Posted on Feb 26, 2014
SGT(P) Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
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I've alway known about TSP through the Army, but I never really followed it or really understood it for that matter. I have some funds in it, nothing you could really retire on.

 

What would be a good direction to look towards for planning a retirement fund. TSP, Mutal Funds, IRAs, CD, bonds, etc?? Should I invest with USAA? I heard that was a good and easy way to go.

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Responses: 12
1SG Company First Sergeant
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I use TSP and have 100% of my money in the lifecycle fund. Basically you determine the year in which you will be able to start drawing money from it and choose the lifecycle fund that is closest to that. For me I could start drawing in 2039 so I chose the L2040. What that does is put your money in a somewhat risky level the further out you are from that year. The closer you get to your year the more they change it to be less risk. I have seen some great returns since I moved my money in 2010.
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LTC Program Manager
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I've been with USAA for 24 years and I can tell you that they have been a great organization.  I'm not a financial advisor but most literature you pick up will tell you that you have to decide what your acceptable risk level is.  Mutual funds are riskier than CDs.  An IRA is just a type of account that can contain a mutual fund or multiple mutual funds, or CDs, or bonds, or whatever.  An IRA is basically an agreement between yourself, the IRS, and whatever institution you are investing with.  It means you are telling the IRS you are saving for your own retirement and so they are "rewarding" you by giving you tax breaks. 

 

Back to USAA, if you go with them, they do have financial advisors that can help you get started and at no extra cost.

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SSgt Gregory Guina
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TSP is a great option with low fees. Do some research and figure out what risks are acceptable to you. A target date fund would probably be best while you do your research and get more savvy. The most important thing right now is to start saving or else you won't have anything when the time comes to retire.
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