I caught the end of a radio interview...

[FUTURESTRADER]

I caught the end of a radio interview with our 'bud' gary amelio yesterday. He says they monitor unofficial TSP web sites, also calling the attempt to time the funds as 'nonsense'. He also said there were only 147 accounts that had 'traded' more than twice a week. I believe the link below is the interview.

http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?sid=918879&nid=250

[Wheels]

I'm waiting for the news to come out that we have until 4pm to make changes that take effect on that day.

I wouldn't hold your breath.

I He also said there were only 147 accounts that had 'traded' more than twice a week.

No doubt all members of TSPTalk.

[tsptalk]

I listened to that and I have to say I am pretty insulted.

Basically they are saying everyone who moves their money is losing. No exceptions. And if you are paying someone a fee to tell you where to put your money, then you are paying someone to lose your money.

How closed minded is that? Forget the facts. They are basically saying we are too stupid to manage our own accounts. And websites like this (I assume they mean us) are the bad guys leading people down the wrong road.

And they claim they (TSP) are educating the people. Really? Is that why I get hundreds of emails a week answering questions about TSP that TSP should be answering? Try asking them a question. See if and when you get an answer.

Oh, and he said they wish they could shut us down. By us I mean any website that helps people with their TSP.

[Show-me]

Maybe you should ask for equal time on the show. :D

[nnuut]

You talk about excess!!!!! I have made more transfers than anyone and still am beating all but the "I" fund! Tell him to shut his big mouth unless he has the data to prove it! DUH!:D

[The_Technician]

Oh, and he said they wish they could shut us down. By us I mean any website that helps people with their TSP.

We must be putting a spur in their operations....guess they know who we are just by cross correlating data....I just hope I can gain long before they attempt to stop the profit making....

[nnuut]

I listened to that and I have to say I am pretty insulted.

Basically they are saying everyone who moves their money is losing. No exceptions. And if you are paying someone a fee to tell you where to put your money, then you are paying someone to lose your money.

How closed minded is that? Forget the facts. They are basically saying we are too stupid to manage our own accounts. And websites like this (I assume they mean us) are the bad guys leading people down the wrong road.

And they claim they (TSP) are educating the people. Really? Is that why I get hundreds of emails a week answering questions about TSP that TSP should be answering? Try asking them a question. See if and when you get an answer.

Oh, and he said they wish they could shut us down. By us I mean any website that helps people with their TSP.
You talkabout people writing their congressmen! HUH, I'll call DUBAH!

[MarkB]

Since I do not have Gary Amelios email I sent my question to FederalNewsRadio.

Questions and information I would like to ask for under the FOIA.
Reference: Your Turn with Mike Causey
Guests: Charles Fallis, pres. NARFE, and Gary Amelio, director of the TSP.
Sep 20th - 1:13pm
Posted Online: 12-31-1969 17:12
http://www.federalnewsradio.com/inde...918879&nid=250

How much money did the TSP board spend to educate us?

How, when and to whom was this training provided?

Please provide the data that shows why the 147 applicants mentioned in the radio show lost money. If the data shows that the 147 applicants lost money were they provided training or advised?

Please provide data that backs up the statement that market timing does not work?

Send this to Gary Amelio please.
I am spinning it this way I pay money to make money.
I am one that will prove with data that I am doing better than the L funds he the board is pushing.


Please Educate me.

[tsptalk]

They talked a lot about the L-fund. I am a big fan of the L-funds for most TSP participants. But I believe the people here are looking for a little more.

I also don't think the gov't should be responsible for training us on how to invest our money. But why would they denounce those of us who are trying to learn on our own?

[Spaf]

They talked a lot about the L-fund. I am a big fan of the L-funds for most TSP participants. But I believe the people here are looking for a little more.

I also don't think the gov't should be responsible for training us on how to invest our money. But why would they denounce those of us who are trying to learn on our own?

The L-funds are great for auto-pilot. I agree that people here are looking for a little more. But we are a relative small group. The majority doesn't have the time (or whatever) to gain the skill to manage their own funds. They remain subject to the risks of "investing".

Training would take up too much time. Denouncing us is wrong! This site is life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,... ok money!

Here's a suggestion FWIW. Place what you don't want to lose in the L-funds. Take the remainder and learn from the top members how to trade funds. When you better the L-fund return, and feel confident take a better allocation position.

Investing and fishing-lures have a lot in common. The majority of fishing-lures were not designed to catch fish, no catch fisherman! However the right lure will catch a fish......thats the learning process!

