Your TSP Is an Employee—Is It Helping or Hurting Your Retirement?

Would your TSP strategy earn a promotion—or be first in line for an RIF?

Most federal workers don’t think of their retirement plan this way.

But just like a colleague who shows up late, misses deadlines, or delivers subpar work, your TSP can underperform quietly for years—and you might not notice until it's too late.

With inflation still lingering and layoffs on the radar for some agencies, this might be the most important “performance review” you’ll do all year.

Step Into the Manager’s Chair: How Is Your TSP Performing?

Here’s how to evaluate your TSP like it’s a team member on your retirement payroll:

1. Is it showing up every pay period?
Are you contributing consistently? Missed contributions are like no-shows. Every gap today is income you’ll miss tomorrow.

2. Is it in the right role?
Think of your fund allocation like assigning tasks. Would you ask a G Fund to deliver aggressive growth? Or expect the C Fund to shield you in a downturn? Role clarity matters.

3. Is it creating value—or quietly wasting time?
Even with low fees, a misaligned strategy can cost you thousands. Is your portfolio still matched to your risk tolerance and timeline?

4. Is it evolving with your career?
If your income has grown but your TSP contribution hasn’t, you’re effectively underfunding your future self. Top retirees adjust annually—do you?

5. Is it ready for change?
Good plans prepare for shutdowns, buyouts, interest rate swings. Is yours flexible enough to weather sudden change?

Want to Tweak Your TSP Strategy?

Check out our earlier edition on optimizing your TSP strategy in these uncertain times:

👉 Market Red? Smart TSP Investors Are Looking for Opportunity

Let your TSP prove it deserves to stay on the team.

A little attention goes a long way towards TSP growth — don’t let your money slack off while you work hard.

Best,
Federal Wealth Retirement