Seasonal strategy question

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henrysmom
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2011 3:11 pm

Seasonal strategy question

Post by henrysmom »

I never post here, although I do follow this board frequently. I have a question, looking for advice really. I am in a position that I can afford to be just a little risky with my real TSP, but as I get older and markets get more crazy I am looking to at least preserve my current balance and the matching I receive. I am going to have to undergo some medical treatments for most of 2013, and realistically am not going to be able to monitor my TSP very much for this year. Thinking between L fund and seasonal...I think I could manage a few transfers in the year, but wont be able to monitor anything day to day. I contribute the maximum and hope to start some catchup contributions by the end of the year. I am 53, but do plan on working a very long time, God willing, as I love my job and did get started late to federal work (only have 9 years in)

Does anyone have any advice for me where I can sort of "park" my money for a few months and not have to worry much? Like I said, I can be a little risky, but will not be able to transfer out to G in a timely manner if things get bad. Can anyone point me to some info about the seasonal plan? Thank you!

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Relevant
Posts: 505
Joined: Thu Apr 26, 2012 1:01 pm

Re: Seasonal strategy question

Post by Relevant »

Considering your situation I would strongly recommend staying with G-Fund until you are in a position to monitor things more closely. You might consider 50% G & 50% F, but to be honest, if interest rates start climbing and you aren't in a position to bail, you could suffer a loss. Knowing that your investments are safe while you recover should provide some comfort.

The current environment isn't conducive to passive management.

http://www.RelevantInvestments.com

crondanet5
Posts: 4330
Joined: Tue Aug 19, 2008 8:51 pm

Re: Seasonal strategy question

Post by crondanet5 »

Definitely G Fund. What if you woke up in July and half your account balance was gone? 2013 is not a year of growth for you but a year of presaervation. Only the G Fund offers you that kind of protection. And be very cautious about trying to make gains between medical procedures. You never know how long a bull run will last or how quickly those gains disappear and you may not have time to profit from these changes before entering your next procewdure. Set it iand forget it in the G Fund. Use the time between procedures to enjoy family or Star Trek Next Generation reruns and let your account sit in the G. I would also suggest you subscribe to the Atlantic, Discover magazine and listen to NPR Radiolab pod casts. What can be more interesting than discovering what consciousness is and where it came from? Well, they don't know, but at least it is a start to finding out. Good luck and we will talk in 2014.

henrysmom
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Jan 24, 2011 3:11 pm

Re: Seasonal strategy question

Post by henrysmom »

Thank you guys. I was sort of thinking along those lines. At least I can grab the 5% match and come out ahead in that way. If I only came out ahead that way, I'd be happy. I got pretty much wiped out a few years ago and have barely regained what I lost. (in more than just the TSP!) Thanks again

ventilator
Posts: 73
Joined: Mon May 09, 2011 9:15 am

Re: Seasonal strategy question

Post by ventilator »

Seasonal is located here. http://tspcenter.com/seasonal.php
I agree on the G as well.

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Fund Prices2024-03-28

FundPriceDayYTD
G $18.15 0.05% 1.05%
F $19.08 -0.06% -0.74%
C $82.21 0.11% 10.55%
S $82.43 0.30% 6.92%
I $42.57 -0.24% 5.95%
L2065 $16.38 0.02% 8.37%
L2060 $16.39 0.02% 8.38%
L2055 $16.39 0.02% 8.38%
L2050 $32.73 0.01% 6.95%
L2045 $14.91 0.02% 6.58%
L2040 $54.38 0.02% 6.22%
L2035 $14.34 0.02% 5.79%
L2030 $47.67 0.02% 5.38%
L2025 $13.15 0.03% 3.43%
Linc $25.61 0.03% 2.82%

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