My 2 cents
Regards
Spaf

[Oldcoin]

I caught the end of a radio interview with our 'bud' gary amelio yesterday. He says they monitor unofficial TSP web sites, also calling the attempt to time the funds as 'nonsense'. He also said there were only 147 accounts that had 'traded' more than twice a week. I believe the link below is the interview.

http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?sid=918879&nid=250


I know we’ve made jokes about the timing of the FV in the I fund on days that the members make a lots of moves to that account….but since they’re monitoring the sites it really makes you start to wonder. Naw, they wouldn’t do that, would they?

Also, it seems like a very small number of people doing twice weekly moves. I just checked and I’ve done 19 moves this year, all positive and they beat the heck out of my old ignore strategy.

[mayday]

Its spooky to think we are that much of a pest to these money managers. Maybe we are doing to good of a job and threatening theirs. Just a thought Mayday

[mayday]

[QUOTE=Oldcoin;57126]I know we’ve made jokes about the timing of the FV in the I fund on days that the members make a lots of moves to that account….but since they’re monitoring the sites it really makes you start to wonder. Naw, they wouldn’t do that, would they?


I would'nt put it past em. Does make ya wonder

[Dave M]

I just listened to the relevant portions of the program.

The 146 accounts that traded more than twice weekly were monitored during the first twelve months of the time period since we went to daily transactions. Since when have we been able to make IFT's daily? I can't remember exactly. He stated that most lost money, but when was that and what was the market doing at that time? (Also, it is possible that by "losing money" he meant "making less." That is, they made less than would have had they adopted a static allocation.)

Then he said that the web sites which offer paid allocation advice were the ones he wished he was able to shut down. That does not include this site. Here we just talk about it, we don't charge for it. I do give Tom a small monetary consideration, voluntarily, but I do that with other chat-sites in which I participate, because it costs them money to create the service I utilize, so we can't count that. It cost nothing to open an account here.

I don't think we can dispute the statistics. Just look at our tracker and the monthly tally. I have said before that if I cannot beat the L2040 I would join it, and I mean it. That fund is beating many of us, some of whom have made more than 20 IFT's so far this year and so are not slouching. Timing is not for everybody.

Dave

[Wheels]

I know we’ve made jokes about the timing of the FV in the I fund on days that the members make a lots of moves to that account….but since they’re monitoring the sites it really makes you start to wonder. Naw, they wouldn’t do that, would they?

Remember it's Barclays that makes the FV decisions. And while the I fund makes up a significant portion of the larger fund that is managed by Barclays, it is not big enough that Barclays would take TSP's "recommendations" on the I fund price.

[FundSurfer]

He said they looked at the first years numbers following our being able to go to a daily IFT. They looked at people who trade at least twice a week (~100 trades a year). Almost all of those lost money. He blamed websites which charge a fee which are telling people how to move their money.

1. I've been researching pay sites and all of them have been beating the S&P 500 regularly. There have been a few years when sites have not beaten the S&P but usually they were close and other years they have soundly beaten the S&P. Long term I think almost all would outperform the S&P. NONE of those sites recommend trading on a biweekly or more frequent basis.

2. Looking at the Tracker/Tally, we have only 4 members who would qualify in the more than 2 trades a week categorie. Nnuut 8.63% & Low Ki ( a couple moves shy of 2 trades a week) 3.31% (have been posting since the beginning of the year and WOZ 14.32% and Ocean 12.39% started after the beginning of the year. Of those only Low Ki has a return less than the S&P 500. (It would take 74 moves since the beginning of the year to qualify.)

3. I'd bet the numbers of frequent trades has increased and I'd bet that the percentage who have beaten the S&P 500 has probably increased. It may have taken the first year for people to figure things out. There may also be people out there who foolishly try to day trade their accounts, but I'd bet that percentage is really small.

He said they were in the process of doing the analysis again. Be interesting to see if the results get out.

My opinion is that this guy sincerely thinks that we should not be trying to time the market and that this can not be done. I also don't think he is aware that there are people that have been doing it very successfully. He only knows the data he was given of the frequent traders. I question the validity of the freqent trader data that they presented. I also think they should have another category for "frequent" which would be more than 12 trades a year and check those numbers.

Now having said all of that. Realize that the people here who are frequent traders and who have educated themselves on how to increase their gains are NOT the norm. Realize that the reason that they created the L funds is because not enough people were agressive enough with their accounts. Many people have all their money in the G-fund and the L-funds were created to help these people. The TSP board has to look out for those vast majority of people. We just have to be thankful that they set up the system in a manner that we who want to can take advantage of the opportunity to increase our risk.

