How do I continue to contribute

**Mciws1130** · 07-23-2004, 03:13 PM

I have been making allocations to my TSP account for many years due to serving in the military. Now after transferring to the civilian sector how can I continue to deposit money into this program? I work for a private corporation that is not recognized or affiliated to this program. I appreciate your assistance!

**Rolo** · 07-23-2004, 04:16 PM

Welcome, Mciws!

It appears that you cannot continue to contribute to the TSP after leaving active duty.

I had to hunt for it, but TSP Bulletin 02-U-20:

When a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participant separates from the uniformed services, service representatives must give the participant a TSP withdrawal package and submit an employee data record (06-Record) to the TSP record keeper to reflect the separation. In addition, service representatives should explain the TSP withdrawal options to the participant.
This bulletin lists the materials that should be included in the TSP withdrawal package after the new record keeping system is implemented in September 2002. TSP Bulletin 01-U-3, dated July 19, 2001, contains information about submitting employee data records to the TSP record keeper.

Link: http://www.tsp.gov/cgi-bin/byteserve...ns/02-u-20.pdf

Personally, I would roll it over to an IRA or leave the TSP alone and start other investments: 401(k), IRA, regular brokerage account, in that order.