Monthly Archives: October, 2010

Q: I have not yet seen what the 2011 Thrift Savings Plan contribution limits will be, to include catch-up contribution limits. Is there anything in the wind to increase the amounts from the 2010 limits? A: The limits are set by law and increase with inflation in $1,000 increments. Given the low overall rate of recent inflation, I wouldn’t expect an increase in the coming year.

Q: Have you published an article on the pros and cons of the Thrift Savings Plan’s various post-retirement withdrawal alternatives? A: My general recommendation is to leave your money in the TSP as long as possible.

Q: I was in federal service for three years and contributed to the Thrift Savings Plan. I left federal service more than five years ago, but I still have money in my TSP account, all in the G Fund. It has grown over the past five years by several thousand dollars despite the fact that I have not put any money into the account in those five years. Is there a way I can contribute to TSP even though I am no longer in federal service and have not contributed any money to the fund recently? A: Yes, you can…

Q: I have 18 years of federal service and will be working for another 12 years before retiring. I contribute 15 percent per pay period to the Thrift Savings Plan, all going to the F Fund as of September. Can I reduce the contribution from 15 percent to 10 percent for the next couple of years and then move it back to 15 percent?   A: Yes.

Q: I am 57 years old and I have 34 years of service, including 21 years of active duty in the Navy. I have already paid my military deposit amount in full. My Thrift Savings Plan account has $200,000 in it. If I retire next year, can I get half of that amount in lump sum, and can I invest the remaining $100,000 in an annuity? If I can, when would I start receiving the annuity?    A: Yes, you may request a partial lump-sum withdrawal, if you have not already done so, and then later request a full withdrawal…