[Wheels]

I wonder why he is even concerned about it. There are 3.6 million people in the TSP. 147 trade too frequently. Statistically, that's 0%. People are using his L funds at a higher rate than they had even hoped. TSP is way under budget. Dude, the glass is a little more than half full. Ease up.

[Oldcoin]

I would have to agree that if TSPer’s didn’t do their homework the L2040 is the way to go in today’s bull market. However, if we get a significant market crash (perish the thought) those are the folks that are going to pay for it through the nose. Being informed and knowledgeable will best protect our capital and that’s what this site does for it’s members.

Plus…..it’s a heck of a lot of fun!

[EW_ret]

Examining the Return Tally report of 9-22-2006, we have 48% (24/50) of our longer-term members (Since January 2006 or longer) beating the L2040 fund for YTD performance. That in my opinion is success of TSPTalk over the short term. Hopefully that percentage would remain high in a prolonged downturn period.

[tsptalk]

I agree with FS. I think he is viewing old data and I don't believe our tally would be considered official data :).

As Dave M mentioned, this is a free site but we do offer RevShark's newsletter services for a fee - but it is kicking butt! Beating every fund and doubling the return of the S&P 500 doesn't sound like losing money to me.

I understand the director's concern - he just doesn't have his facts right.

[atcsat64]

You talk about excess!!!!! I have made more transfers than anyone and still am beating all but the "I" fund! Tell him to shut his big mouth unless he has the data to prove it! DUH!:D


Same here, Nut (transfers and all but the "I"), but we have all seen that those in charge management of anything can and will manipulate or mis-quote the data in their favor, enough to sway public opinion, until they get caught.

[tsptalk]

Someone wrote me yesterday and had this to say. I thought it was worth passing on...

What you should avoid at all costs is letting Amelio's (or any other) opposition to grow unchallenged, because this feeds on itself, and they could attempt to curtail the most elementary resources that we have to manage our funds intelligently by networking on the TSPtalk site. The buy-and-hold idea is Wall Street's way of keeping the money managers receiving investment moneys, and maintaining a monopoly on trades.

[fabijo]

I just listened to the interview. I agree with everyone here that he is not looking at the right facts. Plus, the only example he used were those 146 (I was surprised at how little) people doing IFT's more than twice a week for the first year. I like FundSurfer's idea of checking the results of people trading more than 12 times a year. That would be a more accurate picture of what people on this and other TSP sites are doing.

[tsptalk]

It sounds like his data was taken one year after the June 2003 record system change so that would have been June of 2004. We were only online for 6 months at that time. I'm not sure we even had 146 members then. :)

[atcsat64]

Someone wrote me yesterday and had this to say. I thought it was worth passing on...

What you should avoid at all costs is letting Amelio's (or any other) opposition to grow unchallenged, because this feeds on itself, and they could attempt to curtail the most elementary resources that we have to manage our funds intelligently by networking on the TSPtalk site. The buy-and-hold idea is Wall Street's way of keeping the money managers receiving investment moneys, and maintaining a monopoly on trades.

So what can we do to challenge Amelio?

[tsptalk]

So what can we do to challenge Amelio?
As a start, how about a few [few hundred that is :)] well written, nonaccusitory emails to Mike Causey? mcausey@federalnewsradio.com Mike makes it quite clear that he is not a big fan of TSP websites.

We could ask what current data leads them to believe all/most active accounts are losing money; Where they got their data; If he agrees with Mr. Amelio that believe these sites should be shut down; We could ask if they know of an alternative source for educating TSP participants. etc., etc.

I don't want to ruffle too many feathers as I like the changes that have been made to the TSP recently. We just want them to know that these websites are helping, not hurting.

[fabijo]

On another note to that interview, I was surprised to hear that there are many different proposals to new funds being added to the TSP. I was hoping that he'd mention an emerging markets fund, but he kept talking about the gold and dot com proposals a while back. Amelio did mention that there are a few fund proposals on the table for SRI (socially responsible investing) and some green planet type funds.

[FUTURESTRADER]

As a start, how about a few [few hundred that is :)] well written, nonaccusitory emails to Mike Causey? mcausey@federalnewsradio.com Mike makes it quite clear that he is not a big fan of TSP websites.

.

We could ask what current data leads them to believe all/most active accounts are losing money; Where they got their data; If he agrees with Mr. Amelio that believe these sites should be shut down; We could ask if they know of an alternative source for educating TSP participants. etc., etc.


I don't want to ruffle too many feathers as I like the changes that have been made to the TSP recently. We just want them to know that these websites are helping, not hurting.

