Posted on Jun 24, 2018
Should you invest in the Traditional or Roth TSP?
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Well, I’m glad you asked because I guarantee you that you are not the only one. Many service members have no idea what the key differences are. They simply stick with the default option (Traditional) and hope for the best. However, the fact that you are even asking the question is a great sign! It means that you likely have a basic understanding of the Thrift Savings Plan, have already started contributing at least 5-10% of your base pay, and know which Funds you want to invest in.
This article is the next step in the progression for understanding how the Thrift Savings Plan works and will help you understand the key differences between the two systems.
This decision is important! You could potentially pay THOUSANDS of dollars in extra taxes if you pick the wrong option for your situation.
For tonight’s match-up, I give you “Ole Faithful” (Traditional TSP) vs the “New Hotness” (Roth TSP)! Two men will enter, one man will leave!
http://www.yourewelcome.blog/2018/06/24/traditional-vs-roth-tsp/
This article is the next step in the progression for understanding how the Thrift Savings Plan works and will help you understand the key differences between the two systems.
This decision is important! You could potentially pay THOUSANDS of dollars in extra taxes if you pick the wrong option for your situation.
For tonight’s match-up, I give you “Ole Faithful” (Traditional TSP) vs the “New Hotness” (Roth TSP)! Two men will enter, one man will leave!
http://www.yourewelcome.blog/2018/06/24/traditional-vs-roth-tsp/
Finance
Personal Finance
Retirement
TSP
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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Great information. Passing along
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SrA Christopher Wright Sgt Randy Wilber SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl (Join to see) Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth LTC (Join to see) MSG Frederick Otero SFC Pete Kain SSG David Andrews SCPO Morris Ramsey SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Jim Arnold PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SGT Charles H. Hawes CPL Dave Hoover TSgt Joe C. SPC Jovani Daviu Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SrA Christopher Wright Sgt Randy Wilber SGT Gregory Lawritson Cpl (Join to see) Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth LTC (Join to see) MSG Frederick Otero SFC Pete Kain SSG David Andrews SCPO Morris Ramsey SPC Margaret Higgins SGT Jim Arnold PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SGT Charles H. Hawes CPL Dave Hoover TSgt Joe C. SPC Jovani Daviu Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. 'Bill' Price
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Too many future unknowns. When you are investing and your income today are the only known. I have been investing heavily since my military retirement and over a few decades, with about a 30% cash and 60% mutual funds. For years I wasn’t aware of Roth and its value later in life. Today, my income, primarily due to the RMD tax provision, is the highest ever. I can only imagine how my taxes would have improved with all Roth’s.
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The fact that you’re investing early is really important! There are advantages to both methods. Definitely research. I enjoy investing pre-tax now because it lowers the out of pocket tax impact today, but will have to be careful in the future as it’s withdrawn. Investing in Roth today means that you’re paying taxes at today’s rate, with no federal tax impact as you withdraw in the future. I guess what we are gambling with is balancing how much taxes and at what rate today against the future. Long story short, I recommend jamming as much as you can afford in both and balance the tax impact. What’s more important is having enough savings to cover the lifestyle you want in retirement.
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