Noob in Asia

[blues]

Konnichiwa,

7-year AD member stationed overseas and have been contributing to 5% to TSP since 2008. I'm not very savvy in finance jargon, but strength has been the ability to save, save, and save.

Well now I figure I am the cross road where I need to start making investment and retirement decisions before its too late.

As of now I've only left earnings to savings and a 1-yr CD a couple of times. I was able to collect a 12 month emergency fund via this method.

A friend of mine recommended opening a Roth IRA, Mutual Fund, and leaving whats left over to stocks (precious metals seem to be highly recommended) with using services from vanguard and ING direct.

Just wondering where I should begin my path to start homework so I can make informed decisions.

Thanks for reading and looking forward to the future!

[Afishegg]

Konnichiwa,

7-year AD member stationed overseas and have been contributing to 5% to TSP since 2008. I'm not very savvy in finance jargon, but strength has been the ability to save, save, and save.

I would say, you are definitely not saving enough after 7 years (You yourself say that strenght comes from saving, but you are only saving 5%). You should be putting away at "least" 13% if not 15% or more to get as close to the 15k max per yr as you can "afford" (ie: what you can do without)

However I know people who after almost 10 yrs are still not even contributing to the tsp period, so congrats on at least that. So final say for me is, up your contribution to 13% and put it in the S fund and leave it (DO NOT TOUCH IT!!!!!)

-Fishegg-

[blues]

i should probably rephrase "save, save, save" as "opted to save rather than make poor choices into debt." :)

Absolutley zero debt.

[nnuut]

Welcome to the Message Board blues, many theories and methods at work at TSP Talk some buy and hold others don't. Check out the Auto Tracker and the Member's Returns from last year. Read read and read more. Read Tom's TSP Talk Daily Market Commentary, Member's Account talk and all of the rest. We don't tell anyone how to invest their TSP Bucks they have to make up their own mind, it's a process>>>>>> start today!
Best of luck:D
Norman

[blues]

Thanks a bunch, I definitley should take a more active approach towards financial investment. I'd like my money to work for me. :D

[tsptalk]

Welcome blues!

[Sensei]

Konbanwa, Blues. Sounds like we're in the same part of the world.

I've upped my contribution slowly from 5% to 6, and now 7%. It's easier said than done to max out your contribution, especially when you are relatively young with a couple kids looking to go to college some day (my situation).

Good luck to you!