I agree, Tom, they have come a long way with one day delay, the incomparable G fund, and no comission trading.
I think it is fear of the unknown that makes them dismiss seeking the knowledge or putting forth the effort to manage one's own funds. One definitely has to use caution as to who or what to trust. Amelio mentioned in the interview how risk averse his Dad was. It's not his Dad's world anymore :)
Amelio did criticize us traders as trying to time the U.S. funds based on the International market of the previous day, which seems like, if anything, he has it completely backwards
Only thing that still get's my goat is them not being forthcomming with a FV formula for the I fund. There's got to be a formula or some method of formulation that Barclays and the TSP board agreed on.

[Birchtree]

There may be some behind the scenes pressure being applied from the private mutual fund sector. They can no longer time there funds on a daily basis - they must wait a specific period of time - 7 days, 15 days, 30 days. TSP has yet to recind their daily timing policy but I'm sure the objective will be to eventually fall into line with the rest of the industry. Sorry, just the way I see the politics.

[Wheels]

Only thing that still get's my goat is them not being forthcomming with a FV formula for the I fund. There's got to be a formula or some method of formulation that Barclays and the TSP board agreed on.


For the bazillionth time.

1) TSP has nothing to do with FV. Barclays makes those decisions alone and those decisions effect way more people than just TSPers.

2)They are never going to be "forthcoming" as you say. The whole point is for you not to know.

[tsptalk]

There may be some behind the scenes pressure being applied from the private mutual fund sector. They can no longer time there funds on a daily basis - they must wait a specific period of time - 7 days, 15 days, 30 days. TSP has yet to recind their daily timing policy but I'm sure the objective will be to eventually fall into line with the rest of the industry. Sorry, just the way I see the politics.
I think the difference between TSP and standard mutual funds is the G fund. At any given time TSP has 30% plus in the G fund which gives us the cash for trading. That is billions and billions of cash on hands that mutual funds simply do not have. It makes trading and settlement date stuff relatively easy. Amelio actually touches on this.

[tsptalk]

As a start, how about a few [few hundred that is :)] well written, nonaccusitory emails to Mike Causey? mcausey@federalnewsradio.com Mike makes it quite clear that he is not a big fan of TSP websites.

We could ask what current data leads them to believe all/most active accounts are losing money; Where they got their data; If he agrees with Mr. Amelio that believe these sites should be shut down; We could ask if they know of an alternative source for educating TSP participants. etc., etc.
If anyone wants to write a template that we can all sign and email, that would be great. If we can show Mr. Causey that many of his readers are actually in favor of active and semi-active participation, he may change his tune.

[Show-me]

My e-mail to Mike.:)


Mike,

First of all TSP participant should have the freedom to do what they want to with their money. What is the difference if I pay for a investment strategy advice for my individual, ROTH, and Traditional IRA accounts or pay for investment strategy advice for my TSP account.

Sites like www.tsptalk.com (http://www.tsptalk.com) provide recommendations for a fee as well as FREE message boards to discuss retirement strategy, chart analysis, trend analysis, economic data, rental properties, tax information, and a lot more as well as a community of federal employee's all trying to save as much money as they can while getting the best possible return for their retirements.

It would seem that you and Mr. Amelio would like to limit us while have us sit idle in one fund or a mix of fund while someone else manage our money. That's just dumb. Get those people out of the G fund. Was there not a big push by the current administration to allow more investment options, personal participation and responsibility in the management of our Social Security accounts? How about pushing for more good investment options instead of focusing on a minuet number of participants that are trading more than twice a week. By the way could you put a fractional number on those "daytraders" for me?

We are a network of federal employee's who have received more information and education from each other on these websites, like www.tsptalk.com (http://www.tsptalk.com) , than from our own agencies or the TSP.gov. Please do not limit us any more that we already are.

Sincerely,

Show-me/ Mike www.tsptalk.com (http://www.tsptalk.com)

PS. How about coming over to the site to talk to us. You will find a very diverse group of people there.

[tsptalk]

You might want to mention your 16% return in 2006 which came as a result of 57 transfers. :D

[fabijo]

I think the difference between TSP and standard mutual funds is the G fund. At any given time TSP has 30% plus in the G fund which gives us the cash for trading. That is billions and billions of cash on hands that mutual funds simply do not have. It makes trading and settlement date stuff relatively easy. Amelio actually touches on this.


That is something I never realized. During the interview, he mentioned how all the money comes in through the G fund account, then is transferred to the other funds appropriately. It was interesting to get a little insight to the way they set up their system.

