Getting to a million in your TSP doesn’t happen by accident. There are certain principles that TSP millionaires know and follow to get to where they are while others wonder how they do it. Image: Lightspring/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek Staff
Two of the three stock-based TSP funds posted gains above 2 percent in October, with the large company stock C fund up 2.34 percent and the international stock I fund up 2.13 percent.
The small company stock S fund meanwhile rose 1.16 percent, bringing the year-to-date gains for the three to 17.49, 28.01 and 12.47 percent, respectively.
The bond F fund gained 0.62 percent and the government securities G fund gained 0.36 percent on the month, for year-to-date gains of 6.8 and 3.72 percent.
The October returns for the lifecycle L funds were: Income, 0.87; 2030, 1.42; 2035, 1.55; 2040, 1.65; 2045, 1.74; 2050, 1.83; 2055, 2060, 2065, 2070, 2075, 2.11. They are up from 8.43 to 20.38 percent on the year.
Time to review investment rates
This point of the year is a good time for FERS employees who invest in the TSP at high rates to make sure they won’t lose government contributions to their accounts due to hitting the annual investment dollar limit too early.
Rollercoaster vs Merry go Round
“The TSP Rollercoaster is a ride for those TSP active or retired participants who are investing in the C, S and I fund as well as the Life Cycle Funds. The rest of TSP participants who are in the G Fund are riding a Merry-go-round with no risk heading in a circle and enjoying the festive music,” writes Abe Grungold in 2025 TSP Rollercoaster and the G Fund Merry-go-Round.
Timing the market versus time in the market
Getting to a million in your TSP doesn’t happen by accident. There are certain principles that TSP millionaires know and follow to get to where they are while others wonder how they do it.
The good news is that there is no magic or vudu involved. It is simply math.
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See also,
Does My FEHB/PSHB Plan Stack Up? Here’s How to Tell
2025 TSP Rollercoaster and the G Fund Merry-go-Round
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