I have started my TSP contributions

**edub10304** · 06-29-2009, 05:51 PM

I am 34. Was a Temp NTE 1 yr so could not get into TSP, then got Perm and had to wait for the matching. Now I am contributing and being matched. I have a 25 year window where I will have 40 yrs in FERS. Buying back 13 yrs of Army time.

I am not new to investing and know I should be at higher risk having so long to go. I started out with the following allocations.

S fund- 25%
C Fund-50%
I Fund- 25%

I have considered adjusting fire and taking 5% off each and socking it in G to have some to jump in for cost avg. What do you all think?

edub

**nnuut** · 06-29-2009, 05:59 PM

Welcome to the Message Board edub10304, I think you should start out by seeing what everyone is doing on the message board and checking out the Tracker. Lots of info here, you will have to make up your own mind how to play it. Currently I am 100% "C" fund, but am at the bottom of the Tracker, so there you go.
Good luck

Norman

**Frixxxx** · 06-29-2009, 06:00 PM

Welcome to the board,

With 25 years, stay aggressive until you can't bear the losses. Stay outta "G" unless protecting profit.

Good Luck and see ya around.

**Birchtree** · 06-29-2009, 06:20 PM

Lock it and walk it. You will need many years to grow your base. I'd concentrate on a Roth IRA that will allow you to maximize your gains utilizing individual stocks. Use this board to learn before you churn.

**tsptalk** · 06-29-2009, 06:41 PM

Welcome edub!

**edub10304** · 06-29-2009, 06:46 PM

It's funny, when times were good, I was playing options and moving in and out of stocks in my own account. Now it is for retirement and it makes me feel like I should be more cautious.

**tsptalk** · 06-29-2009, 07:04 PM

You are probably right. If you were 23 years old it might be different. At 34, you are still young but you may want to start thinking more about accumulating.

**XL-entLady** · 06-29-2009, 08:10 PM

Welcome, edub! I'm already retired and I understand what you're saying about trying to decide how much to put at risk. I'm probably too cautious, keeping more in G than I should and thus missing out on some gains while I'm trying to protect my seed corn.

This MB is a great place to learn and compare notes with others. Glad you're here!

Lady

**KevinD** · 06-29-2009, 10:08 PM

Welcome!

**Silverbird** · 06-29-2009, 10:28 PM

A good time to start, you missed the roller coaster drop and cliff dive of 2008! Welcome, this is a good time to start. May be bumpy, but not falling like a rock.