[Oldcoin]

Causey’s column covers his interview with Amelio today.

http://federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=7

[FUTURESTRADER]

Causey’s column covers his interview with Amelio today.

http://federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=7

"Tomorrow we'll hear from one of the 146 quick traders who says you would be smart to join the ranks"

Tom getting some equal time??

[tsptalk]

Not me, but whomever it is, I expect Mike to make them sound less than intelligent.

[FUTURESTRADER]

maybe Show-Me? "My e-mail to Mike." Hope he has beaten the L funds consitantly :) I think he has been in top 10 for sometime.

[Show-me]

Thanks but no thanks! Not me no way, no how! I will gladly talk to him here on the MB.

Come on Causey come visit our forum. :D

[tsptalk]

I sent RevShark the links and he said he might write something up regarding this, but I assume he means to the newsletter group and not to Causey.

[fedgolfer]

can't wait to hear the interview. I hope whoever is representing the active swing traders doesn't get to confrontational and cause Amelio to have a knee jerk reaction and make the IFT deadline 10AM EST :)

To whomever will be intereviewed: Please push for an extended IFT deadline... preferably 4pm EST. Also make a plea for gold, XLE, QQQQ, and shorts to be added... at no additional cost. That's all, I think?!

[Oldcoin]

Not me, but whomever it is, I expect Mike to make them sound less than intelligent.

We could send over Sugar & Spice….that would be interesting. Plus they have some kicking returns.

[Gilligan]

can't wait to hear the interview. I hope whoever is representing the active swing traders doesn't get to confrontational and cause Amelio to have a knee jerk reaction and make the IFT deadline 10AM EST :)

To whomever will be intereviewed: Please push for an extended IFT deadline... preferably 4pm EST. Also make a plea for gold, XLE, QQQQ, and shorts to be added... at no additional cost. That's all, I think?!

Don't forget Real Estate.

[fabijo]

I gotta hear this radio show tomorrow! I hope it's not just some random person like me, but someone with great returns. Plus, they are still considering the number of active TSP traders at 146. I wonder if they will actually be speaking to one of the 146 or will they talk to someone who is a little more reasonable with their trades - not greater than 2 trades a week!

edit:

and whoever you are, mention the need for an emerging markets fund! :D

[FUTURESTRADER]

http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=7

today's interview with "Mike". TSPtalk gets honorable mention and hyperlink :)

[FundSurfer]

That WAS Show-me's e-mail. I guess he doesn't realize that show-me actually doesn't qualify as one of the 146. He doesn't trade often enough.

Congrats, Show-me!

[tsptalk]

Wow, that's surprising. Both Mikes did a good job on this one.

[AIF]

Kudos - Show Me!

I don't recall the exact number but the ratio of active traders to non-active was something like 146:Millions.

Have a good day,
Gene

[Show-me]

Huh...........what did I just miss? Am I famous now? Are there royalties involved?

[Show-me]

It seems he is a little more receptive than before. How about that shameless plug for tsptalk.com, heehee.:D

The Other Mike

[fedgolfer]

The condescending tone of Causey's column towards active traders is sooooo misleading to his audience. He makes us sound like gamblers and people that reject expert advice. We're the ones using the very same strategies, charts and indicators that the experts DO use. Causey made it sound like we're taking bigger risks, which is actually backwards. We take risk off the table in overbought markets. He's almost fanning the flames of fear in the uneducated. With the tools available today at TSP participants' fingertips, the condescending tone should be shifted to those too stupid to see/research how risk and returns should be actively managed. I guess I could ramble on, but there's really only one way to shut the naysayers up... and that's to retire with millions in the account and a track record that clubbed the S&P.

[FUTURESTRADER]

And after you vehemently denied it was you...tsk tsk :)

Nice job, Show-Me. All about enlightening the masses after all. Ignorance is our greatest enemy.

[mlk_man]

Nice job Mike (Show-me). I just posted a comment to it. I used Mr. Causey's own metaphors...........:D

M_M (The 3rd Mike)..........:blink:

[Show-me]

No matter how condescending his tone may sound, the purpose was to get the site out there for other people to come to and judge for themselves. No one is going to force participants to do anything. They will read, learn, and make choices for themselves. Some will do well, some will not, and some will not change a thing. The purpose is the same as what Tom developed the site for..........to make participants aware.

There is another very important lesson here. Take the time to write a e-mail to you TSP administrator, political Representative, or talk show host. They do get read and "the squeaky wheel gets the oil" or most attention.

We have tremendous power here in our little community, we just have to use it.

Good luck everyone!:D

[Show-me]

Cool and thanks! The more comments to the piece the better for us.

