TSP Center

I'm practicing the Seasonal strategy this year and have money in Vanguard (VG). What would be a VG fund that would be close to the G Fund? I know that the G Fund is specific to the TSP, but I would think that VG has something close.

I appreciate any advice. Thank you.

VFISX - Short-Term Treasury. But the expense ratio is 0.20%.

You could use their mutual fund as your cash equivalent.
I am not familiar with the seasonal strategies, but their rules for trading are even more restrictive than TSP. The last time I checked (a few years ago), if you want to make a 2nd trade within 2 months you have to send a request via snail mail.

I disagree, G fund doesn't lose money, VFISX will and often does.

There is no equivalent to the G Fund – anywhere:

http://money.federaltimes.com/2010/05/0 ... -benefits/

http://gubmints.com/2015/01/12/4-reason ... M-fc6Lavcs

The fund mentioned above by another commenter, VFISX, has had a total return of only 0.38% over the past year, compared to the G Fund’s 1.90%. Its TTM yield is a mere 0.89%.

And, as another commenter mentioned above, VFISX can post negative returns, while the G Fund is guaranteed never to lose money.

As the second article linked above notes, the closest equivalents to the G Fund are CDs, specifically those of 5-year terms, some of which currently yield much more than the G Fund:

http://www.bankrate.com/cd.aspx?ic_id=C ... 6,19,27,28

For lists of low-risk bond funds, including those offered by Vanguard, see:

http://www.kiplinger.com/article/invest ... -2017.html

http://news.morningstar.com/articlenet/ ... ?id=795074

Check out VFSTX, which has had a 1.92% TTM yield and a total return of 2.14% over the past year.

Note, though, that it, too, can post negative returns over short periods of time.

I am leaving my Vanguard monies all in with the Total Market Admiral shares. Over time I figure that money can be buy and hold.

I recommend taking advantage of the benefits you earned through federal employment and if applicable complete a TSP-60 to transfer your Vanguard funds into TSP. You will be able to invest into any of the TSP funds, including if you would like to, secure it in Government Securities Investment Fund, G fund, where it is guaranteed interest return.

Thanks everyone for opinions and advice. I'll do some thinking and research. I have thought about moving the money to TSP, but TSP is so restrictive for taking money out.

That is a concern of TSP, however most people are not just going through retirement by the seat of their pants. They have a plan of what they are doing. TSP allows you to take a partial withdrawal at separation, if needed, such as to pay off debt. Then pays you the remainder broken down as a monthly maintenance payment for generally the following 26 years. Though, once a year, you can submit a request to have the monthly payment amount change the following January if you choose.

I agree that there is no other fund like the TSP G fund. Once you are near or in retirement it becomes a greater benefit since you should be keeping more of your nest egg in low risk funds.

Too many investors compare the past returns of funds to judge them. You can not do that with fixed income funds. The G fund is better than any bond fund including the TSP F fund.

If you have non-TSP accounts, you could transfer money into the TSP fund. Or you could look at your two accounts holistically and over-weight the G fund in the TSP account and over-weight your equity investing in your non-TSP account. Assuming you have enough in both accounts to meet your needs.

Cheers