Thread: Hi

I've been lurking for a few days; decided I better check in and see if I can learn some things from ya'll.

Problem is, I'm not at all sure I'll be able to decipher all the "financal speak" I've come across in the posts I've read -- it's like a whole new langague.

About me....I'm career civil service...and will have 28 years in January. I was a late switcher (mid '88) from CSRS to FERS as I was a tad suspicious of the new program during the initial opportunity Uncle Sam encouraged switching.

In the beginning, I figured since I could only get a 5% match I didn't need to contribute the maximum allowed, so I put my 5% contribution into the G Fund (being the suspicious and conservative sort); it didn't take me long to realize that I should up my contributions to 10% and to increase them each time the limit was raised --- seemed as though the tax shelter alone could keep you in a lower tax bracket. Unfortunately, it took me much longer - 5 years - before I decided to venture out of the safe G Fund into the F and C Funds.

After reviewing the annual reports, I decided I liked the profits of the C Fund best...so from mid '93 to present, most all contributions have gone into the C Fund. I took the theory to heart that you have to ride out the bad times with the good so I transition into a consistent sort by sticking it out during the 2000-2002 bust. I rationalized losses didn't really hurt because I theorized I only lost the "free matching money" so it didn't matter that much.

While searching the web to determine if I would exceed the elective deferral limits if I max out TSP contributions at $15,500 AND contribute to a Roth IRA (determined I won't), I stumble onto ya'll here and think maybe it's time for another transition.

Seems as though there are alot of "day traders" here...I'm not by any means ready to jump into that yet. However, a question that immediately comes to mind...Is there a certain time of the day that you have to initiate an IFT by to ensure it's effective before the end of the day?

Any and all information, advice and guidance ya'll can provide will be appreciated.

Ciao