Rob Moore, MQFP® and Omen Quelvog CFP®, MQFP® take a long-overdue deep dive into the Thrift Savings Plan, using Dave Ramsey’s common TSP guidance as a launch point. They also unpack CD ladders, TSP fund choices, L Funds, the G Fund’s unique role, and why intentionality matters more than chasing complexity.

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🪖 Today’s Background: V-J Day

Rob and Omen look back to August 14, 1945, when President Harry Truman announced Japan had accepted the terms of unconditional surrender, effectively ending World War II.

📰 Intel Update: CD Ladders in Retirement

The news segment centers on Ask the Analyst: Are CD Ladders a Good Retirement Strategy?

📊 Execution: Understanding the TSP Core Funds

The main segment breaks down the five core Thrift Savings Plan funds:

• C Fund: The TSP’s large-cap U.S. stock fund, similar to an S&P 500 index fund. Rob calls it the workhorse of the TSP.
• S Fund: Small and mid-cap U.S. companies, offering more growth potential and more volatility.
• I Fund: Developed international markets, useful for global diversification, though it excludes many emerging markets.
• F Fund: A bond fund with lower expected returns and lower volatility than the stock funds.
• G Fund: A unique government securities fund that offers exceptional stability and virtually no market volatility, making it especially useful for short-term retirement income buckets.

🕰️ L Funds: The Easy Button With a Catch

Lifecycle Funds, or L Funds, automatically adjust over time from more aggressive to more conservative allocations. They can be a great default option, especially for new service members who may not know where to begin.

⚠️ Common TSP Mistakes

Rob and Omen share mistakes they frequently see:

🎯 Commander’s Intent

1. Use CDs and CD ladders for money you need soon, not as a long-term growth plan.
2. Pick your TSP lane: L Fund for simplicity or individual funds for control. Either can work if chosen intentionally.
3. Log in to your TSP and know exactly what you own. Not knowing may be the most expensive mistake.

🧠 Throwaway COA

Omen quizzes Rob on the TSP mutual fund window.

🔗 Links and Resources

• Morningstar: Ask the Analyst: Are CD Ladders a Good Retirement Strategy?
• Military Financial Advisors Association
• Your Pension and Your Portfolio - Rob’s Article
• The Military Retirement Pension - Omen’s Article