Nice job Mike (Show-me). I just posted a comment to it. I used Mr. Causey's own metaphors...........:D

M_M (The 3rd Mike)..........:blink:

[fabijo]

Nice, Show-Me! I wrote a response to his post. Here's a copy:

Mike -

I also would like to side with "The Other Mike" on this issue. There are plenty of great communities online discussing TSP and the markets - I also participate in the message boards on www.tsptalk.com. I would not count myself with the 146 who transfer more than twice a week. My average amounts of transfers are about twice a month - sometimes more, sometimes less. It all depends on the conditions of the market.

I have learned a lot from the community at www.tsptalk.com. There is a section on the site where we keep track of people's Interfund Transfers (IFT's). We know they are legitimate because it will only be tracked if someone posted their IFT prior to noon EST - the same cutoff time as tsp.gov. There are many people doing better than any of the L Funds and some are doing about the same as the I Fund this year. These people are not playing catch-up with the market. There are very intelligent conversations about the market and it's directions.

I think the L Funds are great for the people who do not have the desire nor the time to read about market conditions and technical analysis. But those of us who are willing to take the steps to learn should not be compared with people trying to fly our own airbus. We have a chance to learn from our mistakes, where a mistake on an airbus will kill you. We are not trying to predict the market (though some act like they can), we are moving with the market.

Sincerely,
Fab

[nnuut]

Cool and thanks! The more comments to the piece the better for us.

OK, Show-Me you Showed Them!:D

[Show-me]

Good job Fab!

Thanks nnuut!

Keep the emails going in maybe we can all show-em. Remember the squeaky wheel.

Nice, Show-Me! I wrote a response to his post. Here's a copy:

OK, Show-Me you Showed Them!:D

[Griffin]

For the bazillionth time.

1) TSP has nothing to do with FV. Barclays makes those decisions alone and those decisions effect way more people than just TSPers.

2)They are never going to be "forthcoming" as you say. The whole point is for you not to know.

.....So......Rummy goes to give GW the morning report and informs him that three Brazilian soldiers were killed that day in Iraq.

To everyone's surprise, the presidents face goes ashen white, he puts his head in his hands and begins to shake....

after a few moments he composes himself, looks up at Rummy and asks "exactly how many soldiers are there in a brazillon"

OK back to the subject at hand: here are direct quotes from TSP.gov

Booklet Guide to TSP Investments, August 2003

"In the TSP, as in most similar retirement savings plans, the responsibility for choosing among investment option rests with each participant"

Booklet Managing Your Account (10/2005) – 18 pages -LPV 10/2005

"The TSP offers you two approaches to investing you account * Lifecycle Funds.....* Individual TSP Funds......If you choose your own investment mix.....remember that your investment allocation is one of the most important factors affecting the growth.....If you prefer this "hands-on" approach keep the following points in mind: Consider both risk and return....., You need to be comfortable with the amount of risk you expect to take.....Periodically review your investment choices. Check the distribution of your account balance among the funds to make sure that the mix you chose is still appropriate for your situation. If not, rebalance your account to get the allocation you want."

If I am not mistaken, TSP is saying the responsibility for managing our accounts is ours and not the responsibility of TSP. Also, TSP recommends doing what we are doing, if you choose to take the risk to have a "hands-on" approach. In my opinion, the statements these guys are making are out of line. By recommending that people do not attempt to time or follow timing website, they are giving investment guidance....which makes them liable for the investors returns and goes against TSP's policy of not being liable for participants returns.

Oh here's one more good one:

A letter from the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, dated October 2003 signed Very truly yours, Gary A Amelio, Executive Director

"I encourage you to take the time to study your statement and the current allocation of your account investments. This is an opportune time to determine whether it is appropriate to reallocate your investments among the available fund offerings. The new system enables you to reallocate your investments among the available fund offerings. The new system enables you to reallocate timely, with ease, and at no cost. Take advantage of these new features; they exist to help you plan for a more comfortable retirement.

[Spaf]

A letter from the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, dated October 2003 signed Very truly yours, Gary A Amelio, Executive Director

"I encourage you to take the time to study your statement and the current allocation of your account investments. This is an opportune time to determine whether it is appropriate to reallocate your investments among the available fund offerings. The new system enables you to reallocate your investments among the available fund offerings. The new system enables you to reallocate timely, with ease, and at no cost. Take advantage of these new features; they exist to help you plan for a more comfortable retirement.

Timely reallocations........Yea! That's what we do!........So what's his problem?

