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Thread: Combat zone TSP strategy

  1. Default Combat zone TSP strategy

    Hello,

    First time posting here and have a scenario I need help with. What is the best strategy to max out TSP if you will be in a combat zone for six months of one calendar year? Would you max out traditional TSP while stateside, and then do Roth TSP when in the combat zone for six months? Trying to figure out what the rules are and figure out what the most advantageous approach would be to try and max the 51K. Hope this makes sense. Thanks in advance.


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  3. #2

    Default Re: Combat zone TSP strategy

    Welcome Mallard. I'll leave that for our fellow military folks - just wanted to say thanks for joining us, and thanks for your service!
    Tom
    Market Commentary | My Blog | TSP Talk Plus | |

    I am not a Registered Investment Advisor and this is not investment advice. Please do your own due diligence.

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  5. #3

    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    San Diego, CA
    Posts
    6,999

    Default Re: Combat zone TSP strategy

    Quote Originally Posted by Mallard View Post
    Hello,

    First time posting here and have a scenario I need help with. What is the best strategy to max out TSP if you will be in a combat zone for six months of one calendar year? Would you max out traditional TSP while stateside, and then do Roth TSP when in the combat zone for six months? Trying to figure out what the rules are and figure out what the most advantageous approach would be to try and max the 51K. Hope this makes sense. Thanks in advance.
    Welcome Mallard,

    The answer to your question is what ever your choice is. Remember that your tax footprint for the taxable years will determine your choice. Personally, while you're active duty and in a combat zone, the Roth IRA is better. Since you aren't paying taxes while there, you can max out your contributions. You will be limited by the max amounts for the year. If your setting up to retire from the military remember that your retirement check is taxable income in retirement. 401 tax deffered (TSP) is also taxable in retirement. The Roth will not be and so the best bang for your buck while not being taxed.

    However, I caution total investment of all income. Gett yourself out of any debt, create a slush fund, and put enough away for a new car. That way you'll have most emergencies handled in case one or more arises.
    THIS IS WHERE I WOULD PUT SOMETHING TO REPRESENT MY THINKING, BUT THEN THEY SHOW UP!
    Tracker =
    Check my position

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  7. Default Re: Combat zone TSP strategy

    Thank you for the reply. I have zero debt with an emer fund established. I believe the combat zone tax exclusion rules say you can put a max of 51K in TSP but only 17.5k of that can be ROTH TSP with the remainder being traditional TSP. Because of that, i believe the best move would be to put 17.5k in traditional TSP during the first six months of the calendar year while i am stateside, then put in 17.5k in Roth TSP and 16K in traditional during the six months i will be in a combat zone. This will make a total of 51K (17.5 Roth TSP and the rest traditional). Does this make sense? I think this is the best strategy based on the rules and my timeline. Anyone disagree? Thanks again.

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  9. #5

    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    San Diego, CA
    Posts
    6,999

    Default Re: Combat zone TSP strategy

    Good choices....If you have kids, you might also want to get a college fund going as well. Also, think about some dividend paying stock purchases......Making a nice buy and hold on these over time will also increase your retirement......
    THIS IS WHERE I WOULD PUT SOMETHING TO REPRESENT MY THINKING, BUT THEN THEY SHOW UP!
    Tracker =
    Check my position

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