have any guidance or advice I'm eager to learn something new. I'm really excited to see what the future holds and I hope we all are successful in the years to come.

Darian

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cswift01
Posts: 819
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 10:46 am

Re: TSP Boot

Post by cswift01 »

Darian,

I'm in my late 30s and recently came to the same conclusion, so kudos to you for doing so earlier! I am also trying to be aggressive, however, I have taken note of the seasonal strategy many are using. I'm not at the point that I'm willing to pour 100% in one fund (as of yet), but if you scour this website enough, I think you'll gain additional confidence in the TSP and how to manage your retirement (at least this has been the case for me).

Best,

Me

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Sad Al
Posts: 107
Joined: Tue Jun 08, 2010 11:50 am

Re: TSP Boot

Post by Sad Al »

Thank you for serving our great country. I appreciate it.

You are on the right track now. Don't try to time the market, unless you are incredibly lucky. Go with a seasonal strategy, or an aggressive mix such as the one you picked out. Always take advantage of the employer matching funds, even in hard times. Add a little more to your savings each time you get a raise. I wish I'd gotten serious in my 20's, or even 30's. Now I'm at T-minus one year and counting. Good luck!

Buckeyedog
Posts: 108
Joined: Thu Feb 28, 2013 2:42 pm

Re: TSP Boot

Post by Buckeyedog »

Totally agree with Sad Al. You can be active and utilize one of the seasonal strategies, or just stick with your mix and let it ride. Don't panic in down times either. Many of us do or have done this and most of the time end up making the wrong decision(s).

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hytid
Posts: 42
Joined: Fri Dec 02, 2016 9:01 am

Re: TSP Boot

Post by hytid »

Buckeyedog wrote:Totally agree with Sad Al. You can be active and utilize one of the seasonal strategies, or just stick with your mix and let it ride. Don't panic in down times either. Many of us do or have done this and most of the time end up making the wrong decision(s).


Most important point. Even a cursory look at any of the promulgated seasonal strategies show that, over the long term, the return is greater than remaining in one fund, and that every downturn is eventually negated by a larger rebound. Fight your gut when it says to bail after losing a bit of $.

2016 was a learning experience for me in that regard, but I have about 35+ years of service to go, so there's still time. :wink:

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evilanne
Posts: 2067
Joined: Thu May 14, 2015 6:52 pm

Re: TSP Boot

Post by evilanne »

Welcome Darian! There is a wealth of information on the site...take a look around and join the discussion. A good place to start is viewtopic.php?f=14&t=13214 Best of luck with your investments!

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ewok55
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Jan 08, 2017 5:39 pm

Re: TSP Boot

Post by ewok55 »

Welcome! I too wish I had started at your age!
Tomanyiron wrote: :shock: We should've went to G before lunch, (yesterday). :cry:


Current:
#20931

Past:
18.88% - 2017 (GClapper's Mix)
11.44% - 2016 (L2040)
0.89% - 2015 (L2040)
6.59% - 2014 (L2040)

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sgtnichols
Posts: 120
Joined: Sat Jan 09, 2016 10:17 pm

Re: TSP Boot

Post by sgtnichols »

You're right on track! Semper Fi brother.

Stay deep in C, don't time the market, and roll your next pay raises in until you get to at least 15% of household income going to TSP each month. A common mistake is wimping out early and staying deep in F or G when you have to be more aggressive to retire. Also, do the Roth TSP option. The tax benefits and peace of mind are great.

Never take out a loan from TSP.

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rascal
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Nov 06, 2015 4:19 am

Re: TSP Boot

Post by rascal »

i work with many people two years out from retiring and are still aggressive, the idea seems to be that most down turns recover within two years so why not be aggressive right up until then, makes sense to me.
John 3:16= "For GOD so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life".

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maui21ice
Posts: 242
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2013 8:45 pm

Re: TSP Boot

Post by maui21ice »

Thank you for your service AND congrats on such an early start in your career on focusing on your future! I joined the military at age 23, and didn't contribute to a TSP 'til I left Active Duty and started my Federal Prison career, so kudos on the jumpstart!

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evilanne
Posts: 2067
Joined: Thu May 14, 2015 6:52 pm

Re: TSP Boot

Post by evilanne »

maui21ice wrote:I left Active Duty and started my Federal Prison career
I didn't know prisoners could invest is TSP :lol: just kidding, I know you work for Prisons but it sounds funny when you read that :mrgreen:

Danno
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2017 8:53 pm

Re: TSP Boot

Post by Danno »

LOL.

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Fund Prices2024-03-27

FundPriceDayYTD
G $18.14 0.01% 1.00%
F $19.09 0.26% -0.68%
C $82.11 0.87% 10.42%
S $82.19 1.48% 6.61%
I $42.68 0.56% 6.21%
L2065 $16.38 0.84% 8.36%
L2060 $16.38 0.84% 8.36%
L2055 $16.39 0.84% 8.36%
L2050 $32.73 0.71% 6.94%
L2045 $14.91 0.67% 6.56%
L2040 $54.37 0.63% 6.20%
L2035 $14.34 0.58% 5.77%
L2030 $47.66 0.53% 5.35%
L2025 $13.14 0.31% 3.40%
Linc $25.60 0.24% 2.79%

Live Charts

Pending Allocations

Under development. For now, you may view Pending Allocations by going to "fantasy TSP" and selecting "Leaderboard sort" of "Pending Allocations".