[pogo]

Timely reallocations........Yea! That's what we do!........So what's his problem?
GREAT JOB!!! Spaf

[tsptalk]

Although some of us have sent in comments, I don't see any posted to that article. I guess they were only going to print the comments that took their position. In their defense, I don't see any other previous articles with comments either.

[fabijo]

I was also wondering when the comments get posted. I figured that maybe they need to read the comments to look for inappropriate language prior to approving them for public viewing.

[ebbnflow]

I told Mike I'm going to do him a favor and do the Clinton-thing. So, I asked him to wipe the smirk off his face, and thanked him for giving us lip service. :D Anyways, great job Show-me!

[tsptalk]

I moved the IFT problem posts over to here...
http://www.tsptalk.com/mb/showthread.php?t=3355

I think this is important and needed its own thread.

Thanks,
Tom

[mlk_man]

I wonder what percentage of our congress people are active traders..........

[sugarandspice]

So using the admin cost for 2005, the TSP is currently receiving Approx. 95,000,000$ of MEMBER MONEY to administrate the program. It would seem members should have some input in what happens with TSP. Are the salaries posted anywhere of the feduciaries?

[Birchtree]

Babe - there is no such word as feduciaries. The term is fiduciary. And one must remember there are many party loyalists who continue to be held by the hand fearful of controlling their own destiny. The Nancy Pelosi followers fully expect Uncle to forever take care of them until they are in the ground. You cannot fight city hall and ween them to be more selfsustaining and independent - they want to be controled with no decision making required.

[sugarandspice]

Hurry up Birch and check the Interfund Transfer (IFT) Problems thread. There are some Mrs.spelled
wurds over there too.

[rokid]

Birch,

No, feduciaries is a word. It is a federal official who takes care of you, e.g. Nancy Pelosi or Ted Kennedy. Of course, George W. Bush is not a feduciary. :cheesy:

On the other hand, I'm pretty sure "ween", "selfsustaining", and "controled" are not words.

[Birchtree]

Rokid,

You are correct, there are two ls in controlled. And Teddy Kennedy - who is that? I've learned that I can always count on you to be a defender. We need more stability don't we?

Dennis

[mlk_man]

You know I use to have respect for Mike Causey for trying to help govt. people out. Well that went out the window. They finally posted a comment to that article. You guessed it, it happens to agree with him and that other fella............ http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=22&sid=927327

Hey Mike? Where's my post????????????????

[tsptalk]

quick traders

by Paul B. @ 6:22am - Mon Oct 2nd, 2006
One downside of frequent trading is the increased transaction fees incurred with each buy or sell. The TSP only charges across the board administrative fees borne by everyone in the plan. Perhaps it should institute a transaction based pricing mechanism so the buy and hold participants aren't subsidising the quick traders and they pay the full cost of their activity.
That sounds like a good argument except when you consider the L-funds rebalance EVERY NIGHT! That's the equivelant of a daily transfer, transaction-wise, for the L-funders so I doubt the validity of this point.

[FUTURESTRADER]

thanks, Tom..I was thinking this guy might have some semblance of an argument, and was considering how we could assume some of that cost, what might be reasonable, assuming Scottrade, for example, charges $7/trade and of course making, I'd guess, at least 50% premium over cost. However, your L fund reply seems to nullify the rational of another crusader for those too lazy or to fearful to seek the truth. Please reply to Mr. Causey's column, to Paul B with your rebuttal. I may if you haven't already.

[tsptalk]

I was going to but I couldn't remember my account info over there. Besides, they would never post it.

[fabijo]

You know I use to have respect for Mike Causey for trying to help govt. people out. Well that went out the window. They finally posted a comment to that article. You guessed it, it happens to agree with him and that other fella............ http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=22&sid=927327

Hey Mike? Where's my post????????????????

Yup, I noticed the same thing earlier tonight! At first, I thought it was Desperado who joined today and started a post that's got everyone going wild! I think many people were suspecting it was Mike.

[tsptalk]

thanks, Tom..I was thinking this guy might have some semblance of an argument, and was considering how we could assume some of that cost, what might be reasonable, assuming Scottrade, for example, charges $7/trade and of course making, I'd guess, at least 50% premium over cost. However, your L fund reply seems to nullify the rational of another crusader for those too lazy or to fearful to seek the truth. Please reply to Mr. Causey's column, to Paul B with your rebuttal. I may if you haven't already.
I ended up responding last night and to my surprise, they did post it.

http://www.federalnewsradio.com/inde...=22&sid=927327 (http://www.federalnewsradio.com/index.php?nid=22&sid=927327)

[fabijo]

Maybe they didn't paste my reply because I mentioned tsptalk.com a couple of times in my post. It would be like free exposure. How many of the people who replied to Mike's comments mentioned tsptalk.com?

