Thread: TSP while deployed…Lessons learned

I left with the bull but came back with the Bear.

While deployed for a short 5 months I had the opportunity to get kicked in the teeth by Mr. Market. As we know, in late September 2007 the bull market was practically on a “fire and forget” mode. At the time I had left my account 100% I.

I didn’t realize how busy I would be and what little time I would have to actively manage my account. I made one IFT in late October, scaling back 10% into G and leaving 90% I. What I didn’t realize was about 5 days later the market began sinking and all the while I was completely unaware of what had transpired, up into my return home in late February.

Point being, while deployed, the world as I knew it stopped spinning. Working 16+ hour days left me little time or desire for anything other then taking care of the mission. I took a beating in the markets while deployed. Maybe you can avoid the same thing by taking less risk and scaling more into the G & F funds, at least until you know how much time you will have to actively manage your account.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you…