Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Ed Zurndorfer discusses what departed federal employees can do with their Thrift Savings Plan accounts, including making (or not making) contributions, paying of a TSP loan, and making withdrawals (with or without or without penalties) more…

Thinking about borrowing from your Thrift Savings Plan? A TSP loan may seem like one of the most inexpensive ways to access cash—there’s no credit check, the interest goes back into your own account, and repayment is automatic. But many federal employees overlook the biggest expense: the retirement growth they could miss while their money is out of the market. This guide explains how TSP loans work, compare the pros and cons, walk through the application process, and reveal the true long-term cost with a realistic example that every FERS employee should consider before borrowing. more…

Many federal employees contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan without fully understanding the differences between the G, F, C, S, I, and Lifecycle (L) Funds — or when to use each one. Our latest guide breaks down every TSP investment option, explains the Mutual Fund Window, and shows how investment elections, fund reallocations, and fund transfers really work. Whether you’re new to federal service or nearing retirement, this article can help you make more informed decisions about your retirement savings. more…

For federal employees and retirees, inflation is changing the math on everything from retirement income to basic savings strategy. Some of the choices that feel conservative — like leaning on the G Fund or sitting on cash — can fall behind over time.  Certified Financial Planner Art Stein outlines a couple of common mistakes to avoid more…

Markets have been noisy for months. But many Thrift Savings Plan funds are firmly in positive territory, highlighting the gap between headline volatility and how markets actually price information. Certified Financial Planner Art Stein helps explain the disconnect and how investors should respond. more…

There’s a lot to consider when deciding to withdraw money from your Thrift Savings Plan account. The IRS requires that you receive a portion of your TSP account (your “required minimum distribution” or “RMD”) beginning when you reach a specific age and are separated from service. Ed Zurndorfer simplifies the detailed (and often confusing) RMD rules including how the RMD is calculated, RMD deadlines, and how RMDs affect TSP participant beneficiaries. Several practical examples are provided, along with necessary forms and the free TSP guide, “Tax Rules about TSP Payments” more…

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) just released this helpful video on the Thrift Savings Plan in-service withdrawal options. In-service TSP withdrawals are withdrawals you make from your TSP account while you’re still working for the federal government, and can have a serious impact on your TSP account. This video covers hardship withdrawals, age 59½ withdrawals, and other withdrawal considerations. more…

The Thrift Savings Plan has announced its recent line-up of free training including the topics of TSP contributions, investment funds, loans, withdrawals, and death benefits more…

If your are turning age 50 or older in 2026, a new law could change how your Thrift Savings Plan catch‑up contributions are made. Learns what catch‑up contributions are, who the new requirement applies to, how age and income affect your options, and what to consider if you don’t want Roth contributions. Real‑world examples are included more…