TSP Planning Report September 2020 Facts: Unemployment continued to drop. This month’s unemployment rate came in at 8.4%, compared to last month’s 10.2%. PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) continued to expand. This month’s reading came in at 56, compared to last month’s 54.2. The S&P 500 (C Fund) increased 7.19% during the month of August. This
Q&A: Does diversification require being invested in all the TSP funds, including the I fund? Question Stephen, Thanks for your class on the L funds and how the I fund is inefficient. After thinking about it, I don’t recall anyone asking about diversification. One of the benefits of the L fund is diversification. I know
What happens to your TSP when you Die? What happens to your TSP when you die? Of course, the money needs to go somewhere, to someone, but are there any best practices? Join me in my upcoming webinar and we’ll explore the following: various TSP beneficiaries – spouse vs non-spouse tax ramifications putting the TSP into
Facts: Unemployment reads 10.2%, compared to last month’s 11.1%. PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) expanded to 54.2, compared to last month’s 52.6. The S&P 500 (C Fund) increased 5.64% during the month of July. The Fed Funds interest rate remains between 0% – 0.25% However, GDP for Q2 dropped to an eye-popping -32.9%, according to the
Updated: When to take Social Security Question: Should I take Social Security early, or on time, or late? Answer: It depends. Below are three reasons why I generally recommend to take it as early as possible. I also provide a major exception to my general recommendation. Reason #1 – Social Security is scheduled to cut
Live Webinar: Are the New L-Funds any good? Last month the TSP introduced new L funds and made a bunch of changes to the existing L funds. Is that a good thing? Well, let’s just say I’m not thrilled. It’s time to revisit and reevaluate the L funds and see which, if any, are a
When & How to Transition your portfolio for Retirement Your portfolio has a different job in retirement than it has pre-retirement. Pre-retirement, the job of your portfolio is to grow. In retirement, the job of your portfolio is to generate income (for most people). Because the job is different, the allocation of your portfolio will
Q&A: Should I retire early via VERA from Federal Service? Question I may have the opportunity to retire early via VERA from federal service and am wondering if it would be a smart move financially? I’m 50 now and my MRA is 56yrs/8mos, therefore I would essentially be retiring 6 years early, thus losing 6%
Presidential Election:
Of course, we cannot ignore the elections. Seems every presidential election is a high-drama, “do or die” mentality for Americans. Understandably so.
But the stock market doesn’t seems to be so dramatic come election time. Here’s a collection of market responses to elections dating back to 1980:
Q&A: Is the FSA better than the HSA? Question My wife and I are expecting a baby in June. You made clear that an FSA is the better choice for someone who is anticipating a year filled with high medical expenses… but I didn’t understand exactly why. Would you mind elaborating very briefly why the
Is the 3-legged stool enough? Question: I am contributing 5% to my TSP, getting the maximum agency match, and I’m also paying into Social Security and the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). Is that going to be enough to retire on? Answer: I want to answer this question on two levels. The first level will
Facts: Unemployment reads 13.3%. The Fed Funds interest rate remains between 0% – 0.25% Q1 GDP read -5% according to the 2nd estimate. PMI contracted to a jaw dropping 43.1% The S&P 500 (C Fund) increased 4.76% during the month of May. Assessment: The above facts are improved compared to last month’s report. But, such
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Stephen
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