[FundSurfer]

Don't feel alone, my comments didn't make the cut either.

[Show-me]

This makes me feel warm and fuzzy.:sick:

The Other Mike



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[ebbnflow]

This makes me feel warm and fuzzy.:sick:

The Other Mike



The Fine Print: By submitting any content for posting you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Federalnewsradio.com may, in its sole discretion, accept, reject, censor, modify, or remove any posting without your consent and for any reason or no reason. You are soley responsible for the content you submit. You will not post content that (1) violates the copyright, trademark, patent or other intellectual property right of any third party, (2) is libelous, defamatory, obscene, or abusive, (3) violates a third party's right to privacy, or (4) is otherwise unlawful, distasteful, or inappropriate.
With respect to any content that you submit, you grant to Federalnewsradio.com an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, fully assignable license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, sublicense, perform and display such content, in whole or in part, in any form, media or technology now known or later developed. Federalnewsradio.com is not responsible for any content posted by others, including the accuracy or substance of any such content. If you choose to rely on any such content for any reason, you do so at your own risk.

I kindly asked him to wipe the smirk off his face (Clinton-like), and politely thanked him for giving us TSP'ers some lip service. Did I violate rule #2 or did I just come out like a pain in the a$$? :D

[Show-me]

Obviously, only the opinions that they want are posted. Not a very democratic system for a so called federal news radio show.

[Birchtree]

Listen, when you get right down to it - it don't mean a thing. Just noise.

[mlk_man]

I didn't mention it. Simply because it had already been mentioned. SOrry Tom..... :p


Maybe they didn't paste my reply because I mentioned tsptalk.com a couple of times in my post. It would be like free exposure. How many of the people who replied to Mike's comments mentioned tsptalk.com?

[tsptalk]

One of the producers of the Mike Causey's show contacted me again about being a guest on his radio show this week. For several reasons, I decided to decline for now. I have a feeling it would be like walking into a PETA convention wearing a fur coat. :D

I sent RevShark's people an email to ask if they wanted to step up and take the market timing side, but I haven't heard back.

[Show-me]

Hey Tom,

I gotta coonskin hat ya can borrow. :laugh:


One of the producers of the Mike Causey's show contacted me again about being a guest on his radio show this week. For several reasons, I decided to decline for now. I have a feeling it would be like walking into a PETA convention wearing a fur coat. :D

I sent RevShark's people an email to ask if they wanted to step up and take the market timing side, but I haven't heard back.

[Show-me]

Approximately 3.6 million participants with approximately $186 billion since Aug. 31, 2006 in the TSP, with 147 "quick traders" they are (or they’re <snicker>) like 0.0022615384615384615% of total participants. TSPTalk members are 2168, so that represents 0.03335384615384616% of the total participants.

And yes I used the online calculator and spell check. :D

[Spaf]

Show-me, etal.

If the 3.6M participants in TSP would have been afforded the opportunity to follow a news letter or financial advisor like RevShark from the start of the C-fund in 1988 what would you think the Value of TSP would be today?

Approximately 3.6 million participants with approximately $186 billion since Aug. 31, 2006 in the TSP

[Show-me]

It would be unbelievable!:eek: Another thing, if we could get everyone to put in at least the minimum to get the matching funds. :eek:

[Ghageman]

It sure would be nice if they offered the matching opportunity to active duty folks. I sure would like a piece of the pie. I understand the Army is testing it this year but I don't know the details.

[mlk_man]

Now isn't this a much better article than Mike Causey's? Very unbiased. Good ole' Ralph...............:)

Stocks Hit New Highs! Should You Sell Your C Fund Now?

By Ralph Smith (http://www.fedsmith.com/about/ralph.php)


The ultimate goal for many investors is to be able to time the market. In other words, sell your stocks (or your TSP stock funds in this case) when the market is at a peak, put the money into the G fund to keep making money even when stocks are dropping, and then put the money back into stock funds when the market is at its low point. Do this, and you will make a financial killing.

With this goal in mind, should you now sell your C fund because the stock market is hitting new highs and put the money into the G fund? The stock market is seductive. It is good at setting investors up for a fall. It can make you giddy with the thought of your new wealth. It can also make you depressed as you contemplate how much money you would have made "if only" you had invested differently at the right moment.


Full article: http://www.fedsmith.com/articles/articles.showarticle.db.php?intArticleID=1066

[tsptalk]

How dare Ralph think for himself. :)

[AIF]

I think he may be on to something! :blink: