Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Stocks had a rough five days in TSP accounts last week. One core fund took the week’s biggest hit, another barely moved, and Friday brought a bit of a save. Get the full fund-by-fund breakdown more…

The TSP’s stock funds had a strong week, with two funds in particular pulling ahead of the pack as cooler-than-expected inflation data fueled another leg of the summer rally. One fund stayed nearly flat, and another dipped slightly as bond yields ticked up. more…

Two things changed recently that make Roth conversions worth a second look: tax rates are now locked in, and as of January 2026, you can convert traditional TSP funds to Roth directly inside your TSP account — no rollover needed. This piece covers who benefits most from converting (hint: often those in a lower-income window before RMDs kick in), the rules and limits on in-plan conversions, and the tax-payment mistakes to avoid since the TSP can’t withhold taxes for you. more…

Your Thrift Savings Plan required minimum distributions can do more than raise your tax bill — it can push up Medicare premiums and make more of your Social Security taxable. Here’s what the rules actually say, and how to plan ahead. more…

Every TSP core fund closed the week in positive territory, but the gains were far from even — one fund increased by nearly 5%. A weaker-than-expected jobs report on Friday shifted the market’s outlook on interest rates and sent stocks higher into the close. more…

The TSP’s G Fund protects your savings from market losses — its balance won’t decline when stocks fall or bond prices drop. But that protection doesn’t guarantee your savings will keep pace with inflation. When prices rise faster than the G Fund’s return, your account can hold more dollars while buying less than it used to. This guide’s analysis compares official G Fund returns with federal inflation data and examines the trade-off between market safety and long-term growth. It also considers how your retirement timeline, withdrawal plans and ability to tolerate market declines can affect the role the G Fund plays in your TSP. more…

A tech-driven sell-off mid-week pulled most TSP stock funds lower, though a Friday rebound softened the losses. The S Fund led declines at -0.92%, while the G Fund was the only fund in the green, up 0.09%. See the full fund-by-fund breakdown and what drove the week. more…

Your first few years as a federal employee can have a lasting impact on your retirement. In this guide, Ed Zurndorfer explains the Thrift Savings Plan features every new employee should know, including automatic enrollment, matching contributions, Roth vs. Traditional TSP options, and common mistakes to avoid more…

Many federal employees contribute to the Roth Thrift Savings Plan (Roth TSP), but fewer realize that opening a Roth IRA can provide additional long-term flexibility. Although both accounts offer the potential for tax-free qualified withdrawals, they operate under different IRS rules. This guide explains why maintaining both accounts may strengthen your retirement strategy, how the Roth IRA’s five-year rule differs from the Roth TSP’s, what SECURE 2.0 changed for Roth TSP required minimum distributions, and when a future rollover may make sense. Learn how these two retirement accounts can work together to help you build a more flexible retirement plan. more…

Thinking about moving your Thrift Savings Plan to an IRA after retirement? A TSP rollover can provide more investment choices and greater flexibility—but it also means giving up some unique TSP advantages. Before making an irreversible decision, understand the tax rules, costs, withdrawal options, and the situations where keeping your money in the TSP may actually be the better choice. Ed Zurndorfer walks you through the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision with confidence. more…