TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) Calculator

The Thrift Savings Plan is the federal government's defined contribution plan - equivalent to a 401(k) for civilians but with much lower fees (0.04-0.06% vs 0.5-1.5% typical) and limited fund options (G, F, C, S, I, L). 2026 contribution limit is $24,500 (+$7,500 catch-up 50+, +$11,250 super-catch 60-63). Service members under BRS receive a 5% government match (1% automatic + 4% match on first 5% contributed).

Combat zone tax-exclusion pay can be contributed to Roth TSP and grows TAX-FREE forever. This is a unique double benefit - military pay in qualifying combat zones is already federal-tax-free, AND putting it into Roth TSP makes future withdrawals also tax-free. No civilian 401(k) equivalent. Worth maxing during deployments.

For most service members under 50: C Fund (S&P 500) for primary growth, S Fund (small-cap) for added diversification, with optional I Fund (international) for global exposure. Lifecycle (L) funds auto-rebalance to a target date and are the simplest option. G Fund (government securities) has no risk but barely beats inflation. F Fund (bonds) is middling. Most TSP millionaires got there with heavy C Fund allocation early.

No required minimum distribution until age 75 (SECURE 2.0 raised it from 73). In-service withdrawals allowed for age 59½, hardship, or specific exceptions. Loans available up to $50,000 or 50% of balance. After leaving service, can roll to IRA, leave in TSP indefinitely, or take monthly/lump payments. Most retirees should KEEP money in TSP for the low fees - beats most IRA providers.