TSP Corner by FedSmith

The TSP's C fund is the big winner in the monthly returns for March 2012 with a return of 3.3%. For the year, this fund is now up 12.63%. So far in 2012, the biggest returns have come from the S fund with a year-to-date return of 14.45%. (See the 2012 monthly TSP returns table)


So far, 2012 has been a very good year for the Thrift Savings Plan. The fund with the lowest rate of return is the F fund with a year-to-date return of 0.32%. The G fund is in the same ballpark with ...

Retiring during 2012? You may want to consider “front-loading” your TSP. In 2012 you can contribute $17,000 to the TSP, plus another $5,500 if you are 50 or over. When you work an entire year, it is likely that you will spread your TSP contributions out over the entire year. This is especially important if you are a FERS employee, as it ensures you receive the full government matching contributions.


If you are retiring in the middle of the year, you can accelerate your ...

According to data recently released from the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board for August, approximately one in every five participants has a loan outstanding against his or her account. That amounts to a total of 891,341 people.

The average loan amount in August was $8,919, and the average across the previous five months ended in August is $8,855.

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A recently published book aims to help federal employees understand the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and how to better make money using this valuable retirement preparation program.

W. Lee Radcliffe wrote TSP Investing Strategies: Building Wealth While Working for Uncle Sam primarily for neophyte investors who are not familiar with the TSP. He said when he first began his federal civilian career in 2001, he found the notion of investing in the TSP overwhelming and a little intimidating ...

The IRS recently released cost of living adjustments for pension plans and other retirement related plans. Federal retirees under CSRS likely have heard by now about the 3.6% COLA for retirees who have had benefits for at least one year. But the IRS announcement also included important information for TSP participants.


The annual contribution limit for TSP participants has increased to $17,000 per year from $16,500. It applies to private sector 401(k) plans as well. The ...