Steveg's Account Talk

**steveg** · 02-19-2009, 04:06 PM

I am new to this forum, and don't have a ton of financial knowledge. But, I am trying to maximize my returns and lean on Corepuncher!

**mojo** · 02-19-2009, 04:08 PM

Welcome

**steveg** · 02-19-2009, 04:13 PM

Thanks Mojo

...

I have a question that is probably going to sound ridiculous, but...

Is there anyone else here who, when trying to "protect" your TSP (during an anticipated market drop), feels at times that even the "safe" position, i.e. G-fund -- given that G is an investment in our hovering-dangerously-near-bankrupt government -- is not necessarily all that "safe" either?

In other words, sometimes the options for moving around money seem to range from bad to worse! Maybe the TSP needs some sort of "commodities" fund...

Steve

**mojo** · 02-19-2009, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by steveg

Thanks Mojo

...

I have a question that is probably going to sound ridiculous, but...

Is there anyone else here who, when trying to "protect" your TSP (during an anticipated market drop), feels at times that even the "safe" position, i.e. G-fund -- given that G is an investment in our hovering-dangerously-near-bankrupt government -- is not necessarily all that "safe" either?

In other words, sometimes the options for moving around money seem to range from bad to worse! Maybe the TSP needs some sort of "commodities" fund...

Steve

If I could take all mine out I would. I don't think the question is ridiculous at all.

**tsptalk** · 02-19-2009, 04:34 PM

Welcome steveg!

**momacs** · 02-19-2009, 04:34 PM

DH has filed for disability and if I'm reading the rules right, he can roll over his balance from the tsp to an IRA fund if he is approved. But would this be any safer than the G fund??? It seems like nothing is safe.

**madfcstr** · 02-19-2009, 05:14 PM

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."

**poolman** · 02-19-2009, 05:16 PM

Welcome Steveg, Good luck!

**XL-entLady** · 02-19-2009, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by madfcstr

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."

I used to know a wonderful old woman who would tell me that all the time. Thanks for the memory reminder! And welcome to the MB!

Lady

**steveg** · 02-19-2009, 06:01 PM

Thanks all for the welcome and the responses. Someone stated "It seems like nothing is safe..." I think that about sums up my overall, current perspective perfectly!

On the positive side, I have been able to somewhat "minimize" some small amount of my losses by selling at relative high points, and buying at relative low points during this bear market. My goal at this point is more to limit losses, as opposed to making gains. I guess it seems like, to me, that in a down market the best you can do -- aside from a total G position -- is limit losses as best as you can with some positive moves. The problem I have with an "all G" position for an extended time, is that I have taken significant losses. So, while the "all G" would be slightly "positive" in terms of growth, I feel that I can't afford to miss the gains at the beginning of the next market recovery (which I am PRETTY sure must be coming at SOME point!) However, with each "stimulus" package -- i.e. taxpayer money spent by the government, I think we are both A.) pushing that recovery farther into the future, and B.) limiting greatly the "intensity" or "magnitude" of the recovery -- with the massive debt acting as a huge anchor to the economy as what will surely be higher future taxes begin to weigh big-time on the consumer).

Steve