Thread: Rod's Account Talk

Despite the roller coaster week, the major indices have banked some gains thus so far:

S&P: +175.90

Dow: +1,681.50

Naz: +450.79

Will these gains be relinquished today and tomorrow? It's difficult to say. But, if you've been caught on this roller coaster all week long, at least you have gains for now.

God Bless

This is ridiculous, we need at least four IFTs a month! What the Hell is wrong with the TSP Directors, are they part of the Swamp?skunk.gif

Originally Posted by nnuut

This is ridiculous, we need at least four IFTs a month! What the Hell is wrong with the TSP Directors, are they part of the Swamp?skunk.gif

Actually, we need to return to unlimited IFTs. This is exactly why I plan to move my TSP to my TD account. The 2 IFT limit severely limits my ability to put my $$$ to work. For example, instead of waiting things out in (F), I could easily put that money to work on an inverse ETF such as SH, SDS, SPXU, and RWM. All of which are currently up 2% - 7% for the day. I don't see being in the TSP for much longer.

I plan to do the same. TSP is just way too limited with 2 IFTs per month. In addition, the 4hour window from noon to 4pm is a death sentence as we are blindfolded while the rest of the market transacts in milliseconds!!! We are getting it there too!

Another excellent point, especially given Mr. Market's extreme volatility. Folks talk about TSP's low management fees. But, accounts outside of the TSP are becoming more and more attractive because most brokers are going commission-free.

Originally Posted by DreamboatAnnie

I plan to do the same. TSP is just way too limited with 2 IFTs per month. In addition, the 4hour window from noon to 4pm is a death sentence as we are blindfolded while the rest of the market transacts in milliseconds!!! We are getting it there too!

Originally Posted by Rod

Another excellent point, especially given Mr. Market's extreme volatility. Folks talk about TSP's low management fees. But, accounts outside of the TSP are becoming more and more attractive because most brokers are going commission-free.

Yep, my Fidelity Roth IRA is commission free. Only 4 1/2 more years and I will be transferring everything over to Fidelity.

Originally Posted by nnuut

This is ridiculous, we need at least four IFTs a month! What the Hell is wrong with the TSP Directors, are they part of the Swamp?skunk.gif

I take that back!! We need a minimum of 1 in and 1 out a week. So make that 8 IFTs a month and unlimited to the "G".anger.gif

You're being much too gracious. I demand that they return to us what they stole from us- unlimited IFT's.

Originally Posted by nnuut

I take that back!! We need a minimum of 1 in and 1 out a week. So make that 8 IFTs a month and unlimited to the "G".anger.gif

Ditto here...just waiting several years into retirement so I avoid 72t issues (retiring this year under the LEO special supplement). I will keep the money in TSP till 59 1/2 so there aren't penalties and I still can draw down for emergency purposes.

When I do go I am considering Charles Schwab but I do like the TD virtual trading.

As long as you do a direct rollover (after military/civilian separation/retirement) to a broker, there won't be any penalties. Remember, if you are in a Roth IRA, you can withdraw your contributions at any time penalty and tax-free. You just can't withdraw the earnings penalty and tax-free before the age of 59.5.

Originally Posted by Mcqlives

I will keep the money in TSP till 59 1/2 so there aren't penalties and I still can draw down for emergency purposes.

When I do go I am considering Charles Schwab but I do like the TD virtual trading.

Originally Posted by DreamboatAnnie

In addition, the 4hour window from noon to 4pm is a death sentence as we are blindfolded while the rest of the market transacts in milliseconds!!! We are getting it there too!

This is my major gripe right now. For example, not saying I would have IFTed, but yesterday I was on a (more important) field trip with my son and was too busy chaperoning (like I should) to be worried about meeting TSP's arbitrary deadline. Besides, with this volatility, even if I had made the move at noon the S-Fund was only up 0.80% and it wasn't clear that those gains were going to hold. So yeah, with 18-20 years to go until retirement, the TSP is a blessing and a curse, and it looks like it will stay that way.