It’s not uncommon for a federal employee to feel that they can’t afford to contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan, or to say they can’t afford to increase their contributions. And trying to keep pace with rising prices – never mind the shocks of the 2025 government shutdown and missed checks – the feeling is all the more prevalent.
However, nothing is more important to a comfortable retirement than a large TSP balance.
Key fact: The government will match you a full 5 percent if you contribute 5 percent each pay period. Not doing that literally leaves money on the table, so if you can strive for five. (The government match will always go into your traditional, not Roth, TSP.)
